Hit the high notes on this epic music tour of Ireland.
Take a tour of U2's recording studio. Tap your toes in an Irish dance workshop. Experience spontaneous music sessions in pubs, a music and dance stage show and an intimate folk concert in a 200 year old church.
Fully guided by a local expert, your music tour of Ireland drops by amazing towns like Dingle, Doolin, Galway and Kenmare.
Embark on a true cultural journey of discovery; a toe-tapping, soul-enriching, sing-along adventure!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "All the scenic stops, musical offerings, hotels and side excursions were so well planned and executed… I highly recommend this tour regardless of your musical skills or preferences." Guest Review JULY 2024
🚐 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).
Find answers to questions about the 8 day Driftwood Jigs & Reels Tour Itinerary.
We do our utmost to ensure that the tour style you choose matches your needs. Our team offer honest and professional customer service from the moment you first get in touch.
Read the following physical requirements to understand if your tour choice matches your abilities.
Read MoreYou'll need basic mobility to enjoy any of our small group tours of Ireland. Standing and walking for extended periods is required on both tour styles.
For Vagabond Cultural Adventures, the fitness requirement is considerably higher than on a Driftwood Journey of Discovery.
Read MoreAll of our tours depart from Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel [Google Maps location] on either Sundays, Mondays or Tuesdays between 7.50am and 8.30am.
Please plan to arrive at the Grand Canal Hotel at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Read MoreAll of our tours leave from our pick-up/drop-off point at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin.
Our pick-up times from the Grand Canal Hotel vary by tour:
Read MoreWhether you're planning to land on Skellig Michael or simply cruise around both Skellig Islands, the boats you travel on will be similar in size and oceangoing ability.
They measure roughly 9 metres or 30 feet in length. Though they have powerful engines, they are open-decked vessels with little or no protection from rain, waves and water spray.
Read MoreYou don't have to pre-book activities until you join your tour. While on tour, your VagaGuide will advise you when you need to book an optional extra.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: The only exception is the Skellig Michael Island landing option. This optional extra is only available on the 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour. It requires prior booking at least 45 days before you arrive in Ireland.
Read MoreWe recommend bringing a small amount of cash in euros to Ireland with you.
Around €300 euro should be more than enough to get you through your first days in Dublin.
Read MoreThe industry standard in Ireland is €15 per person, per day. But this is, of course, at your discretion.
Our team of VagaGuide tour guides really appreciate any tips that come their way after leading a Vagabond or Driftwood small-group tour.
Read MoreTo make everyone's tour run smoothly, we operate strict limits on baggage size. Plan to bring 1x compact suitcase as well as 1x daypack or backpack, per guest booking.
Your single large piece of luggage should weigh no more than 51lb (23kg) and measure no longer than 31” (79cm) along its longest side. This 31 inch (79cm) limit includes any wheels that may protrude from the suitcase or bag.
Read MoreTravel light.
That's the one travel tip that we hear again and again from guests who have experienced our tours.
Read MoreServiced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:
Lunches and dinners are not included on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours. You are free to choose your own lunches and dinners.
Your VagaGuide tour guide will recommend their favourite cafes, restaurants and shops. We find that this flexible approach to included meals allows us to cater for diverse tastes, budgets and diets.
All hotel breakfasts are included in your tour price.
Similar QuestionsMost hotels in Ireland do not have air conditioning.
The climate in Ireland usually isn't hot enough to warrant air conditioning.
In periods of prolonged warm weather, hotels that don’t have air conditioning will normally install fans in the bedrooms.
Find out more about Irish weather and the best time to visit Ireland
Similar QuestionsAll of your hotel rooms on tour provide hairdryers.
Please note that, in some cases, Irish hotel hairdryers may not be the most powerful models.
Similar QuestionsAll of our hotels offer double, twin and single room types. Doubles have 1x bed, twins have 2x separate beds and singles have 1x bed.
When booking with us, please select a room requirement for each passenger listed. Choose your room type based on each person sharing.
Read MoreThe standard bed size in Ireland equates to a US Queen (60" x 80"). This may vary with hotel or room type.
