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Cultural and Music Tour of Ireland
Welcome to the ShamRogues & Jamison 2025 Tour of Ireland!
Join The ShamRogues & Jamison bands on a tour to Ireland and experience Irish culture first-hand. This tour is all about being in good company with good people. Music is the theme on this band trip, and you can expect great Irish music sessions and pub time throughout, including American Celtic Music Night! Travel is more fun with friends, and you have entertainment by great bands built in!
This trip's cultural and sightseeing highlights include castle tours, exploration of ancient historical sites, the National Steam Rally in Stradbally, and tickets to the National Traditional Music Festival, the Fleadh, to name a few. The Steam Rally is a significant event in the midlands of Ireland, and you will be side-by-side with the locals at the parade for this two-day event.
A luxury coach will transport you to each day's events. All accommodation, transportation and daily breakfasts are included- read on for the full details!
Find traveler reviews of our 2024 ShamRogues Tour here!
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
$3,390 per person sharing a room
$500 supplement for a single room
- $700 Deposit (per person) due at Registration
- $1,345 payment due on Feb. 17
- Final payments are due May 23, 2025
THE SHAMROGUES
The ShamRogues The ShamRogues have been entertaining crowds all over the East Coast since 2009 with their unique brand of Irish music and dance. From Washington D.C. to Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the famous Irish venues of New York City, the band has attracted fans of all ages and walks of life wherever they travel with their show. Having performed a series of sell out shows in Ireland over the past several years, the band has blasted onto the International scene in a blaze of electric fiddles and banjos.
Formed by banjo player and County Laois native Jim Phelan, the band features Adam Wyatt on Vocals and Bodhrán, Billy Jack Mast on Guitar, Vocals, and Mandolin, Sarah Stepanik on Fiddle, Jeff Havens on Bass, Evan Phillips on Drums and the World Class Irish Dancing Duo Katie Fox and Katie Whitman.
Not a band to stand around on stage blasting out song after song, The ShamRogues like to involve their audience in a fun, lively evening of songs and stories of Ireland, and God help anyone who forgets to clap along!!!
JAMISON
The Irish music scene in Philadelphia is bursting with bands and musicians who perform all over the area to keep the roots of Ireland alive in their songs. None of these performers are quite like Jamison though- a high-energy six-piece that can take traditional Irish tunes and turn them upside down, blending in rock, reggae, modern pop, and hip-hop along the way. Crowds can’t help but get to their feet as Jamison takes Irish music to the next level with original songs and eccentric versions of covers or festival favorites.
Each Jamison show is different from the last. Whether it’s a large festival stage in front of thousands or a favorite pub crowd ready to unwind from a long week, you’ll be drawn into a unique experience with the band’s contagious good vibes. Their sets mold to fit their audiences, making Jamison one of the most versatile bands in the business. Fans will leave a Jamison show reenergized, out of breath and asking, “when’s the next one?”
Frank Daly – Acoustic Guitar, Tin Whistle, Banjo, Mandolin, Lead Vocals
Sean Hicks – Lead Guitar, Backup Vocals
Paul Hershock – Drums, Percussion
Anthony Lusi – Bass Guitar, Backup Vocals
Alice Marie – Fiddle, Vocals
Itinerary
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!
Travel to Portlaoise | Welcome Session
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.
Later this evening, the group will gather for an authentic Irish session with the bands and locals alike.
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
Visit a 5,000 year old Megalithic Site
The Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery, also known as the Hills of the Witch, are a group of Neolithic passage tombs. Spread over four undulating peaks, the tombs are , date back to 3,000 BC (that's over 5,000 years ago - older than the pyramids in Egypt!) The tomb chambers align to sunrise at the spring and autumn equinoxes and at these times people gather there to greet the first rays of the sun.
After your day trips today, head back to Portlaoise for music, pubs, and more fun.
Overnight & Breakfast: Killeshin Hotel
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6th, 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
THURSDAY AUGUST 7th, 2024
The Fleadh - Ireland's Own Trad Festival | Wexford Ireland
The Fleadh Cheoil (Irish pronunciation: [ˌfʲlʲaː ˈçoːlʲ]), or "music festival" in English, is the biggest annual gathering and celebration of traditional music, singers, dancers, and the Irish language - made up of street sessions, concerts, and classes.
This is a fabulous opportunity to visit the Irish Fleadh taking place in the town of Wexford, Ireland. Your first-class coach will take care of the driving and parking and drop you off so that you can enjoy the day. 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 for the day to enjoy the sights and sounds and return to Waterford in the evening after what is sure to be a busy and memorable event.
This evening, you will settle into your Waterford hotel, where - perhaps - there will be a bit more music and fun for the group.
Overnight: The Waterford Marina Hotel
FRIDAY AUGUST 8th, 2025
Waterford Ireland Free Day | Concert at the Seanti
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.
This evening, the group will gather for a two-band concert at the excellent music venue: The Seanti Bar. You will be entertained by your hosts, and a great night of music will happen tonight!
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.
Gather for your departing dinners, and don't forget to exchange photos to share all of the great memories made.
Overnight: Castleknock Hotel, 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.