IRELAND
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THE MAGIC of THE EMERALD ISLE
The 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Wimbledon, The Abergavenny Food Festival, The Royal Ascot, the Bestival, & Braemar Highland Gathering, these are just some of the events we are anticipating in 2016...
ANCIENT IRELAND
Video Courtesy of Discover Ireland's Youtube Channel
CUSTOM IRELAND FOR CANADIANS
About IRELAND
When you think about Ireland, the mind can draw upon many different ideas. Ireland wears so many hats, each one just as impressive as the next.
Adventure seekers will embrace Ireland for its energy, and the lovers of fiction and fantasy will explore the scenes where make believe is truly made.
This is a place where golf enthusiasts will discover the true meaning behind the name the 'emerald' isle and where music students will learn and perform with communities that have roots in music & tradition which date back over centuries.
This is a magical place. And travelling to Ireland in 2016 is the best time for travelers to make their own memorable, and customised story here.
From the beginning - although it might seem cold, Ireland ceases to sleep. The country keeps their festive spirit alive from January and which builds all the way into March, where the world famous festivities - in the name of St. Patrick - begin.
This is a great time to be in Ireland - a definite must for the bucket list.
Springtime might not awaken the festive nature of Ireland, but it most definitely evokes a burst of color, scent, and life. You'll find April a particularly pleasant month. This off shoulder peak warmly welcomes the lovers of nature and the outdoors to a variety of breathtaking gardens, national parks, and gorgeous golf greens.
Summers in Ireland reflect the very best of the active and the adventurous side that characterizes the country so well. This is a busy and exciting time which can be felt through the whole of the region. The summer is a great time to explore as much as you can of the Great Atlantic Causeway, or the lighthouse trail. So many different festivals and events dot this place, making plenty of opportunity to see and do what interests you most.
Oh, the autumn months in Ireland! For the lovers of food and drink, there is no better season to come and explore this magical place. No matter where you turn, the harvest, either along the coast or inland, is bursting with flavours exotic & traditional to the country. Don't forget to lovingly compliment your passion by travellig in a season that hosts a variety of festivals and celebrations in food and drink, as Ireland concludes it's outdoor season. From literary festivals to art, to music, to pub crawls, to cooking classes & outdoor markets, this is the time to travel to Ireland and explore your deepest passions with like minded spirits!
Prepare to party as winter returns, with some famously breathtaking festivities, such as the GLOW festival in Cork. Discover how beatuful this place becomes when walking down the streets of Dublin during the Christmas season. Walk below chandelier like light fixtures along the world famous high street of Grafton.
ABOUT IRELAND
CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRAVELS TO
IRELAND
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There's more than one reason why Ireland is the best destination for Canadians in 2016
New, affordable, and direct flights from Dublin. Plenty of activities & festivals that meet a variety of exciting interests. Take the walk with us and explore the many stories the Emerald Isle has to offer us
Video Courtesy of Discover Ireland's Youtube Channel
THE EMERALD ISLE IS A SPARKLING GEM
WINTER SEASON
SPRING SEASON
SUMMER SEASON
AUTUMN SEASON
HOLIDAY SEASON
Getting Here & Getting Around is EASY
GETTING TO IRELAND FROM CANADA
Choose from a selection of direct flights or take advantage of a wide range of connecting flights through such European hub airports including London, & Glasgow. Flight time from Dublin to London is about an hour and 25 minutes, and several airlines support the route directly, including jaw droppingly low cost carriers such as Ryan Air & City Jet.
This alone makes Ireland and easy destination to do even more. How about including an extension to Scotland, England, Wales, or beyond in your travels? Use Dublin's route to your advantage: once your there, a plethora of opportunities to travel in and around Europe is endless.
As more opportunities to catch direct flights to Dublin become available across Canada, it is also important to note that there is also a healthy variety of airlines - all with reputable names - whom serve this route.
Air Canada, Aer Lingus, Air Canada Rouge, Air Transat, and British Airways all support direct routing from Canada to Great Britain.
Furthermore we are excited to welcome & support the new direct WestJet route from St. John's, Newfoundland to Dublin, Ireland, starting daily from May 1st - Oct 24th, 2015. This flight will begin out of Toronto, creating many other easy connections from Canadian cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Montreal, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Vancouver, Victoria, & Winnipeg. For more information about this route, you can read up on WestJet's new offering here.
