Encore Tours - Ireland

For such a small country - just slightly bigger than West Virginia - Ireland is loaded with history, culture, incredible scenery and warm, friendly people. Experience a traditional music session in a local pub, explore a Norman castle, visit the Titanic museum or just soak up the breathtaking landscapes of this ancient, rugged land.

Celtic Celebrations - 10 Days

2 Galway - 2 Killarney - 2 Cork - 2 Dublin

Upon arrival, you'll explore the beautiful countryside and villages of the Connemara region where Gaelic is still spoken. After visiting Galway, stop at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher before continuing on to Killarney where you'll tour the famous Ring of Kerry. Kiss the Blarney Stone and check out the Old English Market in Cork before spending your final days in Dublin.

Full Itinerary

Irish Adventures - 8 Days

2 Killarney - 2 Dungarvan - 2 Dublin

This trip takes you across the Emerald Isle and offers opportunities for exchanges with local students and joint performances. Travel through The Burren, visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and tour the Ring of Kerry before heading to Dungarvan. Spend your last two nights in Dublin, visiting historic Trinity College and St Patrick's Cathedral.

Full Itinerary

Northern Ireland - 8 Days

2 Belfast - 2 Derry City - 2 Dublin

This itinerary takes you to Northern Ireland. Experience Belfast, Derry City and Dublin on this adventure to the Irish countryside. Visits are included to the Titanic Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, the Walls of Derry, Glenveigh Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral and more! Fantastic performance opportunities available for all ensemble types.

Full Itinerary

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Browse Cities

Music and culture are an important part of everyday life in Ireland's largest cities - Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway - all of which are compact and pedestrian-friendly.

Dublin

The capital of Ireland, located at the mouth of the River Liffey, Dublin is famous for its Trinity College, Grafton Street and Temple Bar areas. More than half the population is under 25 making it one of Europe's most youthful cities. It has undergone a transformation in recent years but the old Dublin can still be found in the elegant Georgian Houses of Merrion Square or the medieval majesty of Christ Church Cathedral.

Cork

Ireland's second largest city is known for its traditional food and great Georgian-style architecture. It takes its name from the Irish word corcaigh, which means "marshy place" and up until the 1770s many of Cork's modern main streets were submerged under the River Lee. The river was partially dammed in 1800 leaving the main business area on an island similar to Paris's Ile de la Cite. With its narrow streets, numerous bridges and quays and pleasant weather, Cork is a great city to explore on foot.
Limerick

King John's Castle, St Mary's Cathedral and the University of Limerick are some of this city's top attractions. Limerick was Ireland's first national City of Culture in 2014 and has a lively and active arts scene. And, in case you're wondering, there's no connection between the city and the famous five-line poem we call a limerick - a form made popular by English writer Edward Lear in the mid 1800s.

Killarney

The town and its surrounding region are home to St. Mary's Church, Ross Castle, Muckross House and Abbey, and the three Lakes of Killarney making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland.
Kinsale

This small, picturesque fishing village has become a foodie destination known for fine dining. The small streets lining the town center feature upscale shops and restaurants with brightly painted facades.

Galway

The fastest-growing city in Ireland whose nickname is 'City of the Tribes' for the original fourteen tribes of merchant families. Famous for its festivals, celebrations and traditional street performers, Galway is one of the liveliest places in Ireland.

Beautiful churches and abbeys make for inspiring venues and numerous schools around the country are welcoming to American ensembles. Brass bands in the Dublin suburbs, many with their own concert halls, also make for great joint concert options.

Christ Church Cathedral

Dublin, Ireland

Situated in medieval Dublin, Christ Church is not only the seat of the Roman Catholic archbishops but is also the seat of the Church of Ireland. Founded around 1028 the cathedral was rebuilt and renovated many times throughout history and is now accented by flying buttresses, high arching stone ceilings, and, most notably, the Grand Organ which appears to be floating in the air! The Cathedral is home to one of the most reputable choirs in Ireland whose origins trace back to 1493 when the choir school was founded.

Kylemore Abbey

Westport, Ireland

Famed for being Ireland's most romantic Castle, Kylemore Abbey is the perfect setting for choirs. The adjoining Gothic Church, constructed in 1874, is home of many musical performances, poetry readings and cross-community celebrations throughout the year. The church was built in the style of a miniature cathedral as a memorial to the owners beloved late wife, Mary.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Dublin, Ireland

Originally built in honor of Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin was completed in the late 1100's and is the largest church in Ireland. The majestic Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where, according to legend, Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. Beautiful stained-glass windows, impressive architecture, and an enormous organ with over 4,000 pipes make this Cathedral one-of-a-kind! Today it is the location for a variety of public national ceremonies.