ST PATRICK'S DAY in IRELAND!~
9days / 8 nights of Music + Sightseeing in Ireland
with SOUTHERN LEGACY
Small Group Tour - limited numbers!
MARCH 12 - 20, 2026
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
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Private motorcoach with professional driver
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Dedicated local historian / tour guide
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8 nights accommodation in castles / manors / boutique hotels
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14 meals - 8 full Irish breakfasts plus 6 group dinners
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Entrance fees into historic sites
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Entrance fees into scheduled music events
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Traditional Irish Sessions
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Southern Legacy performances and bluegrass jams with guest musicians
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ADDITIONAL NIGHTS FOR BEFORE OR AFTER THE TOUR CAN BE ARRANGED - ask us about special deals!
Southern Legacy:Mike Anglin, Ron Block, Don Rigsby, Steve Thomas & Josh Williams
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Visit the beautiful, historic sites of Ireland!
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Enjoy Irish music and experience traditional Irish sessions in quaint Irish listening venues!
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Spend close-up time with bluegrass favourites Southern Legacy, along with special guests, in a most unique setting, in one of the most beautiful and friendly countries in the world!
MEET JOE - our resident Archeologist + Tour 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.
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, and experiencing the most celebrated Irish holiday across the world in a most authentic way. The tour will encompass sightseeing, shopping, attending Irish music events and many other activities!
WILL THERE BE IRISH MUSIC JAMS/SESSIONS?
Yes, absolutely!
There will be ample opportunities to attend Irish traditional 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.We have some great recommendations!
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No. This is a land-only package. Passengers may select their chosen airline / flight routing / travel dates (and many choose to add extra days in Ireland before or after the tour). We're happy to refer you to an American based agency who can assist you with the flights if you require.
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
(subject to change)
Depart from your chosen location, for your overnight flight to Ireland
DAY1 (Thur 12Mar)-arrive in Ireland
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Arrive in Dublin Airport – Meet and greet the tour guide and board our coach. After an early day of exploring the region, we will check in to our hotel to relax, freshen up and acclimate. Tonight, Southern Legacy will perform at the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre. The Seamus Ennis Centre is one of the most endeared arts centres + listening rooms in Ireland,
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DAY2 (Fri 13Mar)
After breakfast we check out and head straight north - arriving in Cookstown, County Tyrone, for a special concert with Southern Legacy in the well loved venue, Red Room. The Red Room is an intimate family run venue, and regularly host visiting bluegrass musicians.
DAY3 (Sat 14Mar)
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This morning, we head west through parts of Northern Ireland, and arrive in Donegal, where we will relax and unpack our bags as we're staying in Lough Eske Castle - a luxury Castle Hotel in Donegal
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DAY4 (Sun 15Mar)
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After breakfast, we check out of Lough Eske, we'll venture through the counties of Sligo (resting place of WB Yeats), and inland to the county of Leitrim, where more luxury awaits. Tonight we stay in Lough Rynn Castle - 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.
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DAY5 (Mon 16Mar)
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Today we head west to County Mayo, arriving in the scenic seaside heritage town of Westport. The picturesque town of Westport enjoys breathtaking views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay’s islands to the west and the Nephin Mountains to the north.
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The town will be gearing up for tomorrow's St Patrick's Day parade and festivities. You'll have time to wander around the town and take in the atmosphere.
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Tonight, after dinner, we go to the famous Matt Molloy's (of the world famous Irish band The Chieftains) pub for a traditional Irish session. One never knows who will turn up. Matt Molloy
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himself is often on site and joins in the nightly session!
DAY6 (Tue 17Mar)
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Enjoy St Patrick's Day the traditional way - with Irish food, Irish music (multiple pubs in the town to choose from) and the town parade to view! For those who are interested, you may attend a special St Patrick's church service locally.
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And for the more adventurous, consider climbing Croagh Patrick, a holy mountain in County Mayo (very close to Westport) where St. Patrick is said to have fasted.
DAY7 (Wed 18Mar)
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After a well-prepared breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head south through the historic region of Connemara, taking in the west coast of counties Galway and Clare. As we pass through County Galway, we'll stop for a visit with Ireland's premier banjo maker, Tom Cussen of Clareen Banjos.
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We'll continue on to County Clare, and stay in the music town of Ennis... after checking into our hotel and having a scrumptous dinner, you can enjoy one of the many traditional Irish sessions which take place in the local pubs.
DAY 8 (Thur 19Mar)
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Today we will explore the incredible historic Burren - a unique landscape characterized by vast limestone pavements, deep fissures, and underground caves. The area, also known as "Boireann" (meaning "great rock"), encompasses over 200 squre miles and is one of Ireland's great archaeological sites. The Burren is full of ancient ruins, diverse flora, unique geological formations, stone forts, tombs, and cooking sites, dating back thousands of years to the Stone Age and Bronze Age.
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DAY9 (Fri 20Mar)
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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….! Coach will provide transport to Shannon Airport. For other destinations, we will be happy to assist.
CUSTOMARY GRATUITIES FOR TOUR GUIDE AND DRIVER NOT INCLUDED.
FURTHER DETAILS TO FOLLOW!
THIS IS A LAND PACKAGE ONLY.
FLIGHTS/ AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED.
TOUR BEGINS IN DUBLIN AND ENDS IN SHANNON <coach picks up on first morning of tour at arrivals hall in Dublin Airport and finishes up in SHANNON at end of tour>
Secure your spot now with a small deposit!
€350 dep for a single room, €500 dep for a double/twin room
TOTAL TOUR PRICE €3695 p/p/s, based on double or twin occupancy
Single rooms subject to single supplement.
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