No matter what route you have, or what airline you use, you might be surprised by the cost of your air, as well as the time it takes you to get there. As West Jet keenly notes, flight time from St. John's to Dublin is only 4.5 hours. That's a shorter than most of our domestic flights!
This, along with our variety, affordability, and accessibility, makes Ireland, a valuable and pertinent route to any Canadian traveler with their eye on Europe as a destination.
Detailed Map Download
GETTING AROUND IRELAND
Traveling around Ireland is in and of itself - a highlight of the journey.
In Ireland, it is easy to co-ordinate coach, train, and ferry timetables putting the very best of the country within easy reach. And addition to the motorways and main roads, there is an excellent network of lightly trafficked rural roads - or boreens.
Ireland's National Journey Planner with its integrated national train, ferry and bus timetables, offers you with a reliable and easy tool to organize your transport along your journey. There are also several excellent tour operators and driver's escorts that offer guided drives across Ireland's finest landscapes such as along the Wild Atlantic Way, and other incredible trailheads.
RAIL
BOAT
May 1st, 2015 we happily welcomed West Jet's new direct route from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Dublin until Oct 24. Learn more >>>
INT'L AIRPORTS - IRELAND
DUBLIN - CORK - DONEGAL - KERRY - KNOCK - SHANNON - WATERFORD
[CLICK TO ZOOM]
This map is available for download too! [Courtesy of Tourism Ireland] Download Here >>>
Although the rail network here is not as extensive as rail routes in England & Scotland, Ireland's rail will connect you to all major cities and towns. For journeys between Dublin and Cork and Dublin and Tralee as well as any points in between - it will be faster for you than driving or taking the bus.
The Irish Rail is Ireland's national railway system operator of Ireland. Their website comes with maps, rates, and scheduling. The Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) , operated by Translink is Northern Ireland's operator.
You can find timetables easly on Ireland's very own Journey Planner,
RailEurope is also a great source for rail access. Discount railcards are applicable for 60+ and people aged 16-25.
TOUR
By far the best option, travelling with a private guide or escort on either a group tour or solo, is the best way to stay flexible, efficient, affordable, and worry free. There are several tour companies that we work closely with in Ireland, all of which offer a variety of tours and transport options for us to match within your budget.
Opportunities include hop-on and hop-off tours, backpacker tours, activity based escorts (for groups and solo travellers), historical, and heritage. With Conenction Tours, the opportunities travelling through Ireland are wonderfully endless.
CYCLING
There are fourteen ports across England, Wales, Scotland, France Belgium & the Netherlands which sail directly to Ireland's 7 international ports along the coast of Ireland. Moreover there are 8 different ferry services that support these routes (and more). They include Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries, the Kintyre Express, the Shannon Ferry, the National Ferry Fortnight, P & O, Stena Line, and who could forget: the Isle of Man Steam Packet.
PRIVATE CAR
Although the costliest of options, car rentals, even with the addition of pricey petrol, provides you with freedom & flexibility in your visit to Ireland. Drivers must be aged 23-65, and must remember that very different driving laws apply! It is possible to organize rentals through Connection Tours as well as private drivers & escorts. There are a variety of different car rental companies to choose from, with locations in every major city, their airport, and through a variety of other hubs across the country.
Rental companies include: Irish Car Rentals, Enterprise, Europcar, Dan Dooley, Hertz, Budget, Avis, Nova, Sixt, Atlas, & Thrifty.
PUBLIC BUS ROUTES
The cheapest transport option for individual travel, comfy and reliable buses serve all main towns across the country. For up to date timetables and fares, visit Ireland's Journey Planner to see the public routes available to you, along with fares, schedules, and the opportunity to plot out your own journey.
Cycling Ireland isn't just a major activity for Ireland, it has become an essential transport option - and the support to to do so is enormous.
A multitude of cycling clubs, road networks & boreens will take you to places the Lonely Planet has boasted as being some of the top 10 cycling routes in the world.
Bike hires typically range from €30-50 EUR for a week R/T. One way cycle hires are also available. If cycling intercity, Dublin also has a bike scheme which allows unlimited use of their bikes for only €2.
