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On the roads of traditional Irish music
Crafts & meetings,  Local experiences,  History & heritage,  Nature & traditions

On the roads of traditional Irish music

Duration 11 days
Inspiration Crafts & meetings
From €2,210 per person
Planning your trip

This trip in brief

  • An 11-day trip to Ireland along the routes of traditional music.
  • Stages: Dublin, Galway, Connemara, the Aran Islands, the Burren and Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney and Cork.
  • Included: 10 nights, rental car, Dublin music tour, Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum Experience and bodhrán workshop at Roundstone.
  • Starting from €2,210 per person, itinerary adaptable to your wishes.

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Why choose a traditional music trip to Ireland?

A traditional music tour of Ireland offers the chance to discover the country through one of its most vibrant traditions. During this tour, music becomes the guiding thread of your adventure. From Dublin to Cork, via Galway, Connemara, Doolin, and Killarney, discover lively cities, wild landscapes, and above all, a musical culture deeply rooted in everyday life.

This trip is therefore not limited to attending a few concerts. On the contrary, it invites you to meet musicians, discover traditional instruments and enjoy sessions in Irish pubs.

Dublin and traditional Irish music

Your journey begins in Dublin. The capital has a particularly rich musical history, encompassing traditional music, folk, and Irish rock.

Wander through the historic streets before discovering several iconic venues of the music scene. In the evening, step into a traditional pub. There, you can listen to musicians playing in a friendly atmosphere.

This first step provides an excellent introduction to your traditional music journey in Ireland.

Discover all our Tailor-made trips to Ireland.

Galway and Connemara to the rhythm of music

Continue your journey towards Galway. Here, music is an integral part of the city's atmosphere. In the streets of the city center, musicians accompany your exploration of the Latin Quarter and its colorful facades.

Next, explore the landscapes of Connemara. In Roundstone, discover the bodhrán, the famous traditional Irish drum. A meeting with a craftsman will give you a better understanding of its making and its importance in Irish music.

Thus, the trip combines cultural discovery and spectacular landscapes.

Doolin, an emblematic village of traditional music

Your route continues towards Doolin. This small village on the west coast is particularly renowned for its traditional music sessions.

In the evening, settle into one of the village pubs. Violin, flute, guitar, or bodhrán will provide the soundtrack to your evening. Depending on availability, a more intimate encounter with local musicians can also enrich this experience.

Doolin thus allows us to discover a musical tradition that continues to be passed down between generations.

From Kerry to Cork, continue your musical journey

After Doolin, head towards the landscapes of Kerry and Killarney National Park. This leg of the journey offers a chance to alternate between hiking, lakes, and evenings in the town centre pubs.

Finally, end your stay in Cork. The city also boasts a vibrant music scene and several venues known for their traditional music sessions.

This traditional Irish music trip therefore allows you to combine the great Irish landscapes with authentic cultural experiences.

At Brightside Travel, we create Tailor-made trips to Ireland according to your desires, your pace and the experiences you wish to have.

To further explore Irish culture and music, also consult the official website of Tourism Ireland

On the roads of traditional Irish music: a travel itinerary

On the Roads of Irish Music: Travel Itinerary. Embark on an 11-day immersion in the heart of traditional Irish music. Meet musicians and craftspeople, discover the bodhrán, participate in a dance workshop, and let yourself be carried away by improvised sessions in Dublin, Galway, Doolin, and Cork. Between the landscapes of Connemara, the Aran Islands, the Burren, and Killarney National Park, this journey blends culture, nature, and encounters.
Flower-covered facade of a traditional pub in Dublin
Day 1

Dublin, first Irish notes

Upon arrival in Dublin, settle into your accommodation before setting off on foot to explore the capital.

Take a walk along the River Liffey, then head to Temple Bar and explore Trinity College.

Depending on your arrival time, continue towards St Stephen's Green.

In the evening, push open the door of a traditional pub to experience your first musical evening in Ireland.

Night in Dublin.

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Day 1
Dublin
Day 2

Dublin's musical heritage

Dedicate this day to the musical history of the capital.

Join a guided music-themed tour. As you stroll through the streets, discover the artists and groups who have shaped Irish musical history.

Then continue with the Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum Experience.

In the evening, join The Cobblestone or O'Donoghue's to listen to a traditional music session.

Night in Dublin.

