Eire-Go Tours Spring 2027
Introduction
Ireland Adventure / Spring 2027
Eire-Go Tours Spring 2027
Journey through Ireland’s storied landscapes, from the vibrant streets of Dublin to the ancient wonders of Meath, the wild beauty of Connemara, the Gaeltacht region of Ireland's west, and the dramatic cliffs and castles throughout the island. Experience traditional music, historic sites, and the warm hospitality that makes time in Ireland unforgettable.
My Backstory
In 1992, I began taking my students to Ireland over Spring Break. I was a high school English teacher in Arlington, VA with dual Irish-American citizenship, cousins throughout the country, and a husband who played Irish music professionally. My students convinced me to plan and lead a tour of Ireland. I called over to Ireland, hired a bus and driver, put the Youth Hostels on my credit card (egads!) and we were off. We had a fabulous time, so it became a Spring Break tradition for my students. But the other teachers told me I was CRAZY as I had no insurance or legal protection. So, eventually, I created Eire-Go Tours, LLC. The successes of those early tours led to more tours and, here I am! I retired from teaching in 2020 after 36 years in the classroom and now lead small group tours for people of all ages, but not unaccompanied minors. I am with you 24/7 to make sure that you learn about Irish history, music, dance, language, and culture. My tours are unique in that they offer a mixture of group time and free time where you can explore on your own (no "follow the umbrella!") and no early mornings so you can stay up late enough to enjoy the live traditional music in the pubs which often doesn't start until after 9 pm.
Join us! I love Ireland and know that you will, too.
Francesca ("Ches") Winch
301-613-0751
Journey Through Ireland
At a glance
Wednesday, May 12, 2027
Thursday, May 13, 2027
Friday, May 14, 2027
Saturday, May 15, 2027
Sunday, May 16, 2027
Monday, May 17, 2027
Tuesday, May 18, 2027
Wednesday, May 19, 2027
Thursday, May 20, 2027
Friday, May 21, 2027
Saturday, May 22, 2027
Sunday, May 23, 2027
Wednesday, May 12, 2027
Day 1 - Arrival and Free Day in Dublin
Arrive in Dublin and Explore the City
Wynn’s Hotel
Check inWednesday, May 12, 2027
Meet up in Dublin. Free day with loads of options. See my Dublin handout for suggestions. Check in to Wynn’s Hotel, Dublin’s historic gem and one of the sites where the 1916 rebels met to plan the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule: https://www.wynnshotel.ie/
Wynn’s Hotel Website:
Wynn’s Hotel Websitehttps://www.wynnshotel.ie/
Thursday, May 13, 2027
Day 2 - County Meath and Ancient East
Explore Meath’s Castles, Tombs, and Hill of Tara
Tour Trim Castle
DateThursday, May 13, 2027
Tour Trim Castle (Ireland’s most intact Anglo-Norman castle from the 11th century and the site of the filming of Braveheart.)
Tour Newgrange
DateThursday, May 13, 2027
Tour Newgrange, the Stone Age passage tomb in the Boyne River Valley that predates the pyramids in Egypt, and learn all about the people that lived in the Boyne River Valley over 5,000 years ago.
Hill of Tara Visit
DateThursday, May 13, 2027
Stand atop the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. On a clear day (fingers crossed) you’ll be able to see 16 of Ireland’s 32 counties!
Free night in Dublin City
Free night in Dublin City to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Ireland's capital city.
Wynn’s Hotel
Check inThursday, May 13, 2027
Sleep at Wynn’s.
Wynn’s Hotel Website:
Wynn’s Hotel Websitehttps://www.wynnshotel.ie/
Friday, May 14, 2027
Day 3 - County Kildare, Clonmacnoise Abbey, Galway Bay
Tour Irish Stud Farm, Clonmacnoise, and Galway Bay
Check out of Wynn’s to head into County Kildare and a tour of the Irish National Stud Farm & Gardens.
Check out of Wynn’s to head into County Kildare and a tour of the Irish National Stud Farm & Gardens.
Tour Clonmacnoise Abbey
DateFriday, May 14, 2027
Tour Clonmacnoise Abbey, a 6th century monastic site on the River Shannon founded by Saint Ciarán in 544 AD.
