Day 1

Meet at Shannon Airport and head for Skibbereen,  West Cork with stops at Adare and Kinsale where we visit Charles Fort.   Our first dinner together tonight is in our hotel and afterwards we will be entertained by some of Ireland’s best singer/singwriters, in private concert. Last year, the following artists performed for us:-

• John Spillane
• Pauline Scanlon
• Donogh Hennessy
• Don Stiffe
• Ger Wolfe
• Foolin’ in Doolin
• Eilis Kennedy 
• GerryO’Beirne/Rosie Shipley
• Mickey MacConnell

Day 2

Today we visit Skibereen Heritage Centre where we learn about The Great Famine, (1845 – 1850)  We then head for Drumbeg Stone Circle and Glandore village and then head for Clonakilty and De Barras famous pub and folk club where we hope to see more Irish musicians.

Day 3

We travel today to Mizen Head,  which is Ireland’s most southerly point.  We then have lunch at a wonderful fish restaurant and pub in Crookhaven.   After lunch we take a walk on Barley Cove Beach.  Tonight we walk to a local pub in Skibbereen to take part in an Irish music session.

Day 4

Today we head for Dingle, where we will be spending the next 3 days. We drive on to the world famous Ring of Kerry and go through Kenmare, Lady’s View and Killarney. We then head out The Dingle Peninsula and stop to walk on wonderful Inch Beach. We have dinner tonight in our hotel and then out to the Pub for some serious Traditional Music.

Day 5

We do the breathtaking Slea Head Drive today where we can see the Blasket Islands and look at some of the best scenery in all of Ireland. Tonight we will learn to Set Dance, (Have you seen Riverdance????????)

Day 6

Today is a REST DAY, after our dancing exertions last night. Optional Activities include:- Hiking, Biking, Echo Boat Trips, Dolphin Watching Trips etc. Back to Dingle tonight for more Music.  We go to Dingle again to hear Eoin Deignan play the Uilleann Pipes.

Day 7

On to Clare today, where we will spend our last 3 days. We will cross The Shannon Estuary by ferry and then on to the world famous Cliffs of Moher. Back then for a little rest in our hotel. We go to Doolin tonight, which is the Mecca of Irish Traditional Music. We will have dinner in McDermotts Pub and afterwards we will listen to some of Ireland’s best traditional musicians.

Day 8

Today we go to the Burren Region. This is a 250 square mile expanse of Limestone rock. We will be met by Mr. PJ Curtis who lives in the region and is one of the foremost authorities on the region.  Tonight we will listen to  more of Irelands Best Musicians in Doolin

Day 9

Today is our last full day in Ireland. We will travel by boat to Inis Oirr,  which is the smallest of The Aran Islands. There are plenty hiking trails here and there are also bikes for hire. Tonight we will stay in our hotel and have our last dinner together and we will share our trip happenings and finish off with a song circle.

Day 10

This morning we head for Shannon Airport and our flights home………………….BACK TO REALITY