Because travelers will be departing from airports around the country, arrival times to Dublin will vary on the morning of May 21st. We are happy to connect travelers with our travel agent in Asheville who can assist with booking your airfare. Upon arriving to Dublin and making it through customs, participants will travel by taxi to the group hotel and convene with fellow travelers.

Participants will arrive to Dublin and will make their way to the group lodging at Albany House via taxi or Aircoach. For those who are up for it, afternoon group visits will be made to Trinity College (to see the Book of Kells) and to the National Museum of Ireland. The group will convene for a welcome dinner with Natalya Weinstein, John Cloyd Miller, and Marley Fischer, the program hosts.

The group will visit Brú na Bóinne (1 hr from Dublin) to visit Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth (prehistoric passage tombs). In the evening, the group will attend a music session back in Dublin.

Group travel via private minibus from Dublin to Westport, where the group will spend two days and nights. Group lodging will be at the lovely Clew Bay Hotel, which is centrally located and walkable to all of the wonderful shops and pubs in Westport. En route to Westport the group will stop off at the Carokeel Passage Tombs and the Sligo Folk Park.

Day trip to Achill Island and/or Wild Nephin National Park for hiking and exploring the megaliths. That evening, the group will enjoy dinner and a jam session back in Westport.

The group will travel by private bus (about two hours) to Ennis in County Clare, where you will be based for the next four evenings at the Queens Hotel right in the center of town. Relax after arrival and attend an evening music session, which is part of the Fleadh Nua (traditional Irish music festival).

The group will visit sites in Country Clare by private bus including Kilfenora Vistiors’ Center, Caherconnell, the Burren, Newtown Castle, and Cliffs of Mohar. That evening, the group will attend a music session back in Ennis (part of the traditional Irish music festival).

The group will visit Dun Aengus (a prehistoric stone fort) on the island of Inishmore, via ferry from Doolin. That evening the group will attend a Céilí (traditional Irish dance) as part of the Fleadh Nua (traditional music festival).

Today the group can slow down, take a bit more free time, and choose which parts of the Fleadh Nua (traditional music festival) they’d like to attend in Ennis that day.

Day trip to Lough Gur (neolithic site/heritage center).

Free time to visit the Fleadh Nua music festival or explore the area.

Evening farewell dinner and Festival Concert. Prepare for departure on Saturday.

The group will check out of their lodging in Ennis and will depart from Shannon Airport (30 minutes from hotel). Travelers will also have the option to return to Dublin via private coach, in time to catch afternoon flights (or travelers can choose to extend their travels independently!)