If you're wishing to embark on a longer cycle journey, for instance, along the King Fisher Cycle Trail, it is possible for a partnered tour operator to ensure your bags meet you along your route at your overnight stay.
Visit Cycling Ireland for support, and review with organizations such as Greentraveller & the Road Safety Authority for tips, and rules when cycling safely on your trip.
PRIVATE COACH
Connection Tours works closely with several private coach and van companies to transport groups large and small, and is easily one of the easiest and most affordable transport options for group travel in Ireland. Enquire with us about your private transport requirements.
What to DO in IRELAND
Ireland has so much to offer a variety of passionate interests. From Gealic dancing to a host of fishing, cycling, hiking and walking opportunities, Ireland will introduce you to a community in tune with what you are looking to explore. Find an unimaginable variety of support and passion, especially in within the following interests:
ADVENTURE
HISTORY & HERITAGE
FOOD & DRINK
WHISKEY & PUB CRAWLS
GOLF IRELAND
MUSIC & DANCE
ANCESTRY & GENEOLOGY
GARDEN & NATURE
MUSIC & DANCE
If you or your group is passionate about music, whether it be listening, watching, exploring, learning, or performing yourself, Ireland is the place to do it.
The music community across Ireland has deep roots in traditional song and dancewhich dates back through centuries - and the results keeps a beat like no other.
From festivals, to workshops, to summer schools, to memorable flash performances in a local pub - Ireland welcomes your love of music. Keep your wits about you, Ireland might have a thing or two to teach you along the way.
With some extraordinary partners, Connection Tours can connect you with unforgettable performance & workshop opportunities. Celebrate your love for music & dance like you've never thought possible
Ireland boasts an impressive music & performance scene, with historic venues and world-class instructors. Spots like the Project Arts Centre and the CIT Cork School of Music will provide the opportunity for any young musician to grow within their passion.
Festivals such as the Dublin Fringe Festival or the Belfast Festival at Queen's will give the thrill and excitement you crave, with traditional and modern genres to appeal to.
Meanwhile, innovative, yet historically classical performance venues and opportunities exist, for everything from small time plays to large-scale musicals.
IRISH MUSIC & DANCE IDEAS TO EXPLORE
Ceol na Coille Summer School of Irish Traditional Music
29th South Sligo Summer School
Merry Ploughboy Pub Traditional Night
Monaghan Town Country Music Festival
Electric Picnic
Galway Arts Festival
The Hole in the Wall, Kilkenny
Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre
Traditional Music at Causey Farm
Inis Mor
Bodhr 'n Music Sessions
TOURISM IRELAND ONLINE MUSIC RESOURCES
HISTORY
The history you can find here in Ireland goes back over thousands and thousands of years...leaving behind impressive remains in architecture, art, and tradition.
This is the place where saints and scholars were born. Monasteries and abbies were erected here, and holy men worked their hands to the bone in an effort to protect works of poetry, history, scripture, social law, and literature.
While the rest of Europe was in turmoil, Ireland stood at peace, protecting centuries of thought, religion, tradition, & architecture in many different ways. That is - until the Vikings came - and with them ensued bloody battles, pagan legends, and stories of fearsome Norse invaders who set out to establish Viking strongholds & cities in their wake. Through archeaology, interpretive centres, and historical guides, we can easily peer back through time and experience a great and epic story.
With our extraordinary partners, The Connection Tours Team can piece your historic tour of Ireland so that you may uncover the mysteries within a budget that works for you.
Despite a long & hard history, most of the preserved and prehistoric collections dating back to the Neolithic period can be found intact all across Ireland.
Must do's include walking the Skellig Michael stone steps, which hug the coastal cliffs nearby the county Kerry. The steps were built by the hands of dedicated and holy monks between the 6th -13th century.
Wander through castles like the 13th century Dunluce, wander neolithic burial grounds like Carrowmore, the oldest, largest, megalithic cemetery in all of Europe
Custom tailor your itinerary and follow in the footsteps of some of the greates icons in all our history.