Visit Sean’s Bar in Athlone
DateFriday, May 14, 2027
Swing by Sean’s Bar in Athlone, Ireland’s oldest dating to 900 AD.
Salthill Hotel
Check inFriday, May 14, 2027
Check in to Salthill Hotel and watch the sun go down on Galway Bay.
Salthill Hotel Website:
Salthill Hotel Websitehttps://www.salthillhotel.com/
Group dinner at the hotel restaurant
DateFriday, May 14, 2027
Enjoy our first group dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Saturday, May 15, 2027
Day 4 - Aran Islands and Galway Trad Music
Ferry to Inis Mor and Galway Nightlife
Ferry from Rossaveal to Inis Mor
Departure
Rossaveal
Saturday, May 15, 2027Destination
Inis Mor
Ferry from Rossaveal to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands.
Minibus tour and hike to Dun Aengus
DateSaturday, May 15, 2027
Take a minibus tour as you learn all about life on the islands and hike up to Dun Aengus, the prehistoric fort on the island’s cliff edge.
Free evening/night in Galway City
Free evening/night in Galway City to enjoy the pubs and vibrant trad music scene.
Salthill Hotel
Check inSaturday, May 15, 2027
Sleep at Salthill Hotel.
Salthill Hotel Website:
Salthill Hotel Websitehttps://www.salthillhotel.com/
Sunday, May 16, 2027
Day 5 - Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, and Trad on the Prom
Explore Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, and Irish Trad Show
Leisurely morning in Galway
Leisurely morning (Mass in the cathedral? Walk the promenade on Galway Bay? Swim in the sea or hotel pool? Shop in Galway City?)
Explore Kylemore Abbey and Connemara
DateSunday, May 16, 2027
Head west into Connemara to explore Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s most photographed sites, Killary Fjord, Ireland’s only fjord, and the mountains and valleys of west Galway.
Trad on the Prom Show
DateSunday, May 16, 2027
End the day with “Trad on the Prom” Ireland’s most beloved show of traditional Irish music and dance.
Salthill Hotel
Check inSunday, May 16, 2027
Sleep at Salthill Hotel.
Salthill Hotel Website:
Salthill Hotel Websitehttps://www.salthillhotel.com/
Monday, May 17, 2027
Day 6 - County Clare, Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis
Sheepdog Demo, Cliffs of Moher, Castle Banquet
Check out of Salthill Hotel and head south into County Clare and the Burren
Check out of Salthill Hotel and head south into County Clare and the Burren.
Sheepdog demonstration at Caherconnell
DateMonday, May 17, 2027
Enjoy a sheepdog demonstration at Caherconnell.
Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen
DateMonday, May 17, 2027
Visit the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a portal tomb dating to c. 3,800 BC.
Cliffs of Moher
DateMonday, May 17, 2027
The iconic Cliffs of Moher are our next stop where you can walk the cliff trails and learn about their history and geography in the Visitors' Centre.
The Old Ground Hotel
Check inMonday, May 17, 2027
Check into The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis.
The Old Ground Hotel Website:
The Old Ground Hotel Websitehttps://www.oldgroundhotelennis.com/
Medieval castle banquet at Bunratty Castle
DateMonday, May 17, 2027
Finish the day with a delicious medieval castle banquet at Bunratty Castle.
The Old Ground Hotel
Check inMonday, May 17, 2027
Sleep at The Old Ground.
The Old Ground Hotel Website:
The Old Ground Hotel Websitehttps://www.oldgroundhotelennis.com/
Tuesday, May 18, 2027
Day 7 - Adare, County Limerick. Listowel and Tralee, County Kerry
Adare Lunch, John B Keane’s Pub, Tralee Arrival
Check out of The Old Ground and head south into County Limerick
Check out of The Old Ground and head south into County Limerick for a lunch stop in Adare (the site of the Ryder Cup in September!) then on to County Kerry (or 'The Kingdom of Kerry' as they like to call it!) and traditional Irish music and stories and pints, if you wish, at John B Keane’s Pub in Listowel, hosted by his son, Billy Keane. (John B Keane was one of Ireland’s most famous and celebrated playwrights.)
