
WHAT'S INCLUDED ?
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Private coach with professional driver
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Dedicated local historian / tour guide
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8 nights accommodation in top range boutique hotels, estates and/or castles
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14 MEALS: full Irish breakfast each morning (8) plus 6 dinners
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Entrance fees into historic sites
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Entrance fees into scheduled music events
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Bluegrass and Irish traditional music sessions







🍀 Step into the heart of Ireland like never before! Join us on an unforgettable journey, where centuries-old traditions, breathtaking landscapes and new friendships come together for an immersive cultural experience. Discover Ireland’s soul, one incredible stop at a time.
Spend close-up time with bluegrass favourite HILLARY KLUG along with special guests, in a most unique setting, in one of the most beautiful and friendly countries in the world!🍀
🎉 Highlights include: Authentic Irish traditional music in cozy pubs / visits to Castles, Cliffs + iconic landmarks / Irish Cuisine
Bring a bit of traditional America to Ireland with Hillary and discover Ireland's beauty together!
Stay in castles, exclusive manors and boutique hotels
Visit the beautiful, historic sites of Ireland!
Enjoy Irish music and experience traditional Irish sessions in quaint Irish listening venues! Interact with traditional Irish musicians and explore some of the connections between bluegrass and Irish music.
Travel with your favourite dancin' fiddler HILLARY KLUG and guests in a most unique setting, in one of the friendliest countries in the world!
FAQS:
DO I HAVE TO BE A BLUEGRASS FAN TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS TOUR?
Absolutely not! All are welcome - spouses, partners, friends, travel enthusiasts etc! This is an enjoyable tour of Ireland, visiting many historical sites. The tour will encompass sightseeing, shopping, attending bluegrass and Irish music events and many other activities!
WILL THERE BE IRISH MUSIC JAMS/SESSIONS?
Yes, absolutely!
There will be opportunities to attend (and participate if you wish) in Irish music sessions, hosted by local Irish traditional musicians along the way.
WHAT IF I WANT TO EXTEND MY TRIP IN IRELAND?
We are happy to arrange additional nights in Dublin (or elsewhere in the country) for you, for before or after the tour! Just ask us for further details.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No. Since many people these days prefer to select their chosen airline / flight routing, and also choose to add extra days in Ireland before or after the tour, this is a land-only package. We're happy to refer you to an American based agency who can assist you with the flights if you require.