TOP IRISH HISTORICAL RESOURCES TO LOOK TO
Historic Online Resource - Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland
Danluce Castle
Irish Cultures & Customs Guide
London~Derry - The Walled City
The Rock of Cashel
TOURISM IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND USEFUL ONLINE RESOURCES
Tourism Ireland Official Heritage Page
Northern Ireland Castles & History Page
Northern Ireland - A Rich History
National Museums Northern Ireland
ANCESTRY & GENEOLOGY
If you are of Irish descent, then you are in luck.
Tracing your ancestry is one of the most rewarding specialized journies you can take to Ireland. Perfectly preserved, utterly jaw dropping records of the people who lived and breathed here date back over 1,000 years. The detail in these records and expert supporting resources are at your fingertips, allowing you to unlock the secrets of your past, far beyond the reaches you could ever imagine.
We can help you find your past, and will set up an itinerary that allows you to walk directly in your ancestors footsteps. Through detailed census returns, state registrations, church registers, and property tax listings throughout the centuries, we can custom an experience that takes you back to where your forefathers grew to make the history that ultimately made you who you are today.
With some extraordinary partners, Connection Tours can connect you with consultant genealogists, specialized historians, public record officers, and members of the parish who commit themselves to rekindling the unique & individual familial histories that would otherwise have been lost to the world.
The earliest surviving censuses, records, and church registers are easy to find online - if you know where you're looking. And yet even this is just a fraction of the real adventure that awaits you.
Ireland takes their search for familial history and geneaology very seriously - with expert sessions to connect you with a community of people embarking on the same journey you are, a variety of professional and volunteer groups have stepped forward to help steer you to the right resources to help you find your story.
Furthermore, many counties throughout Ireland boast their own county geneaology centres. The level of local knowledge in each community can seem serendipitous and yet often, highly useful.
Genealogical resources you might find useful
proni.gov.uk
gen.nidrect.gov.uk
genealogy.nationalarchives.ie
geni.nidirect.gov.uk
familysearch.org
rootsireland.ie
proni.gov.uk
ireland.anglican.org
irishgenealogy.ie
facebook.com/IrelandFamilyHistory
irelandxo.com
nli.ie
census.nationalarchives.ie
irishtimes.com/ancestor
ancestryireland.com
militaryarchives.com
TOURISM IRELAND ONLINE MUSIC RESOURCES
GARDEN & NATURE
A visit to the many glorious gardens of Ireland is a visit that every green thumb should have marked on their bucket list.
From walled gardens, to grand casltes & houses, restoration projects the horticultural community of Ireland is centuries old as they continuously and painstakingly maintain & preserve some remarkable specimens.
Any garden you choose will have you stepping into an entirely different world - even for the untrained eye, the views and walks of Ireland are utterly spellbinding. The idea brings one word to mind of the feeling felt when walking the gardens of Ireland - magic.
Meet with famous horticulturists such as Trevor Edwards and Helen Dillon. Accept a warm welcome into their homes and visit their own awe-inspiring gardens. Meet with like minded community members, attend workshops, and participate in restoration projects in the summer months. There is so much you can do and see, even for those who would think gardens weren't of interest will find an experience walking through here a jaw dropping experience.
With some extraordinary partners, Connection Tours can connect you with consultant horticulturalists, specialized organizations, public gardening groups, and members of the large gardening community who commit themselves to preserving and restoring the unique gardens that dot the glistening landscape of Ireland.
Narrowing down a list of the most noteworthy garden locations is difficult to do. Each out of the 100 or so magical places comes with their own character and unique features guaranteed to blow you away.
Waterfalls, monuments, bridges, mazes, rivers, creeks, delicately compliment the exotic flora and fauna that thrives in the Irish climate - all with a unique character, changing dramatically in accordance to the season.
Out of the many, a trip to the Powerscourt House & Garden is most definitely a must. Garnish Island, Blake Gardens, and Dillon's garden of Dublin are all just as breathtaking.
County Wicklow, Altamont Gardens, and the Garden of Remembrance are all particularly overwhelmingly magnificent and important to note as well.