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Day 2
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Day 3

Dublin – Athlone – Galway

Pick up your rental car and leave Dublin to head west to Ireland.

On the way, make a stop in Athlone, a pleasant town located on the banks of the Shannon.

Then continue on to Galway.

Upon arrival, explore the Latin Quarter. The colorful facades, lively alleyways, and street musicians immediately set the tone.

In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere of the pubs in the centre.

Night in Galway.

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Day 3
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Day 4

Galway, local music and traditions

Enjoy a full day dedicated to Galway.

Start by exploring the historic center, the markets and the lively streets.

Next, participate in a traditional Irish dance workshop, subject to availability.

This experience allows you to discover Irish culture through rhythm and movement.

In the evening, enjoy a new musical session in one of the city's traditional pubs.

Night in Galway.

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Day 4
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Day 5

Connemara and the bodhrán workshop at Roundstone

Explore Connemara.

Visit Kylemore Abbey before continuing on to Clifden and the coastal scenery.

Then continue on to Roundstone.

Discover a workshop dedicated to the making of the bodhrán. Observe the materials, techniques and know-how necessary to create this iconic instrument.

The source program specifically includes a meeting about bodhrán making in Roundstone.

Return to Galway at the end of the day.

Night in Galway.

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Day 5
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Day 6

The Aran Islands

Leave Galway to reach the Aran Islands.

The crossing already allows you to discover Ireland from a different perspective.

Upon arrival, explore the island on foot or by bicycle.

Discover the Atlantic landscapes, the small paths and the special atmosphere of these islands still strongly linked to Irish culture.

Back to Galway.

Overnight in Galway. The initial program also offers the Aran Islands as one of two great maritime experiences possible from Galway.

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Day 6
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Day 7

The Burren and Doolin, a village of music

Leave Galway to reach County Clare.

Travel through the limestone landscapes of the Burren before discovering Poulnabrone Dolmen.

Then continue on to Doolin.

This small village is particularly renowned for its attachment to traditional music.

In the evening, enjoy a session in one of the village pubs.

Depending on availability, a more private experience can also be considered at Christy Barry's.

Night in Doolin.

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Day 7
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Day 8

Cliffs of Moher and road to Killarney

Start your day by exploring the Cliffs of Moher.

Take some time to admire the Atlantic scenery before heading back towards Kerry.

Upon arrival in Killarney, settle in and then enjoy the lively atmosphere of the centre.

In the evening, push open the door of a pub to continue your musical exploration.

Overnight in Killarney.

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Day 8
Park
Day 9

Killarney National Park and Kerry Traditions

Dedicate your day to Killarney National Park.

Explore the trails on foot or by bike.

Discover in particular Muckross House, Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle.

In the evening, look for a traditional music session in one of the pubs in Killarney town centre.

This day allows for a mix of stunning landscapes and local culture.

Overnight in Killarney.

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Day 9
Cork
Day 10

Killarney – Cork and final musical evening

Leave Kerry and head to Cork.

Upon arrival, explore the English Market and then take a stroll through the city centre.

You can also visit St Fin Barre's Cathedral.

In the evening, meet at Sin É.

The initial program presents this pub as one of Cork's iconic addresses for listening to traditional music in an authentic atmosphere.

Overnight in Cork.

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Day 10
Dublin
Day 11

Cork – Dublin and the end of the trip

Leave Cork and head to Dublin.

The road crosses the verdant landscapes of the heart of Ireland one last time.

Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, return your rental car.

End of the journey.

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Day 11
Included
  • 10 nights in carefully selected accommodations
  • Breakfast is included depending on the accommodation.
  • Car rental according to the program
  • A music-themed guided tour of Dublin
  • Entrance to the Irish Rock 'n' Roll Museum Experience
  • The discovery of a bodhrán making workshop in Roundstone
  • A personalized travel journal from Brightside Travel
  • A detailed day-by-day itinerary
  • A selection of pubs and traditional music venues
  • Restaurant recommendations and good places to eat
  • Brightside Travel assistance before and during your stay
Not included
  • Return flights to Ireland
  • Fuel
  • Parking and any traffic fees
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks
  • Ferry crossings when not included
  • The traditional dance workshop, if offered as an option
  • Concerts or private sessions offered as an option
  • Site entries not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance and car hire
On the roads of traditional Irish music
From €2,210 per person