About your accommodation:
LOUGH RYNN CASTLE, MOHILL, CO LEITRIM: a luxury castle hotel on the shores of Lough Rynn in Gortletteragh County Leitrim, situated on the historic grounds of the medieval castle and estate of the Mac Raghnaill family of Muintir Eolais, dating back to the 13th century. Covering three hundred acres of the greenest grass, the oldest trees and the most scenic shore line that the west of Ireland has to offer, Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens contains the ancestral home of the legendary Lord Leitrim and his family, the Clements.
GRAND HOTEL, MALAHIDE, CO DUBLIN: The iconic four-star Grand Hotel in Malahide, Dublin, offers stunning sea views and luxurious accommodation in one of Ireland’s most picturesque seaside villages. Just minutes from Dublin International Airport, national motorways and with all the attractions of Dublin City on your doorstep.
MEET JOE
Our resident ARCHEOLOGIST
+ GUIDE!
Joe is widely recognized as one of
Ireland’s most respected archaeologists,
bringing a depth of knowledge and
passion that few can match. With a
lifelong dedication to archaeology and
Irish history, he offers guests an
understanding of the region that goes
far beyond what’s found in guidebooks
or typical tour experiences.
What makes time with Joe truly unforgettable is his ability to bring Ireland’s past to life. He shares stories shaped by years of hands-on work, research, and exploration—often in places well off the traditional tourism path. These lesser-known sites are rich with cultural significance, hidden history, and authentic glimpses into Irish life across the centuries.Joe’s commitment to preservation is central to his work. He is deeply involved in protecting and revitalizing historical monuments for future generations, and he actively supports community engagement with sites of archaeological and historical importance.One of his most meaningful current projects is the restoration of the medieval Killilagh Church in the Doolin area. His long-term efforts focus on stabilizing the structure, preventing further deterioration, and honoring the heritage of this remarkable site. Alongside this, he is conducting a comprehensive graveyard survey at Killilagh and strives to strengthen the connection between Doolin and the Irish diaspora in the United States.Guests who tour with Joe not only see historic Ireland—they experience it through the eyes of someone who has dedicated his life to understanding and preserving it. It’s an opportunity to explore Ireland with a guide whose expertise, passion, and perspective create a journey you simply won’t find anywhere else.
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
(subject to change)
DAY0 (FRI 23rd)-depart from your chosen location (if coming from North America or Australia/Asia)!
DAY1 (SAT 24th) in Shannon, Ireland
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Meet + greet bus + tour guide at SHANNON airport arrivals hall.
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Once boarded, we will head up through County Clare into the heart of the ancient Burren..
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ACCOMMODATION: T/B/C
DAY2 (SUN 25th)
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Music etc after dinner t/b/c
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ACCOMMODATION: T/B/C
DAY3 (MON 26th)
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Today , after breakfast, check out of the hotel and head north, taking in the breathtaking views of Connemara, on the way to Westport, im County Mayo.
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Westport is a picturesque town, set between Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay’s islands to the west and the Nephin Mountains to the north.
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We'll check into our hotel and relax before dinner.
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Music etc after dinner t/b/c
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ACCOMMODATION: T/B/C
DAY4 (TUE 27th)
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After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and travel eastward, taking in the beautiful sights of Sligo...we'll eventually arrive in Leitrim to our next hotel.
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ACCOMODATION: LOUGH RYNN CASTLE
DAY5 (WED 28th)
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Time this morning to enjoy the grounds of Lough Rynn.
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Day t/b/c
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ACCOMMODATION: LOUGH RYNN CASTLE
DAY6 (THURS 29th)
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Today we'll head east via Fore and Kells to County Meath, where we will explore the Boyne Valley Region.
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We’ll visit Trim Castle - the largest and best preserved, Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Few places in Ireland contain more medieval buildings than this heritage town. Trim gets its name from the Irish, ‘Baile Atha Troim’, which means ‘Town of the Ford of the Elder Trees’, indicating that this was an important fording point on the River Boyne.
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Before re-boarding the bus, there’s time to shop at Trim’s local craft shop!
DAY7 (FRI 30th)
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Today we'll arrive at the beautiful seaside village of Malahide, in north County Dublin. Here we will stay for the final two nights in the Grand Hotel (overlooking Dublin Bay)
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Tonight we'll dine in the hotel's popular restaurant.
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Gig near Dublin tonight or tomorrow night t/b/c
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ACCOMMODATION: GRAND HOTEL, MALAHIDE, CO DUBLIN
DAY8 (SAT 31st)
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After breakfast,you will have a day at your leisure to explore the village of Malahide, full of cafes and small shops. For those who are interested, we'll swing over to Malahide Castle for a tour of the historic building and grounds.
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There is also a train for those who prefer to head into Dublin City Centre for shopping and sightseeing (Joe, our tour guide will happily advise and facilitate whatever specific spots you may want to visit.
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Meals today + this evening on your own.
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Arrive back to hotel this evening to pack and prepare for tomorrow's departure.
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ACCOMMODATION: GRAND HOTEL, MALAHIDE, CO DUBLIN
DAY9 (SUN 01st)
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Final morning to start the day with a full Irish breakfast , then check out of the hotel and we say goodbye until next time….!
FURTHER DETAILS TO FOLLOW
COST OF TOUR €3695 EUROS P/P/S
RESERVE YOUR PLACE ON THE TOUR FOR JUST
€250 EURO non-refundable DEPOSIT PER PERSON

THIS IS A LAND PACKAGE ONLY.
FLIGHTS/ AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED.
TOUR BEGINS IN SHANNON AND ENDS IN DUBLIN <coach picks up on first morning of tour at arrivals hall in Shannon Airport and finishes up in Dublin at end of tour>
TOUR PRICE: €3695 p/p/s.
Based on double, twin or triple sharing. Singles available, subject to supplement of €595
Price quoted in Euros. Due to currency fluctuation, the dollar amount is not guaranteed and is subject to change until time of final payment.
Deposits are non-refundable. Final payments will be non-refundable within 120 days of start of programme.. It is advisable for participants to secure their own travel/health insurance in the event of illness or cancellation. IATW reserves the right to alter or change any and all details of this trip as necessary. /
Further information at
IrelandAlongTheWay@gmail.com PH: 615-955-4575