Overview
Give your students the opportunity to perform in the Emerald Isle — where musical tradition spans thousands of years — with a performance tour to Ireland. A visit to Ireland is a visit to the past. Students will learn more about the history of Irish music at the Clare Music Makers Museum in Galway with a masterclass by a traditional musician playing the tin whistle, flute, or fiddle. Take in the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher before performing in exquisite venues across Killarney, Cork, and Dublin. Even try an authentic Irish dancing lesson in Dublin!
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Ireland
Please note that due to limited service to Shannon, a transfer from Dublin will likely be substituted.
Day 2
Travel to Galway
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.
Galway city walk
Meet Galway, the lively bayside city often compared to San Francisco, on a walking tour led by your Tour Director. Begin at the Spanish Arch, built to protect the docks where Spanish traders once moored their ships. Continue along Quay Street, lined with colourful shops, cafés, and pubs that capture the city’s Bohemian charm. Visit St. Nicholas’ Church, Ireland’s second-largest medieval parish church, crowned by its distinctive pyramid-shaped spire. Conclude in Eyre Square, the heart of Galway life, where locals gather amid green lawns, historic monuments, and fountains celebrating the city’s maritime heritage.
Galway Cathedral visit
Visit Galway Cathedral, one of the city’s largest and most impressive landmarks. Its architecture blends many styles, with a Renaissance-inspired dome and pillars, and rose windows and mosaics that reflect Christian art traditions. Standing 145 feet high, the cathedral’s dome is a defining feature of the city skyline.
Day 3
Kylemore Abbey visit
West Clare Music Makers Museum visit
Enjoy a masterclass or interactive performance by a traditional musician on a variety of instruments, including the tin whistle, flute, fiddle, uilleann pipes, and many others. Located in County Clare, the West Clare Music Makers Visitor Museum allows you to read firsthand accounts by the musicians of Ireland and enjoy an 8-minute film telling the story behind the music and the origin of instrument in the town that traditional Irish music is said to be founded.
Galway performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 4
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.
Bunratty Castle visit
Discover Bunratty Castle, a towering 15th century fortress restored to resemble life in the 1500s. Your tour includes the Great Hall, Main Guard, and South Solar. You’ll then visit the adjoining Folk Park, an authentic recreation of daily life in Ireland in the late 19th century.
Day 5
Ring of Kerry excursion
Get a feel for Ireland’s emerald beauty on an excursion around the Iveragh Peninsula on the panoramic coastal route, Ring of Kerry. Along the 112 miles of breathtaking views, you’ll spy 360 degrees of the vast Atlantic Ocean, the Lakes of Killarney, the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks (Ireland’s tallest mountains), and every shade of green known to the Emerald Isle.
Killarney performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Day 6
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.
Cork choir masterclass
Your Masterclass is today! Your ensemble will attend a masterclass given by a university or college professor, or local expert. You can choose the area of focus or let the expert determine what skills on which they would like to focus.
Day 7
Dublin city walk
Get a friendly introduction to Dublin with your Tour Director. Cross the Ha’Penny Bridge, stroll through the lively Temple Bar district, and stop at the Molly Malone statue. Along the way, see Georgian squares, castles, and cathedrals that showcase the character of Ireland’s capital.
Dublin performance
Take the stage and perform for local audiences in a venue that captures the spirit of the city.
Dinner in Temple Bar District
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.
Irish dance class
Get an authentic Irish dancing lesson in Dublin!
Day 9
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days in Belfast
Experience the grandeur of the Grand Opera House, a masterpiece of Frank Matcham’s oriental-style architecture. Marvel at the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway and stroll across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Enjoy a choir performance at a culturally significant venue and participate in a lively Ceili evening with traditional Irish dancing and music.
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
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions.
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Galway, Killarney & Dublin
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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.
