Choir Tour: Ireland 2027
About the Trip
We are excited to travel to Ireland!
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to Ireland with Professor Thomas McNichols and the Saint Xavier University Choir and alumni. This special experience has been designed to expose our travelers to the cultural richness of the Emerald Isle and its unique musical traditions.
Packages and What's Included in Trip
Trip Price: $4,600 (with a $300 deposit)
The price of this tour is $4,600. The initial deposit of $300 is non-refundable and is due by October 15, 2026. You are not signed up officially on the trip until the deposit is paid. The initial deposit must be made in this portal.
The next two payments are as follows:
The second payment of $2,150 is due by November 20, 2026. The final payment of $2,150 is due by January 15, 2027.
Land Only: $3,375
In this package, the participant will be responsible for booking their own flights and meeting the group. The tour operator has no responsibility for any travel delays for your flights.
Add Ons: Single Supplement $1,000
If you would like a single room (instead of a shared room with one other person), you may choose this option.
Included |
Not Included |
| √ Hotels: Twin occupancy in four-star hotels. | Χ Personal items: Personal items such as government documents, food orders and beverages, valet and laundry services, personal grooming services, optional excursions, phone calls, personal tipping, and any other items. |
| √ Ground transportation: Transportation will be a combination of private motor coach and local trains/mass. | Χ Travel documents: Passport fees and applicable visa fees. |
| √ Luggage: One free checked bag (up to 50 lbs). | Χ Souvenirs. |
| √ All performance venues. | Χ A single supplement: A single supplement to have your own hotel room is available to purchase. |
| √ All site admissions. | |
| √ Blueprint Tours Rep: 24/7 representative traveling with the group. | |
| √ Meals: All breakfasts and one welcome dinner as noted in the itinerary. | |
| √ Transit on rare occasions. | |
| √ Airfare: Roundtrip airfare on American Airlines and all air taxes. |
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Travel to Dublin
On Day 1, we will meet at O'Hare Airport, where our group leaders will help us with check-in. It's important to sleep on the flight. The group is scheduled on American Airlines Flight 2840 scheduled to depart at 3:30 p.m. -- connecting through Philly, and departing again on AA 0722 -- and arrive in Dublin the next morning at 8:30 a.m. Feel free to sign up for an American Airlines miles number to receive credit for the flight.
Galway and Ennis
Touchdown, Ireland! The vibrant town of Galway will be our first stop today. This beautiful seaside city boasts one of Ireland's universities. Narrow winding streets, performers on most corners, and pubs galore -- Galway will help us get over our jet lag! Late this afternoon, we will check into our hotel and have a lovely welcome dinner.
Hotel: Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis
Meals Included: D
Ennis, County Clare and the Burren
On Day 3, we will travel along the dramatic, rocky coastline of County Clare. We will stop for a hike at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. We'll continue on the coast road around Black Head to the lovely harbor village of Ballyvaughan. We'll then travel into the Burren, a karstic limestone plain reminiscent of a lunar landscape, where we'll see prehistoric wedge tombs. We will return to Ennis for our last night in the west country. That night, you will be able to explore this town, its music and pubs on your own.
Hotel: Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis
Included Meal: B
Rock of Cashel and the Comhaltas Music Exchange
On Day 4, we'll visit Cashel. We'll see its cathedral remnants and famous 'Rock of Cashel,' a monastery in ruin that has been associated with the legend of St. Patrick. We also have a visit the Boru Bru Music and cultural center as guests of the Comhaltas school of Irish music. The students of the Comhaltas music school will host a music exchange for all ensembles. Comhaltas is an international cultural movement committed to the promotion of Irish music, song and dance throughout Ireland and across the world. That night, we will drive to Tipperary and check into our hotel.
Hotel: Hotel Minella in Tipperary
Included Meal: B
Tipperary, Blarney Castle and Dublin
On Day 5, we will drive to see Blarney Castle for an obligatory stop to kiss the stone and explore the beautiful gardens. We'll have an opportunity to visit the nearby Blarney Woolen Mills for lunch and some shopping. That night, we will arrive in Dublin. After a brief orientation tour, you are free to explore this vibrant city and its music scene!
Hotel: Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch
Included Meal: B
Dublin - Christ Church Cathedral Concert Series
Schedules permitting, we will perform at Christ Church Cathedral at their afternoon Concert Series. One of the oldest churches in Dublin, Christ Church has seen centuries of history and has a well established lunchtime concert series.
A second potential concert at a Mercy Secondary School or a university is possible. That evening, you are free to enjoy Dublin.
Note: All concerts are subject to confirmation.
Hotel: Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch
Included Meal: B
Dublin - Performance at National Museum and Mother McAuley's Home
On Day 7, we will perform at the National Museum of Ireland. The National Museum of Ireland holds an impressive collection of archeological and cultural treasures of the Emerald Isle and is a popular museum destination for Irish families and visitors. We are delighted to have a full ensemble performance at the National Museum of Ireland. We will also head to the home of our founders.
That afternoon, we will visit the home and tomb of Mother McAuley. This home was built by Catherine McAuley and was the first House of Mercy in response to the needs of the poor in Dublin. This home is now the final resting place of Mother McAuley and the Mercy International Centre, welcoming members of the Mercy family and visitors from all over the globe. This will be our last evening in Dublin, and we will have time for last-minute shopping and dining in small groups. All performances are subject to confirmation.
Hotel: Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch
Included Meal: B
Travel to Chicago
On Day 8, we'll leave Dublin and return home to Chicago, with memories of the Emerald Isle to last a lifetime. Our flight AA 723 is scheduled to depart Dublin at 11:30 a.m, connecting through Philly, and will to arrive on AA 3180 at ORD (Terminal 3) at 5:34 p.m. (Note: You will clear U.S. passport control and customs in Dublin). Welcome home!
Extra Information
Cancellation Details
In the event of a cancellation, provided that all due payments have been made in time, refunds will be issued based on the following schedule:
- Cancellation between November 21, 2026 and January 14, 2027: $1,000 refund.
- Cancellation between January 15 and February 9, 2027: $1,800 refund.
- No refunds will be issued after February 10, 2027.
Cancellations must be sent in writing via email to info@blueprinttours.com. Cancellations by phone will not be accepted.