Gather ‘Round, Appalachian Music Lovers: New Caledonia String Orchestra’s Irish Adventure
Gather ‘Round, Appalachian Music Lovers: New Caledonia String Orchestra’s Irish Adventure
Secure your place on this weeklong adventure tailored for music lovers. Perform in the majestic St. Canices Cathedral, explore Viking-era Waterford, wander the breathtaking Powerscourt Gardens, savor authentic Irish cuisine, and toast with Guinness alongside your fellow music lovers. This is more than a tourits a movement.
For bookings made before 31 December 2025 a reduction of 100.00 per person is available so book now to take advantage!
Sun 14 June 2026
Arrival into Dublin & Transfer to Waterford
Arrive at Dublin Airport and relax at the Royal Marine Hotel lounge with tea and biscuits (depending on your flight time a short shuttle wait is possible). Stroll the waterfront before a comfy coach ride to Waterford’s Tower Hotel. Share a hearty welcome dinner with old & new friends.
Mon 15 June 2026
Morning Tunes & Waterford Rambles
Enjoy your first morning rehearsal at the Tower Hotel. At your leisure, use your Freedom Pass to explore Waterford’s Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, Irish Museum of Time, or Irish Silver Museum. Savor a relaxed dinner on your own at the hotel or a cozy local pub in walking distance. (Ensemble Performance Option 1: Hotel)
Tue 16 June 2026
Morning Tunes, Afternoon Advernutres, & Evening Pub Fun
Tune up with a morning rehearsal, perfecting your pieces in the practice room at the Tower Hotel. Spend a free afternoon with your Freedom Pass visiting historic sites or resting up. Join a coach to Jack Meades, a charming 1705 pub, for an included Irish buffet, a small Guinness, and lively folk music and dance by locals, returning late to the Tower Hotel. (Ensemble Performance Option 2: Pub).
Wed 17 June 2026
Irish Emigrant Experience & Dress Rehearsal
After breakfast, hop on a comfy coach for a short trip to New Ross to explore the Dunbrody Famine Ship. Immerse yourself in an engaging guided tour, uncovering the poignant story of Irish emigration during the potato famine. (Ensemble Performance Option 3: Ship). Return for a relaxed evening dress rehearsal at the Tower Hotel.
Thu 18 June 2026
Concert at St. Canice’s Cathedral, Killkennny
Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Waterford before traveling to Kilkenny in the afternoon for an
evening performance at the stunning St. Canice’s Cathedral. Take center stage, sharing your music in
this historic setting alongside a special performance with the renowned Lady Desart Choir. Return to
Waterford’s Tower Hotel late, celebrating your moment with newfound friends.
Fri 19 June 2026
Kilkenny Strolls & Crystal Brilliance
Return triumphant to Kilkenny, where you’ll have time to revisit St. Canice’s Cathedral,* explore Kilkenny Castle & Gardens*, visit Smithwick’s Brewery*, or explore local shops at a comfortable pace on your own. In the late afternoon, the group will return to Waterford to tour the House of Waterford Crystal. (Ensemble Performance Option 4: Waterford Crystal). Relax at the Tower Hotel, enjoy a quiet dinner in Waterford’s welcoming eateries, or make new friends at local pubs.
*Entrance fees payable locally if visiting
Sat 20 June 2026
Powerscourt Estate Exploration & Farewell Feast
Check out of Tower Hotel and start early with a scenic coach ride to Powerscourt Gardens, where
you'll wander stunning Italianate terraces, rose beds, and a serene Japanese Gardens (Ensemble Performance Option 4: Gardens - weather permitting).
At your own pace, enjoy the gardens, lunch at the the estates cafe (payable locally), a Powerscourt Distillery visit, and excellent boutique shopping before returning to Dun Laoghaire’s Royal Marine Hotel for your final evening. Gather for an included farewell dinner, sharing cherished music memories with fellow travelers.
Sun 21 June 2026
Fond Farewell to Ireland
Bid a heartfelt goodbye to Ireland’s charm over breakfast at the Royal Marine Hotel, with complimentary shuttles to Dublin Airport at select times (short waits possible). Depart with a treasure trove of folk music memories, or extend your adventure - please contact Greatdays for more information.