Irish nature & garden resources you might find useful
Blake Gardens
Country Wicklow
Dillon Garden - Dublin
Benvarden Garden
Mount Stewart Gardens County Down
National Study & Gardens
Powerscourt House & Gardens
Garnish Island
Altamont Garden
Garden of Remembrance
Highland Games Genarm Castle
Houses, Castles & Gardens of Ireland
Irelands Hidden Gems
Gardens to See
Ireland's Gardening Community
TOURISM IRELAND ONLINE MUSIC RESOURCES
Visit Ireland - Gardens
North Ireland Gardens
ADVENTURE
Hill walking, fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, trail running, coasteering...no matter what inspires adventure in your mind, guaranteed Ireland has something in store for you!
Organized competitions and communities thrive across Ireland, providing the thrill and challenge that comes with any memorable adventure.
Join a hill walking group of any age or skill level, or compete with the best of the trail runners Ireland has to offer. Ireland welcomes travellers from all over the world and invites them to play with them in their glistening green playground, complete with hills to roam, cliffs to navigate, valleys to explore, and rivers, lakes, streams and oceans to embrace.
If you're looking for an adventure, it's best to aim for the destination world famous for their energy. It's high time for you to see exactly what Ireland is all about.
With some extraordinary partners, Connection Tours can connect you with adventure organizers, hill walking groups, races & competition opportunities and members rock climbing, watersports, & fishing communities who commit themselves to rekindling the love & passion for real adventure.
Several facilities across the country will support mountain biking, surfing, scuba diving, coasteering, and hill walking excursions.
You can even find a waterskiing club that will take you out and around the coast in the summer months at reasonable cost.
The opportunities are truly endless.
Indoor facilities within Ireland are also quite impressive. Waterparks like Funtasia, Leisureland, & Bryson's Lagansports are all unique attractions with their own character to keep you entertained.
Challenge yourself by walking across the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge, or challenge your adrenaline by participating in the exciting Killarney Adventure Race.
Adventure opportunities & resources you might find useful
proni.gov.uk
gen.nidrect.gov.uk
genealogy.nationalarchives.ie
geni.nidirect.gov.uk
familysearch.org
rootsireland.ie
proni.gov.uk
ireland.anglican.org
irishgenealogy.ie
facebook.com/IrelandFamilyHistory
irelandxo.com
nli.ie
census.nationalarchives.ie
irishtimes.com/ancestor
ancestryireland.com
militaryarchives.com
TOURISM IRELAND ONLINE MUSIC RESOURCES
FOR THE FOOD
Best known for their artisan cuisine, seafood and fresh produce, the food scene in Ireland is brings a flavour you won't find anywhere else in the world.
From farm to fork, not only is the unique creativity and passion found perfectly with the freshest foods available, but traditional fare is also taken lovingly into consideration, satisfying every last taste bud.
Don't just take the opportunity to taste the best of what Ireland has to offer, follow the journey with a food trail, meet farmers to fishermen, producers, to micheln star chefs. Help harvest seaweed in Clewbay, and learn that value & deliciousness can go hand in hand.
Explore microbrewries to farmers markets, and celebrate with a host of unique and intriguing food festivals that Ireland hosts annually.
With some extraordinary partners, Connection Tours can connect you with the best farmers markets, food communities, specialty cooking classes, masterful chefs, fishermen, farmers, and others who commit themselves to serving the mouth wateringly fresh and unique tastes that characterizes Ireland: the mecca for food & drink lovers alike.
Learn how to traditionally cook Irish seaweed. Taste the freshness that can be found in all products - seafood, dairy, and homegrown vetgetables.
Explore the places your food comes from, with the passion and creativity of the producers that make it.
And for a real highlight? Come and see the best of what Ireland has to offer with a host of various festivals.
Some of our favorites? The Galway International Oyster Shucking and Seafood Festival, shucking Oysters since 1954. Or perhaps the Burren Slow Food Festival, celebrating sustainable and organic food and local production. Or how about the Waterford Harvest Festival, packed with 3 days worth of food, fun and activity. As you can tell, it's really difficult to only choose one!
Foodie resources you might find useful
proni.gov.uk
gen.nidrect.gov.uk
genealogy.nationalarchives.ie
geni.nidirect.gov.uk
familysearch.org
rootsireland.ie
proni.gov.uk
ireland.anglican.org
irishgenealogy.ie
facebook.com/IrelandFamilyHistory
irelandxo.com
nli.ie
census.nationalarchives.ie
irishtimes.com/ancestor
ancestryireland.com
militaryarchives.com
TOURISM IRELAND ONLINE FOODIE RESOURCES
WHISKEY & PUB CRAWLS
Irish whiskey is a very distinctive, very special kind of whiskey.
