Time to plan –
One of the best things about January is that it just feels like a time to plan! Now some plans can be small but important like “I plan to practice every day” and others can be big like “I plan to buy a complete set of strings, so I won’t have to worry about a string breaking”.
But some plans are both big and important – like, “I really want to travel to Ireland and Scotland, and I want to do that with a harp so I can soak up even more of the wonderfulness in the air!” So, let’s start planning because I would love it if you came along with us!
For 2025, Alex and I have made some changes and added some flex, and I think you’ll really enjoy it! Welcome to your adventure where there are lots of amazing sites and musical sounds to be had in these incredible cultural treasures.
New in 2025 – you can come along to Ireland and Scotland, just Ireland, or just Scotland. Travel dates are October 1st through the 14th, estimated at $5,900 ppdo plus airfare. If you can only come for one week, split fares are possible – ask for more information! We are still planning, so be sure to check back often as the itinerary is updated and confirmed. This is a rough itinerary and is subject to change.
Here’s the plan:
The first week will be in Ireland. This week will focus on some favorites – and you know that there’s a tune for that! (for those of you haven’t traveled with me, that seems to be the sentence that comes out of my mouth all-the-time. Don’t worry, I’ll share them with you!).
Days 1-3: Down South in Dingle
Touchdown Shannon! We’ll meet in the arrivals hall and then make our way south to the Dingle Peninsula where music is king and “the next parish over is Boston!”
Days 4-5: The Cork-Kilkenny Connection
Known for winning the tidy town award year after year, Kilkenny is full of charming streets, traditional shops, and plenty of High Street atmosphere.
Days 6-7: Dublin’s Fair City
Ireland’s work-a-day capitol awaits as we check in to Dublin. With great districts like the Temple Bar and Grafton Street, Dublin has so much to offer including a chance to find out more about those Irish roots!
Departure Day or Day 8: Up North in Belfast
We know that some of you have to head back Stateside, and we’ll be sad to see you go but we’ll be headed to Scotland!
Week Two: Scotland
We’ll enjoy the historical centers and their sites. We’ll balance our time with organized tours and independent downtime. If you’ve never been here before, you’ll see those marquee sites that are a must. And if this isn’t your first time, those local gems for just waiting for you – the tenured visitor.
Day 8-9: Stirling in the heart of Scotland
We’ll spend some time exploring those beautiful spots that make Scotland so unique. We’ll check in at Stirling to see how things look from the stunning castle and learn a little more about William Wallace and history – romantic and accurate!
Day 10-11: Historic St. Andrews
We’re off to beautiful St. Andrews to take in this amazing and interesting place – full of history, culture, golf, and a university! St. Andrews is small but mighty – and compelling!
Day 12-13: Ending in Edinburgh
Edinburgh awaits us with plenty to see and to do! We’ll arrive in style by train and pull into Waverly Station. From here, we are just a short distance from our hotel. Just off the Royal Mile, we’ll set out to enjoy the local area and enjoy our workshop as well as dinner.
Departure Day
As we say goodbye to you here, we’ll be sure to fill your final hours with any last-minute activities or venues that might interest you. We are sure that you will leave magical Scotland with a song in your heart and a smile on your face and perhaps a reason to return to this legendary culture.
What’s Included
Breakfast at our hotels and dinners at unique locations daily.
Balance of scheduled experiences and unscheduled time to explore further or relax as you choose.
Plenty of downtime to enjoy unscheduled moments any way you please.
All attraction tickets and passes for experiences and guided tours (always with local experts).
All transportation including airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
Daily music workshop time to develop those crucial skills as well as a small harp for your use.
Our Commitment:
As we get to know you, we will be able to find those little corners of Ireland and Scotland that delight and enchant. From magical bookstores, fabled artworks, and secret passageways, we’ll share with you those little things that make this the experience of a lifetime.
You know one of the quintessential joys of making music is sharing with others, so if you have a non-harp playing travel mate – bring them along! They are more than welcome (and if they play a different, small trad instrument, they are welcome to bring it and learn the tunes as well).
At this point you’re likely interested, and have questions, right? Ask away, I love to answer questions! Click here for questions.
If you’re ready to “press play”, click here to save your spot and get priority access. Can’t wait to travel with you!
I hope you’re going to plan to come along – we’d love to show you our favorite things and find some new ones too! Let me know in the comment!