D=Dinner Included, IB=Irish Breakfast
6 nights accommodation at the Tower Hotel, Waterford
1 night's accommodation a the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire
Full buffet breakfast each morning
Welcome & Farewell 3 course meal (no drinks included)
Dedicated rehearsal times prior to performance
Group airport transfers from / to Dublin airport*
Waterford Freedom Pass for Medieval Museum, Bishops Palace, Irish Museum of Time, and Irish Silver Museum
Jack Meades Pub: Buffet dinner with Traditional Irish Music & Dance
Performance in Kilkennys St. Canices Cathedral
Entrance to Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, Waterford Crystal Museum & Powerscourt Estate
Services of 2 x Greatdays representative in Ireland
Services of the PAE team in Ireland
Compulsory UK card fees
*Airport transfers: Enjoy our periodic shuttle service from Dublin Airport to the Royal Marine hotel at select times (minor waits are possible).
Coach transfers will not be available for flights scheduled to arrive into Dublin airport after 2pm on Sunday 14 June & you will need to make your own way to the hotel in Waterford. Please ask for prices on private transfer to Waterford from Dublin airport.
For bookings made before 31 December 2205 a reduction of 100.00 per person is available so book now to take advantage!
Double 2,330.00 per person based on 2 people sharing a room
Twin 2,330.00 per person based on 2 people sharing a room
Single 3,030.00 per person for a single occupancy room
Rooms subject to availabilty at time of booking. Rooms may have queen bed or twin beds. If you are sharing a room with a friend but paying separately please choose the 'Twin Share' option when booking and advise the name of the person you will be sharing with.
Find a roommate and split the cost! Share a room, save money, and make a new travel buddy.
Fill out the quick form below with your name, email, and status (musician or aficionado). Well add you to our live roommate matching list where other solo travelers can see your info and reach out directly.
How it works:
1. Submit the form below
2. Your name and email appear on our public matching list
3. Browse the list and message potential roommates
4. Found a match? Email us at info@performingartseducators.org ith both names so we can remove you right away! Removal may take up to 2 business days.
Submit Your Info Solo Traveler Roommate Matching Google Form
View Current Solo Travelers Looking for Roommates
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19USjY-ejnffCTyj-GPXa9B7_Rvwa2MQxychipcCt5iM/edit?usp=sharing
For bookings made before 31/12/25 a reduction of 100.00 per person is available so book now to take advantage!
Tower Hotel, Waterford - In the heart of Waterford city overlooking the marina, the 4-star Tower Hotel & Leisure Centre, offers acentral location overlooking Reginald's Tower on the doorstep of the vibrant Viking Triangle. The hotel offers 146 guest bedrooms, Bedrooms are furnished in a warm style and offer a comfortable and well equipped retreat at the end of your busy day. Guests benefit from spacious rooms, free Wi Fi, 20m swimming pool and gym, and both informal and more formal dining options. If you feel like relaxing in the hotel, take a rejuvenating swim in the Leisure Centre, or watch the world go by with a coffee in our newly renovated Pier 37 Bar & Grill. Evening meals are available in Hobson's restaurant.
Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire - The historic 4-star Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire features 228 luxury bedrooms that have been updated with both contemporary and traditional furnishings. With magnificent views across Dublin Bay, enjoy the relaxed facilities and service that the hotel has to offer. These include formal and more relaxed dining options and health and wellness experiences that will ensure that you will enjoy your stay with us.
Share Appalachian music in five enchanting, first-come, first-serve ensemble performances set in informal settings where passersby may stop and listen (four or more players). Or join Geoff for lively pub jam sessions. Embrace the laid-back charm of these iconic spots and connect with locals over music. Please contact PAE to express interest in an ensemble performance - info@performingartseducators.org
| Deposit | On confirmation | 300 per person |
| 2nd Payment | Saturday 31 January 2026 | 400 per person |
| Balance | Tuesday 31 March 2026 | Outstanding amount |
Please note - Your bank or card issuer may make additional charges for payments in Euros, please contact them for further information.
All payments are non-refundable once received by Greatdays. If payments are not paid by the due date, Greatdays reserves the right to cancel rooms/places and all monies
received are forfeited. Bookings are subject to availability and Greatdays New Caledonia Irish Advernture Terms & Conditions. Bookings will be made via the on-line booking platform and payments will be made via credit card. Payment schedule subject to change. Package price and inclusions are subject to change due to operational requirements.
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