Triple distilled, Irish whiskey comes with a smoother finish than the harsh and peaty Scotch whiskey you would have in Scotland. Also unlike Scotland, Ireland has only 7 distilleries in current operation, despite having held the title as 'the most popular spirit in the world' in the 18th century.
But this only emphasizes the importance and significance of these 7 very different, but all warm and welcoming, Irish whiskey distilleries - and that, makes a journey to Ireland's whiskey trails a golden experience.
And just as powerful an experience, comes the reputation of the Irish Ales, as characterized by an overwhelming collection of famous pubs. Whichever you fancy, or a bit of both, the offering in Irish whiskey and Irish ales is arguably Ireland's favorite side of their story.
With some extraordinary partners, Connection Tours can connect you with pub crawl guides, distillers, invitations to microbrewries & the best known local producers, special welcomes, & vip access to the best known communities in the name of whiskey & Irish ales.
Some whiskey experiences you'll have to try, we recommend a whiskey trail that most definitely includes the Jameson Experience in Midleton, and the Kilibeggan Distillery in Country Westmeth. Step inside and withness ancient traditions that date back to 1757. The Kilibeggan even comes complete with a large timber water wheel. Then there's the Tullamore Dew Distillery, which recently underwent a €35 million EUR renovation to keep up with their growing demand.
When it comes to an Irish pub crawl on the other hand, let's just say the best way to do it is customized. There are just too many fantastic spots, each with their own life, character, & quality. To name a few must do's in the meantime - The Tigh Neachtain's in Galway always has good stout & an open fire, where Mulligan's in Dublin claims they've the best Guinness pour, and although their staff are excellent, we recommend you test them, just to be sure...
Irish Whiskey & Pub Crawl resources you might find useful
proni.gov.uk
gen.nidrect.gov.uk
genealogy.nationalarchives.ie
geni.nidirect.gov.uk
familysearch.org
rootsireland.ie
proni.gov.uk
ireland.anglican.org
irishgenealogy.ie
facebook.com/IrelandFamilyHistory
irelandxo.com
nli.ie
census.nationalarchives.ie
irishtimes.com/ancestor
ancestryireland.com
militaryarchives.com
TOURISM IRELAND ONLINE RESOURCES
GOLF IRELAND
After a trip to Ireland, golfers are always the travellers that say with confidence that they will be coming back to this place. And they do come back, again and again.
We think it has something to do with the eye catching glimmer in the greens that carpet the coasts and hills of Ireland - but it might also be because of the community, and the people that support and cherish the game here.
There are a countless number of breathtaking courses, each as staggeringly different and breathtaking as the next - you won't have time to explore all of them, and it will be hard to narrow down the options.
With some extraordinary partners, Connection Tours can connect you with the greatest courses, golf packages, services, and accommodations. Whether experienced or novice, a custom golf experience in Ireland is one incredible way to see this energetic and beautifully rambling country.
The Royal County Down Golf Club is still so stunning that Golf Digest rates it the best on the planet outside of the US, number 4 in the top 100 courses in the world.
The Killeen Castle, a historical gem has stood in the heart of Royal Meath for over 800 years.
Or take in the views of Ballybunion of County Kerry - this links course is set on a glistening blue bay in front of a 15th century castle.
Start your adventure, and learn how to compete, participate, play, and celebrate what the Irish call "The Great Game".