Similar QuestionsWhile travel insurance is not a requirement for our tours, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance cover before your trip to Ireland.
Your policy should cover all medical costs associated with travel.
Read MoreYes, there are regular comfort stops along the tour route where you can avail of restroom facilities.
Simply ask your VagaGuide if you're unsure when the next stop is coming
Similar QuestionsThere are no wifi or charging points available on Vagabond & Driftwood tour vehicles.
We recommend bringing a cellphone with you on tour in Ireland to take pictures and to stay in touch with loved ones back home.
Talk to your cellphone provider about international data roaming before you depart. Alternatively, purchase a sim card on arrival in Ireland to help you get online.
If you think you'll need it, pack a lightweight power bank in your daypack or backpack.
Even better, take a digital detox while exploring Ireland with us!
Similar QuestionsWe always put guest safety first on Vagabond Cultural Adventures.
For this reason, when engaging in kayaking and horseback-riding activities, the following personal weight limits apply:
🐴 Horseback-Riding
Male weight limit: 238lbs / 17 stone / 108kg
Female weight limit: 225lbs / 16 stone / 102kg
🛶 Kayaking
Per person Double Kayak weight limit: 110kg / 17.5 stone / 245lbs
Total Double Kayak weight limit for 2 guests: 190kg / 30 stone / 420lbs
Per person Single Kayak weight limit: 92kg / 14.5 stone / 200lbs.
Similar Questions
All of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.
We call them VagaGuides.
Read MoreYour group will start exploring between 8.45-9.30am each morning.
Each evening, your group will return to your hotel at around 6pm.
Read MoreTo help you plan your return flights, here are the days and times that our tours return to Dublin.
The return point for all tours is Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel
Read MoreIt's difficult to access your main luggage or suitcase while on tour. Luggage is securely packed in our tour vehicles. As a result, it's not easy for your driver guide to access individual items of baggage during the day.
However, you can easily access your luggage at each hotel. So that you have your travel essentials close at hand, we recommend bringing a daypack, or backpack, that you can keep beside you in the tour vehicle.
Read MoreAll of our tours pick-up and drop-off from the same point in Dublin - the Grand Canal Hotel.
The Grand Canal Hotel is located just south of Dublin city centre.
Read MoreYes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.
Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower unit and/or combined shower and bath.
Similar QuestionsWe want our small-group tours to be as accessible as possible. Our friendly Sales team do their utmost to help you choose a tour itinerary that suits your needs
To fully enjoy both of our tour styles, all guests must have a minimum level of fitness. Full mobility 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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
You just can’t beat Irish hospitality!
The Jones family have been welcoming guests to The Coachmans Townhouse since 1969.
The Coachmans is located at the heart of the small town of Kenmare. When you stay here with Vagabond & Driftwood Tours, speciality shops, music venues and great restaurants are only a few footsteps away.
Music-lovers, take note that the pub in the Coachmans frequently hosts live performances by traditional musicians. Not to be missed!
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.
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.
Meet your VagaGuide in Dublin and hit the road, bound for Galway.
Accommodation tonight is at Salthill Hotel Galway.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Mix magical music with incredible landscapes as you turn south from Galway and move into Clare.
Accommodation tonight is at Fiddle & Bow Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Today you'll cross from the Banner county of Clare to the Kingdom of Kerry.
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Today is yours to design with a special concert and quality downtime in Dingle.
Accommodation tonight is at Dingle Skellig Hotel.
The average driving time today is 1 hours 30 minutes.
Head further into Kerry, moving from the Dingle peninsula to Portmagee, on the Iveragh peninsula.
Accommodation tonight is at The Moorings Portmagee.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Explore the breathtaking Skellig Ring driving route before heading for an Irish-speaking Gaeltacht are in Cork.
Accommodation tonight is at The Coachman's Townhouse.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Your penultimate day exploring Irish music and culture brings you deeper into county Cork.
Accommodation tonight is at River Lee Hotel Cork.
The average driving time today is 2 hours.
Before we wave goodbye in Dublin, you'll stop in Tipperary and take a tour of a legendary recording studio.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.