8 Day Jigs & Reels Music Tour of Ireland
Move To Ireland's Rhythm!
Hit the high notes on this epic music tour of Ireland; a brand new themed itinerary for 2024.
Tune up for guided musical experiences: a tour of U2's recording studio; an Irish dance workshop; a musical stage show; an intimate folk concert in a 200 year old church.
Fully guided by an Irish music expert, your 8 Day Jigs & Reels Music Tour of Ireland will bring you to amazing towns like Dingle, Doolin, Galway and Kenmare, where you can experience impromptu music sessions in charming pubs.
Embark on your own cultural journey of discovery, a toe-tapping, sing-along adventure that immerses you in the Irish music scene!
🚐 This tour may use either a 13-seater or 15-seater tour vehicle. Here's the difference.
🛗 Please be aware there is no elevator at The Moorings Guesthouse in Portmagee (Day 5).
8 Day Jigs & Reels Tour
Take all the good feeling words and descriptions, put them together and that will describe this tour!
Phenomenal memories in Ireland!
A vagabond/driftwood tour is the very best way to get a taste of Ireland.
This was my 3rd tour with Vagabond, but it won't be my last.
A Driftwood tour was the perfect activity level for seniors like my husband and I.
Everything with Vagabond Tours was great from the booking experience... to the tour itself.
Find answers to questions you have about going on a Driftwood tour.
What Should I Pack?
Travel light.
That's the one travel tip that we hear again and again from guests who have experienced our tours.
Read MoreWhen Do I Book Optional Activities?
In the vast majority of cases, you don't have to decide on tour activities until you join your tour.
That's because you'll pay for the optional excursions on our itineraries locally, direct to the suppliers themselves.
Read MoreWhat Time Does My Tour Leave & Return To Hotel?
Your group will start exploring between 8.45-9.30am each morning.
Each evening, your group will return to your hotel at around 6pm.
Read MoreWhat Day & Time Do Tours Depart?
Some of the only non-flexible elements of our tours are the departure location, departure day and departure time.
The most important information to know is that all of our tours depart from Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel on either Sundays, Mondays or Tuesdays.
Read MoreAre Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids Allowed On Tour?
We want our small-group tours to be accessible to everyone and do our utmost to help you choose a tour that suits your needs
To fully enjoy our itineraries, all guests must have a minimum level of fitness. Your ability to step onto our tour vehicles unaided is crucial.
Read MoreWe put great effort into selecting accommodation. Your 8 day Driftwood Jigs & Reels Tour will overnight in locally-owned establishments (in some cases for generations). No hotel chains here!
The Salthill Hotel
Salthill Hotel, your tranquil retreat nestled along the stunning shores of Galway Bay.
The perfect beach-side hotel for relaxing after a long day of adventures.
With breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Salthill Promenade, this hotel offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Galway city where you will be exploring for the day.
Fiddle + Bow Collection
Nestled in the heart of Doolin and born in 2019, Fiddle + Bow Hotel stands as a charming boutique retreat, inviting you to experience a true home away from home.
The hotel serves as an ideal launchpad to discover the wonders of Doolin, the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the enchanting Burren, providing a gateway to all that County Clare has to offer.
Dingle Skellig Hotel
Imagine waking up to a traditional Irish breakfast with spectacular views over Dingle Bay.
Now make that dream a reality at the Dingle Skellig Hotel.
Just a short stroll from the centre of Dingle town, this is the perfect base for enjoying the charms of Dingle and its wild and beautiful surrounding countryside.
The only dilemma facing you at the Dingle Skellig is whether to unwind in the bar first or soak in the rooftop hot tub!
The Moorings Hotel
Literally 30 seconds walk from the pier, The Moorings Guesthouse is well-named!
The Moorings lies at the heart of this tiny but characterful village in remote West Kerry.
Gerard and Patricia Kennedy’s warm welcome and delicious home-cooked food is a great way to end a day’s adventuring.
There’s simply nowhere better to base yourself when you are exploring the Ring of Kerry with Vagabond & Driftwood Small-Group Tours.
The Mills Inn Ballyvourney
Established in 1755, The Mills Inn is a family-owned business,
At 'An Muileann' (Irish for Mills Inn) you will find a genuine Irish fáilte (welcome), traditional Irish music and wonderful craic.
The Mills Inn Ballyvourney is one of Ireland best kept secrets of the real Ireland in West Cork!
River Lee Hotel in Cork
Get ready to kick back and soak in the good vibes at the River Lee Hotel – a top-notch hotel in the heart of Cork!
Nestled on the banks of the River Lee, this hotel is the perfect for experiencing city life while also being able to relax away from the hustle and bustle.
The River Lee Hotel boasts an extraordinary location in this delightful and historically rich city.
All Driftwood tours are flexible. Your 8 Day Jigs & Reels Music Tour is no different.
Unmissable activities are included. Where there are great options, we’ve left the final decision up to you. Feel free to choose your evening meals and lunches. All additional tour options are marked clearly below.
- A musical journey of discovery in a slick Mercedes mini-coach
- The services of a highly-trained and professional VagaGuide tour guide
- 8 full days on tour
- 7 nights' accommodation
- 7 delicious and filling hot Irish breakfasts
- Tickets to Irish music and dance show in Galway and music performance in Doolin.
