Overview
Join thousands of revelers from across the world to celebrate Ireland’s music, culture, and St. Patrick’s Day traditions on this performance tour from Cork to Dublin. Perform as part of Cork’s legendary St. Patrick’s Day Parade, then continue to Limerick to compete at the Limerick International Band Championship. Along the way, explore castles, coastal landscapes, and historic landmarks before experiencing the lively culture of Dublin.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Ireland (Dublin)
Please note: Tour departs North America on March 12 or 13 for the 2027 travel season and on March 14 for the 2028 travel season.
Day 2
Arrive in Dublin
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Travel to Cork
Rock of Cashel visit
Perched atop a limestone outcrop, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most remarkable medieval sites, with more than 1,600 years of history. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster, it features the ruins of a two-towered chapel, a cruciform cathedral, a round tower, and other medieval monuments. Inside the cathedral, ancient carvings remain remarkably well preserved.
Day 3
Cobh excursion
Discover Cobh's rich maritime heritage on a guided walking tour through this colorful harbor town. Learn about its connection to the Titanic, Irish emigration, and other significant maritime events through stories shared by a local historian.
Titanic Trail walking tour
Blarney Castle visit
Stop for a visit to Blarney Castle, the medieval stone structure built on solid limestone around 1466. (The slivers of windows served as a defense, enabling Lord Blarney and his men to shoot arrows at invaders while staying protected from within.) Climb the spiral staircases to the top of the castle to kiss the Blarney stone. Legend promises that if you lean backwards and kiss the stone upside-down, you’ll be granted the “gift of the gab” (the privilege of babbling questionable commentary for seven years). Before you leave, wander the path to Rock Close to ponder the druidic circle of mystical stones. Enter Lord Blarney’s dungeon if you dare.
Day 4
Cork parade performance
Lunch
Irish dance class
Get an authentic Irish dancing lesson in Dublin!
Day 5
Travel to Limerick
Buffalo Farm visit
Visit Macroom Buffalo Farm in the scenic County Cork countryside, home to Ireland's first water buffalo farm. Meet the herd, learn about the farm's sustainable practices, and discover how its award-winning buffalo mozzarella is made.
Day 6
Limerick International Band Competition
Perform alongside bands from around the world in Ireland's only International Band Championship. After marching through the heart of Limerick, join fellow ensembles at the Band Jamboree, an open-air concert celebrating music, international camaraderie, and the announcement of the championship awards.
Band Jamboree
Lunch
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park visit
Discover a formidable 15th-century fortress restored to reflect life in the 1500s. Tour the Great Hall, Main Guard, and South Solar before exploring the adjoining Folk Park, an immersive recreation of daily life in late 19th-century Ireland.
Bunratty Castle medieval banquet
Day 7
Travel to Dublin
Cliffs of Moher visit
Venture to the edge of Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher, where sheer rock faces rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Layers of sandstone and shale color the cliffs, while O’Brien’s Tower stands proudly at the summit, offering sweeping views. With waves crashing below and Ireland’s brilliant green landscape spilling toward the sea, this is one of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Caherconnell Stone Fort visit and Sheepdog demonstrations
Poulnabrone Dolmen visit
One of Ireland's oldest and most recognizable prehistoric monuments, Poulnabrone Dolmen stands on the Burren's limestone plateau. This 5,000-year-old portal tomb features massive stone slabs and offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's ancient burial traditions.
Day 8
Dublin guided sightseeing tour
Join a licensed guide to explore Dublin’s finest sights. Walk through Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest walled city park, home to red deer and the Phoenix Column. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Ireland’s patron saint once baptized converts, and see O’Connell Street and Parnell Square. At Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university, enter the Old Library’s Long Room to view the Book of Kells, an illuminated 9th-century manuscript of the four Gospels, famed for its intricate Celtic designs.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum visit
Explore EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for countless Irish emigrants. This interactive museum guides you through their reasons for leaving, the impact they made worldwide, and the enduring connections among Irish communities across the globe.
Traditional Irish dinner and show
Day 9
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
Hotel accommodations
Performance in a college bowl game halftime show or national parade event
Exclusive awards ceremony
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Accident & medical insurance coverage under WorldStrides' industry-leading policy
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Scenes from Dublin, Galway and Limerick
Health & Safety
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.