Golf Ireland resources you might find useful
proni.gov.uk
gen.nidrect.gov.uk
genealogy.nationalarchives.ie
geni.nidirect.gov.uk
familysearch.org
rootsireland.ie
proni.gov.uk
ireland.anglican.org
irishgenealogy.ie
facebook.com/IrelandFamilyHistory
irelandxo.com
nli.ie
census.nationalarchives.ie
irishtimes.com/ancestor
ancestryireland.com
militaryarchives.com
TOURISM IRELAND ONLINE GOLF RESOURCES
Upcoming EVENTS 2015
STAY ON TOP OF LATEST IRISH EVENT NEWS
Ireland is a different adventure every month - and 2015 promises to be bigger and better than ever! Among the 2,130 future events already listed, high profile events such as the Galway Arts Festival, the Fringe Festival, and the stirring Irish Golf Open inevitably commands our attention
EXPLORE SOME EXCITING EVENTS THAT ARE COMING OUR WAY
> OUTDOOR EVENTS & HERITAGE
> EVENTS ALONG THE COAST
> WHAT'S ON IN DUBLIN, CORK & BELFAST
> FOOD & DRINK FESTIVALS
> GREATER MUSIC & LITERARY EVENTS
> ART & CULTURE EVENTS
DATE HIGHLIGHTS 2015
JANUARY
21 JAN - 25 JAN
YEATS 2015
All of Ireland
30TH DEC - 1ST JAN
NYF DUBLIN ULTIMATE NEW YEARS FESTIVAL
Dublin
21ST JAN - 25 JAN
SHANNONSIDE WINTER MUSIC WEEKEND
Clare
FEBRUARY
1ST FEB - 3RD FEB
ST. BRIGID'S DAY
Feile
14TH FEB
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY
dublin
16TH FEB - 26TH FEB
JAMESON DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Dublin
MARCH
APRIL
18TH APR -19 APR
IRISH CYCLING SHOW
Dublin
2ND APR - 4TH
BANDSTAND BEER & MUSIC FEST.
Nearn
27TH APR - 1ST MAY
CORK INT'L CHORAL FESTIVAL
Cork
MAY
1 MAY - 31ST AUG
Dublin
29TH APR - 2ND MAY
LEENANE WALKING FESTIVAL
Leenane
26TH MAY - 29TH MAY
IRISH OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
Kerry
JUNE
BULMERS LIVE MUSIC & RACING FESTIVAL
Dublin
Cork
JUNE 16
BLOOMSDAY (JAMES JOYCE FESTIVAL)
Dublin
JULY
3 JUL - 12 JUL
WEST CLARE FESITVAL OF MUSIC & DANCING
Clare
4TH JUL - 3 AUG
ACHILL ISLAND, FESITVAL OF THE SEA
Mayo
12 JUL - 18 JUL
WEST CORK LITERARY FESTIVAL
Cork
AUGUST
2ND AUG - 3RD AUG
NATIONAL STEAM RALLY
LAOIS
4TH AUG - 6TH SEP
CORK CRAFT MONTH
Cork
7TH AUG - 9TH
FEAKLE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC
Clare
29TH AUG
KILLARNEY CYCLING FESTIVAL
Kerry
29TH AUG - 30 AUG
IRISH GAME & COUNTRY FAIR & FINE FOOD
Offlay
SEPTEMBER
TIGER DUBLIN FRINGE
Dublin
4TH SEPT - 6TH SEPT
WATERFORD JAZZ WEEKENDER
Waterford
4TH SEPT - 6TH SEPT
OSCAR WILDE FESTIVAL
Galway
4TH SEPT - 6TH SEPT
CAPE CLEAR ISLAND INTERNATIONAL STORY TELLING FESTIVAL
Cork
4TH SEPT - 4TH SEPT
ELECTRIC PICNIC
Laois
10TH SEPT - 13TH SEPT
DINGLE TRAD FEST
Kerry
25TH SEPT - 10 OCT
DUBLIN FESTIVAL OF HISTORY
Dublin
OCTOBER
SPIRITS OF MEATH HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
Meath
1ST OCT - 4TH OCT
CORK FOLK FEST
Cork
15TH OCT - 18TH OCT
ED REAVY TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Cavan
16 OCT - 1 NOV
WEXFORD FRINGE
Wexford
20 OCT - 25 OCT
GALWAY COMEDY FESTIVAL
Galway
23 OCT - 26 OCT
GUINNESS CORK JAZZ FESTIVAL
Cork
NOVEMBER
1ST NOV - 30 NOV
DUBLIN BOOK FESTIVAL
Dublin
6TH NOV - 8TH NOV
SNEEM INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING & FOLKLORE FESTIVAL
Kerry
11TH NOV
KILLALOE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Clare
27 NOV - 23 DEC
WINTERVAL - IRELAND'S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Waterford
DECEMBER
28TH NOV - 21ST DEC
GLOW FESTIVAL
Cork
4TH DEC - 6TH DEC
KENMARE CHORAL FESTIVAL
Kerry
11 DEC - 13 DEC
SIMON HOUSE OF LIGHT
Dublin
21ST DEC
WINTER SOLSTICE AT NEWGRANGE
Meath
26TH DEC - 29TH DEC
SHANNON AIRPORT CHRISTMAS RACING
Limerick
Where to Stay in IRELAND
HOTELS
BED & BREAKFASTS
INNS & RESTAURANTS WITH ROOMS
CASTLE STAYS
SELF CATERING
SERVICED APARTMENTS
BUDGET HOTELS
HOSTELS
It is very possible for us to arrange a castle stay or historic house stay in Ireland. Choose from a range of high quality serviced or self-catering properties.
