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Experience the Music and Culture of Ireland, and make friends along the way!
Immerse yourself in Ireland's culture on a tour designed for 15 people or fewer, featuring a visit to the Biggest Irish Traditional Music Festival in Ireland - The Fleadh Cheoil!
In addition to this epic festival showcasing the finest Irish music talents, this trip's cultural and sightseeing highlights include castle tours, exploration of ancient historical sites, and a visit to the National Steam Rally in Stradbally.
Travel is better with friends, and this tour is all about being in good company with good people.
Here at Healy Tours, we aim to give you authentic experiences in Ireland, as we visit some of the world's most beautiful locations. The written itinerary is just a part of the magic you will experience, as it is impossible to capture on paper the places and the people you will meet along the way.
All accommodation, transportation, excursions, and daily breakfasts are included-- read on for the full details!
The Tour at a Glance
11 Day Tour of Ireland
July 30th, 2025
Departing flights from your airport
August 10th, 2025
Return flights (or opt for an extension)
Land Price & Payment Schedule
$3,490 per person sharing a room
$500 supplement for a single room
- $800 Deposit (per person) due at Registration
- Final payments are due May 23, 2025
WEDNESDAY JULY 30, 2025
Depart the USA for Ireland
Flights from the USA to Ireland are late afternoon/overnight flights. Depart from your home airport and land in Dublin on the morning of July 31st. Please plan your arrival before 10:00 am.
THURSDAY JULY 31, 2025
Welcome to Ireland!
You will land in Dublin and make your way through Immigration to pick up your bags at baggage claim. Our driver will be waiting to meet you in the airport and will collect the group once all parties arrive.
Today we will travel from Dublin to our base in Portlaoise (pronounced port-leash). A stop on the way for some breakfast/lunch at a local eatery will help get you acquainted with the group.
Once we arrive in Portlaoise, you will have some time to relax before hotel check-in time, around 3:00 or 4:00 pm. Later this evening, we will celebrate with a music session in our local pub, welcoming our group to Ireland. This is always a fan-favorite of the trip, and will kick things off with a night of music in the pub.
Welcome Lunch & Overnight: Killeshin Hotel
FRIDAY AUGUST 1, 2025
Kilkenny Town | Historical Tour and Free Time
Today we will wake in the town of Portlaoise and take a short day trip to some of the stunning scenery and ancient sites in Ireland's Ancient East. A day trip to the utterly charming town of Kilkenny will give you the opportunity to explore this ancient city. Start with a guided historical tour around the town, and then enjoy free time to do what pleases you.
You may wish to tour the imposing Kilkenny Castle, get a guided tour of the Medieval Museum, shop the craft center or winding medieval streets, or simply cozy into a pub or cafe and watch the action.
Overnight: Killeshin Hotel
SATURDAY AUGUST 2nd, 2025
Rock of Dunamase | Roscrea Castle
Depart the town of Portlaoise today and explore local heritage sights. The first stop will be the impressive Rock of Dunamase, where you can stand atop this vantage point and appreciate the views of the surrounding countryside.
Next on the agenda will be a trip to the stunning castle and grounds of Roscrea.
In the heart of Roscrea in County Tipperary, one of the oldest towns in Ireland, you will find a magnificent stone castle dating from the 1280s. It was used as a barracks in 1798, housing 350 soldiers. Later, it served as a school, a library, and sanatorium.
The grounds include an impressive garden with a fountain, making Roscrea Castle a pleasant destination for a day out. There is also a restored mill displaying St Crónán’s high cross and pillar stone.
After the day's touring, you will return to your hotel for an evening of music and relaxation - there will be pub time and music at a local venue this evening.
Overnight: Killeshin Hotel
SUNDAY & MONDAY AUGUST 3rd - 4th, 2025
National Steam Rally
Join the best of Irish Culture in the Midlands over the next two days as you explore the region and take part in the National Irish Steam Rally.
The festivities will kick off with a session in Timahoe for a local music session with the bands and locals. Afterward, we will join the Steam Rally Parade, a group favorite for immersing yourself in the local culture. There will be plenty for you to do and explore in and around Portlaoise and Stradbally, and the steam rally—music, gigs, and local pub sessions are planned.
Activities include:
Lawnmower Racing, Trade Stalls, a Pet Farm, Sheepdog Demonstrations, A Century of Sawing with Steam, a Vintage Road Making Display, a Food Tent, Stradbally Woodland Railway steam trains, a Sawbench Display, Blacksmith’s Village, a Craft Village, Music
Included: Breakfast, Entertainment, Festival Admission
Overnight: Killeshin Hotel
TUESDAY AUGUST 5th, 2025
Bunratty Castle
Today we will tour Bunratty Castle, a 15th-century tower house that became the stronghold of the O'Briens, the largest clan in North Munster.
Bunratty Castle is full of fascinating history, amazing views of the surrounding countryside, and the folk village provides a look back into rural Irish life of the past. There are shops, pubs, and delightful finds throughout the Bunratty complex, and this is a day well spent exploring Bunratty.
When you are done touring at Bunratty, the group will head over to Durty Nelly's - a famous spot both for its prime location, as well as its true Irish charm. Have a hearty meal and a few pints before heading back to your base in Portlaoise.
Included: Bunratty Castle Tour, Lunch at Durty Nelly's
Overnight: Killeshin Hotel
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6th, 2025
Waterford Ireland Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Waterford today. We know it is important for you to have the time to explore the magic of Ireland at your own pace. Today allows you to slow down, sleep in, find some shops or a pub and relax in town.
You may wish to visit Reginald's Tower, the oldest civic building in Ireland. The tower has been in continuous use throughout its 800-year turbulent history and was originally the site of a wooden Viking fort. The Viking Triangle in Waterford has loads of history to be explored. We recommend a visit to the Waterford Treasures Museum to fully appreciate the rich history of this region.
Overnight: The Waterford Marina Hotel
THURSDAY & FRIDAY AUGUST 7th - 8th, 2024
The Fleadh - Ireland's Own Trad Festival | Wexford Ireland
This is a fabulous opportunity to visit the Irish Fleadh taking place in the town of Wexford, Ireland. Musical events abound at the Fleadh, and the best from around the country come to gather.
The Fleadh also features competitions in music and dance for all ages, attracting the country’s most talented to show off their song and dance skills. The Fleadh aims to promote the learning of and performance of Irish traditional music and dance internationally and domestically, as the group maintains international branches in several countries. The Fleadh is a massive event in Ireland, with music brimming over in the streets, and a little something for everyone.
The group will travel to Wexford each day to enjoy the sights and sounds and return to Waterford in the evenings after what is sure to be a busy and memorable event.
Overnight: The Waterford Marina Hotel
SATURDAY AUGUST 9th, 2025
Session at the Kilmardinny Inn
We will travel back north to the Dublin area today, where you will be treated to a final session with your hosts at a great local pub in the Dublin area.
Overnight: Hilton, Dublin
SUNDAY AUGUST 10th, 2025
Departing Flights (Or Book an Extension)
Flights depart home today.
Want more time in Ireland? Healy Tours will be happy to help you plan an extension in Dublin or beyond! See below for more information.
I'm in - How do I sign up?
First, Review the Terms and Conditions of your booking
Next, Register for the tour with the link button below, or scan the QR code.
This will take you to our secure form and payment portal, where you can fill in your details and send your deposit to secure your place on the tour!