Ballygarry Estate Hotel
Check inTuesday, May 18, 2027
Check into Ballygarry Estate Hotel in Tralee.
Ballygarry Estate Hotel Website:
Ballygarry Estate Hotel Websitehttps://www.ballygarry.com/
Group dinner at Ballygarry Estate Hotel
DateTuesday, May 18, 2027
Enjoy our second group dinner!
Wednesday, May 19, 2027
Day 8 - Dingle Peninsula and Sleahead Drive
Explore Dingle, Sleahead Drive, and Inch Beach
Dingle Day: Explore Dingle Peninsula
DateWednesday, May 19, 2027
Spend the day on the Dingle peninsula, exploring Dingle town and Sleahead Drive. Hold a baby lamb, visit beehive huts (medieval monastic retreats), and enjoy some of Ireland’s most dramatic scenery. Swim at Inch Beach?
Ballygarry Estate Hotel
Check inWednesday, May 19, 2027
Sleep at Ballygarry Estate Hotel.
Ballygarry Estate Hotel Website:
Ballygarry Estate Hotel Websitehttps://www.ballygarry.com/
Thursday, May 20, 2027
Day 9 - Killarney, Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Kilkenny
Explore Killarney, Rock of Cashel, and Kilkenny
Check out of Ballygarry Estate Hotel and head into Killarney
Check out of Ballygarry Estate Hotel and head into Killarney. View and photograph the Lakes of Killarney from Aghadoe Heights. Enjoy the bustle of Killarney town. Take a jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park (optional add on as it’s somewhat weather dependent). Leave Kerry for Tipperary (it’s not a really long way!) and The Rock of Cashel, the ancient seat of the Kings of Munster and medieval ecclesiastical site. Swing by Cahir Castle on the River Suir, the 13th c. stronghold of the Butler family. Leave Tipperary for Kilkenny and check in to Pembroke Hotel overlooking the River Nor and Kilkenny Castle. Free night in Kilkenny.
Pembroke Hotel
Check inThursday, May 20, 2027
Check in to Pembroke Hotel overlooking the River Nor and Kilkenny Castle.
Pembroke Hotel Website:
Pembroke Hotel Websitehttps://www.pembrokekilkenny.com/hotel
Friday, May 21, 2027
Day 10 - Kilkenny City, Design Workshops, Hurling Expo
Explore Kilkenny, Design Workshops, and Hurling
Kilkenny City Day
Putter about Kilkenny City. Explore Kilkenny Design Workshops. Enjoy a hurling expo (Ireland’s oldest and beloved sport) and lunch at Malzard’s Pub.
Lunch at Malzard’s Pub
DateFriday, May 21, 2027
Enjoy a hurling expo (Ireland’s oldest and beloved sport) and lunch at Malzard’s Pub.
Malzard’s Pub:
Malzard’s Pubhttps://www.malzards.ie/
Pembroke Hotel
Check inFriday, May 21, 2027
Sleep at Pembroke Hotel.
Pembroke Hotel Website:
Pembroke Hotel Websitehttps://www.pembrokekilkenny.com/hotel
Saturday, May 22, 2027
Day 11 - County Wicklow, Glendalough, Powerscourt, Dublin Airport
Tour Glendalough, Powerscourt, and Farewell Dinner
Check out and head east into County Wicklow
Check out of and head east into County Wicklow, 'The Garden of Ireland.' Tour Glendalough, a 6th c monastic site nestled in the mountains beside two lakes, founded by St Kevin. From there, head north to Powerscourt for lunch in the cafe and, if you wish, a stroll through their extensive and very famous gardens. This was our last stop (sadly) as we then head north to the airport and check in to Clayton Hotel and celebrate our time together with our last group dinner. Then we plan our next visit, as Ireland ALWAYS beckons!
Lunch at Powerscourt Cafe
DateSaturday, May 22, 2027
Lunch in the cafe at Powerscourt and, if you wish, a stroll through their extensive and very famous gardens.
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
Check inSaturday, May 22, 2027
Check in to Clayton Hotel and celebrate our time together with our last group dinner.