- Guided visit to traditional harp-making studio
- Guided farm tour and sheepdog demo
- Guided Irish dance workshop in Kerry
- Guided musical walking tour of Cork
- Guided castle tour in Athenry
- Entrance to Blarney Castle & Gardens and the Rock of Cashel
- Shannon ferry tickets
All details of prices and suppliers listed here are correct at time of publication. Our suppliers occasionally increase prices for optional tour activities during the touring season. This is a rare occurence. In the unlikely event of a major price increase, we will do our utmost to update you.
** Cash is required for this activity. No card payment available.
- Dingle Folk Concert**€12.00
Folk music concert at the 200 year old St James' Church in Dingle. Cash Required. - Skellig Islands Cruise€50.00
Cruise around Skellig Michael and Little Skellig. 2hr 30 mins. - Portmagee Whiskey Tour€20.00
Guided whiskey tasting and historical tour at the Portmagee Distillery - Hysterical Histories€45.00
Factual — but fun — stage show that tells the history of Cork city. - Windmill Studios Tour€22.00
Guided tour of Windmill Studios in Dublin, first made famous by U2
View Itinerary
8 Day Jigs & Reels Music Tour of Ireland Intro & Highlights
- Take a rockin' guided tour of Dublin's Windmill Lane Studios, a recording venue first made famous by U2.
- See world champion dancers and internationally-renowned musicans perform in a live Irish music and dance show.
- Step into the real home of a traditional musician in Clare for an intimate gig and historical talk.
- Learn about an ancient and symbolic instrument on a guided visit to a traditional Irish harp maker's studio.
- Get your dancing shoes on for an Irish sean nós dance workshop with a champion dancer in Kerry.
- Enjoy overnight stops and quality time in towns with serious musical heritage: Doolin; Dingle; Miltown Malbay.
- Visit a working Irish sheep farm with charming old-style cottages for a live sheepdog demo and guided farm tour.
- All aboard! Take a boat trip around the spectacular Skellig Islands to experience seabirds and amazing history.
Day 1: Stage Show in Galway City
Meet your VagaGuide in Dublin and hit the road, bound for Galway.
- Guided castle tour in Athenry
- Free time in Galway to wander the city, catch street performances and live music in pubs.
- Attend live Irish music and dance spectacular; Trad on the Prom in Galway city.
Accommodation tonight is at Salthill Hotel Galway.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Day 2: Harp Workshop & Music in Doolin
Mix magical music with incredible landscapes as you turn south from Galway and move into Clare.
- Guided visit to a traditional Irish harp maker's studio.
- Intimate performance and talk at the Doolin Music House.
- Visit The Burren and the world famous Cliffs of Moher.
Accommodation tonight is at Fiddle & Bow Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Day 3: Irish Dancing Workshop
Today you'll cross from the Banner county of Clare to the Kingdom of Kerry.
- Visit the Music Makers of West Clare experience in Miltown Malbay (Fee Included).
- Meet a champion dancer for an Irish dance workshop in north Kerry (Fee Included).
- Visit a working Irish sheep farm for guided tour and sheepdog demo (Fee Included).
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Day 4: Dingle Folk Concert
Today is yours to design with a special concert and quality downtime in Dingle.
- Savour an Irish folk music concert at the magical, 200 year old St James' Church in Dingle (Optional Extra).
- Free time to soak up the charms of Dingle with various retail, boat and craft options.
- Rugged cliffs and incredible vistas on the Slea Head Drive.
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.
The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.
Day 5: Skellig Islands Boat Trip
Head further into Kerry, moving from the Dingle peninsula to Portmagee, on the Iveragh peninsula.
- Dip your toes in the ocean at Inch Strand, a broad stretch of golden sand with rolling Atlantic waves.
- Take a guided boat trip around both Skellig Islands to experience seabirds and amazing history (Optional Extra).
- Alternatively, savour a guided whiskey tasting and historical tour at the Portmagee Distillery (Optional Extra).
Accommodation tonight is at The Moorings Portmagee.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Day 6: Ring of Kerry, Kenmare & Cork
Explore the world famous Ring of Kerry touring route before heading for an Irish-speaking Gaeltacht are in Cork.
- Visit Derrynane House or take a stroll on one of Ireland’s most pristine beaches.
- Savour free time to stroll the heritage town of Kenmare.
- In the village of Ballyvourney, enjoy yet another live traditional Irish music session in your hotel.
Accommodation tonight is at The Mills Inn Ballyvourney.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Day 7: Cork City & Blarney Castle
Your penultimate day exploring Irish music and culture brings you deeper into county Cork.
- Check out the live traditional music scene in Cork city and see for yourself if it's the real capital of Ireland, as locals claim.
- Kiss the Blarney Stone or amble through the lush landscaped gardens of Blarney Castle (Fee Included).
Accommodation tonight is at River Lee Hotel Cork.
The average driving time today is 2 hours.
Day 8: Studio Tour & Rock of Cashel
Before we wave goodbye in Dublin, you'll stop in Tipperary and take a tour of a legendary recording studio.
- Take a rockin' guided tour of Windmill Lane Studios (Optional Extra).
- Take a self-guided tour of the Rock of Cashel (Fee Included).
- You’ll reach Dublin in your Mercedes tour vehicle around 3pm.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
