Overview
Bring your ensemble to Dublin to perform in the world-famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Your musicians may also have the opportunity to compete in the Limerick International Band Competition.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Ireland (Dublin)
Tour departs North America on March 12 or 13 for the 2026 and 2027 travel seasons. For the 2028 travel season, departure is required on March 14.
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.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum visit
Explore this immersive museum centered on Ireland’s emigration story, located in Dublin’s historic Docklands, once a major departure point for those leaving the country. Discover why people left, the impact they made around the world, and the enduring connections that continue to link Irish communities across the globe.
Gaelic Games experience
Actively participate in Ireland’s traditional Gaelic sports and learn about their deep roots in Irish society. Sports such as Gaelic football and hurling have been played on the island for more than 2,000 years, and for many locals, loyalty to “their team” is a source of lasting pride and community connection.
Day 3
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.
Christ Church Cathedral
Dublin marching band performance
Take the stage in the heart of Dublin and experience the vibrant energy of the pre-St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Traditional Irish dinner and show
Day 4
Dublin marching band performance
Take the stage in the heart of Dublin and experience the vibrant energy of the pre-St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Lunch
Celbridge marching band performance
Perform in Celbridge’s beloved St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a vibrant, community-centered celebration just outside Dublin where enthusiastic families line the streets and visiting bands help extend the national festivities in a warm, welcoming small-town setting.
Day 5
Travel to Limerick via Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle visit
Kilkenny marching band performance
Day 6
International Band Competition
Lunch
Band Jamboree
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
Step back in time at a medieval-themed dinner featuring a hearty banquet, live music, and costumed entertainment set within one of Ireland’s most iconic castles.
Day 7
Travel to Dublin via Cliffs of Moher
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
Day 8
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
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Adjudicated group performances and an optional solo/duo competition
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Scenes from Dublin and Limerick
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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.