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport Website:
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport Websitehttps://www.claytonhotels.com/dublin-airport/
Last Group Dinner at Clayton Hotel
DateSaturday, May 22, 2027
Celebrate our time together with our last group dinner at Clayton Hotel.
Sunday, May 23, 2027
Day 12 - Departure and Farewell from Ireland
Fly Home or Continue Your Adventure
Fly home or onto your next adventure
Fly home or onto your next adventure. Then plan your next visit, as Ireland ALWAYS beckons!
My Backstory
In 1992, I began taking my students to Ireland over Spring Break. I was a high school English teacher in Arlington, VA with dual Irish-American citizenship, cousins throughout the country, and a husband who played Irish music professionally. My students convinced me to plan and lead a tour of Ireland. I called over to Ireland, hired a bus and driver, put the Youth Hostels on my credit card (egads!) and we were off. We had a fabulous time, so it became a Spring Break tradition for my students. But the other teachers told me I was CRAZY as I had no insurance or legal protection. So, eventually, I created Eire-Go Tours, LLC. The successes of those early tours led to more tours and, here I am! I retired from teaching in 2020 after 36 years in the classroom and now lead small group tours for people of all ages, but not unaccompanied minors. I am with you 24/7 to make sure that you learn about Irish history, music, dance, language, and culture. My tours are unique in that they offer a mixture of group time and free time where you can explore on your own (no "follow the umbrella!") and no early mornings so you can stay up late enough to enjoy the live traditional music in the pubs which often doesn't start until after 9 pm.
Join us! I love Ireland and know that you will, too.
Francesca ("Ches") Winch
301-613-0751
Map
A. Wynn’s Hotel
35-39 Abbey St Upper, North City, Dublin, D01 C9F8, IrelandB. Trim Castle
Castle St, Trim, Co. Meath, IrelandC. Newgrange
Newgrange, Donore, Co. Meath, IrelandD. Hill of Tara
Castleboy, Co. Meath, IrelandE. Irish National Stud & Gardens
Tully, Kildare, Co. Kildare, IrelandF. Clonmacnoise Abbey
Clonmacnoise, Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly, IrelandG. Sean’s Bar
13 Main St, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 DW76, IrelandH. Salthill Hotel
Promenade, Salthill, Galway, H91 DD4V, IrelandI. Rossaveal Ferry Port
Rossaveal, Co. Galway, IrelandJ. Inis Mor (Aran Islands)
Inis Mór, Aran Islands, Co. Galway, IrelandK. Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore, Connemara, Co. Galway, IrelandL. Caherconnell
Caherconnell, Carron, Co. Clare, IrelandM. Poulnabrone Dolmen
Poulnabrone, Caherconnell, Co. Clare, IrelandN. Cliffs of Moher
Lislorkan North, Liscannor, Co. Clare, IrelandO. The Old Ground Hotel
O'Connell St, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare, IrelandP. Bunratty Castle
Bunratty, Co. Clare, IrelandQ. Adare
Adare, Co. Limerick, IrelandR. John B Keane’s Pub
24 William St, Listowel, Co. Kerry, IrelandS. Ballygarry Estate Hotel
Leebrook, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 W279, IrelandT. Dingle
Dingle, Co. Kerry, IrelandU. Slea Head Drive
Slea Head, Co. Kerry, IrelandV. Inch Beach
Inch, Co. Kerry, IrelandW. Aghadoe Heights (Lakes of Killarney)
Aghadoe, Killarney, Co. Kerry, IrelandX. Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park, Killarney, Co. Kerry, IrelandY. Rock of Cashel
St. Patrick's Rock, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, IrelandZ. Cahir Castle
Castle St, Cahir, Co. Tipperary, IrelandAA. Pembroke Hotel
11 Patrick St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 VNP4, IrelandAB. Malzard’s Pub
Main St, Ballycoam, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny, IrelandAC. Glendalough
Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, IrelandAD. Powerscourt Estate
Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, IrelandAE. Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
Stockhole Ln, Clonshagh, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 X3H5, IrelandEIRE-GO TOURS
1992-...