Have a traditional Irish Bed & Breakfast Get away. With award-winning opportunities across the country, a bed & breakfast stay is by far our favorite way of seeing Ireland.
A range of inns and restaurants with rooms in Ireland offer a more traditional stay with the bar and informal dining very much at the heart of the business, whilst a restaurant with rooms will focus primarily on the dining experience.
Scotland offers a very broad choice of hotels from smart, modern boutique hotels in city centres to traditional, country house hotels. Outside of peak periods, hotels may offer special prices, which is wort asking during booking.
Scotland has an extensive network of hostels either belonging to the Scottish Youth Hostels Association or to independent or privately owned companies.
Essentially self catering apartments, these accommodations also offer other services such as cleaning. Meals and drinks may also be offered.
Purpose built overnight accommodation, often situated close to a major road or city centre. Prices are usually charged per room rather than per person.
From traditional cottages to modern chalets and city apartments. The rental is arranged in advance and is normally on a weekly bases starting and ending on Saturdays.
No matter what budget you have to stick to, Ireland can offer you something that can be quite exceptional.
Five stars, exclusive lodges, backpacker hostels, and camping grounds by mountain streams, are just as available as castle stays, lighthouses, croft houses, haunted houses, even wooden wigwams.
CAMPING,
& CARAVANNING
Camping enthusiasts will appreciate Ireland's wide range of well-equipped caravan and camping parks. You can hire a holiday home or arrive with your own touring caravan, camper van or tent.
GUEST HOUSES
Similar in style, guest houses and bed & breakfasts can be found across Ireland, especially throughout the countryside where farmhouses are also available. They usually have a few rooms and are normally run by the owners themselves and their families.
IRISH ACCOMMODATION RESOURCES
LIGHTHOUSES
Have a traditional Irish Bed & Breakfast Get away. With award-winning opportunities across the country, a bed & breakfast stay is by far our favorite way of seeing Scotland.
GLAMPING
Experience the beauty of the outdoors with style, comfort & glamour. Yes, it most definitely is possible. A favorite alternative in Ireland, glamping offers travellers anything from pretty log cabins to traditional teepees & romantic yurt hideaways.
Custom arrange your Group Accommodation in
IRELAND >>>
The Connection Tours Team works closely with these unique and exciting accommodations throughout Ireland. We are constantly learning, site inspecting, and exploring Ireland's vibrant offering.That is how we are able to customize your itinerary to meet any of the accommodations that suit your group best.
MORE INFO
Use your imagination, where do you want to stay?
IT'S TIME TO CUSTOMIZE IRELAND
RAIL EUROPE
It's easy to see that Irelandcan offer you much more than your average experience. Now it's time to discover what you can do with it. Choose Ireland for your:
- corporate clients & events - family & friend groups - special interest groups
- performance groups - school & education groups - & more!
Learn what Ireland can do for you through the following resources:
- Latest sample itineraries & custom posters - In-house destination clinics
- Annual familiarization trips for qualified agents - commissionable customized itineraries
Learn more about how the Connection Tours Team works with Travel Agents across Canada
FOR TRAVEL AGENTS
MAKE THE RIGHT CONNECTION
CONTACT US
And let us discuss with you what is possible with your ideas in mind >>>
INTERESTED IN A CREATING A CUSTOM TRAVEL JOURNEY TO IRELAND?
WHAT'S NEXT?
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