Overview
Join thousands of revelers from across the world to celebrate Ireland’s music, culture, and St. Patrick’s Day traditions on this performance tour from Cork to Dublin. Perform as part of Cork’s legendary St. Patrick’s Day Parade, then continue to Limerick to compete at the Limerick International Band Championship. Along the way, explore castles, coastal landscapes, and historic landmarks before experiencing the lively culture of Dublin.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Ireland (Dublin)
Please note: Tour departs North America on March 12 or 13 for the 2027 travel season and on March 14 for the 2028 travel season.
Day 2
Arrive in Dublin
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Travel to Cork
Rock of Cashel visit
Perched atop a limestone outcrop, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most remarkable medieval sites, with more than 1,600 years of history. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster, it features the ruins of a two-towered chapel, a cruciform cathedral, a round tower, and other medieval monuments. Inside the cathedral, ancient carvings remain remarkably well preserved.
Day 3
Cobh excursion
Discover Cobh's rich maritime heritage on a guided walking tour through this colourful harbour town. Learn about its connection to the Titanic, Irish emigration, and other significant maritime events through stories shared by a local historian.
Titanic Trail walking tour
Blarney Castle visit
Stop for a visit to Blarney Castle, the medieval stone structure built on solid limestone around 1466. (The slivers of windows served as a defence, enabling Lord Blarney and his men to shoot arrows at invaders while staying protected from within.) Climb the spiral staircases to the top of the castle to kiss the Blarney stone. Legend promises that if you lean backwards and kiss the stone upside-down, you’ll be granted the “gift of the gab” (the privilege of babbling questionable commentary for seven years). Before you leave, wander the path to Rock Close to ponder the druidic circle of mystical stones. Enter Lord Blarney’s dungeon if you dare.
Day 4
Cork parade performance
Lunch
Irish dance class
Get an authentic Irish dancing lesson in Dublin!
Day 5
Travel to Limerick
Buffalo Farm visit
Visit Macroom Buffalo Farm in the scenic County Cork countryside, home to Ireland's first water buffalo farm. Meet the herd, learn about the farm's sustainable practices, and discover how its award-winning buffalo mozzarella is made.
Day 6
Limerick International Band Competition
Perform alongside bands from around the world in Ireland's only International Band Championship. After marching through the heart of Limerick, join fellow ensembles at the Band Jamboree, an open-air concert celebrating music, international camaraderie, and the announcement of the championship awards.
Band Jamboree
Lunch
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park visit
Discover a formidable 15th-century fortress restored to reflect life in the 1500s. Tour the Great Hall, Main Guard, and South Solar before exploring the adjoining Folk Park, an immersive recreation of daily life in late 19th-century Ireland.
Bunratty Castle medieval banquet
Step back in time for a medieval-themed dinner featuring a hearty banquet, live music and costumed entertainment in one of Ireland’s most iconic castles.
Day 7
Travel to Dublin
Cliffs of Moher visit
Venture to the edge of Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher, where sheer rock faces rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Layers of sandstone and shale colour the cliffs, while O’Brien’s Tower stands proudly at the summit, offering sweeping views. With waves crashing below and Ireland’s brilliant green landscape spilling toward the sea, this is one of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Caherconnell Stone Fort visit and Sheepdog demonstrations
Poulnabrone Dolmen visit
One of Ireland's oldest and most recognizable prehistoric monuments, Poulnabrone Dolmen stands on the Burren's limestone plateau. This 5,000-year-old portal tomb features massive stone slabs and offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's ancient burial traditions.
Day 8
Dublin guided sightseeing tour
Join a licensed guide to explore Dublin’s finest sights. Walk through Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest walled city park, home to red deer and the Phoenix Column. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Ireland’s patron saint once baptized converts, and see O’Connell Street and Parnell Square. At Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, enter the Old Library’s Long Room to view the Book of Kells, an illuminated 9th-century manuscript of the four Gospels, famed for its intricate Celtic designs.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum visit
Explore EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for countless Irish emigrants. This interactive museum guides you through their reasons for leaving, the impact they made worldwide, and the enduring connections among Irish communities across the globe.
Traditional Irish dinner and show
Day 9
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
Hotel accommodations
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Dublin, Galway, and Limerick
Health & Safety
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.
