2025 Kinnfolk Music of Ireland Tour

This month marked a big milestone for us...we led our first official tour of Ireland via Healy Tours! We traveled long and far: a total of 11 days and 4 cities, with excursions to some of Ireland's most beloved sites (as well as plenty of places off the beaten path). There were sweeping landscapes, top-notch shopping, and—of course—loads and loads of pub sessions.

Here's a blog of some of our favorite moments from the trip! (And hey, if you're interested in coming along with us next time...the 2026 Kinnfolk Music of Ireland Tour is now live and accepting sign-ups!)

Day 1: Arrival in Dublin

Day 1 in Ireland! Today we gathered everyone from the Dublin airport, made our introductions, and started our journey to Galway. Along the way, we stopped in Athlone to explore the castle (built in 1210) and Sean’s Bar (recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest pub in Ireland).

Once in Galway, we enjoyed a welcome dinner at the Harbor Hotel and went out into the city to find our first session at Tig Cóilí pub.

Day 2: Galway & Kylemore Abbey

Today we traveled to Kylemore Abbey and toured the gorgeous house and grounds. We had a wonderful time viewing the gardens, the site's unique architecture, and learning about its history. We also stopped several times on the way to and from the abbey to check out the incredible landscape and to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Connemara.

Back in Galway, we walked across the bridge and found a session in the upstairs room of the famous Crane Pub. The room was packed and the craic was mighty!

Day 3: Bunratty Castle, Durty Nelly's, & Ennis

Absolutely GORGEOUS weather today as we left Galway to explore Bunratty Castle and Durty Nelly’s pub. We performed a quick show in the pub before journeying on to Ennis and enjoying an evening of session-hopping at Knox Pub and The Diamond Bar!

Day 4: Ferry to Inis Oírr 

Today we boarded a ferry bound for Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands located off the coast of Doolin. Trad music nerds like us will recognize this place as the inspiration for a famous and very beautiful waltz of the same name. Our group split up and explored the island at our leisure—some hopped in horse-drawn carts, walked to the ruins atop the high hill, or warmed up inside the cozy Tigh Ned pub. 

Our return trip past the Cliffs of Moher was diverted due to choppy seas, but we were still able to view the cliffs (and the sea-splashes blown up and over the rocks!) from afar.

Upon returning to Ennis, we enjoyed another evening of double-sessions. Thank you to the kind and talented musicians in Knox’s Pub and Ciarán’s Bar who welcomed us into their circles!

Day 5: Desmond Hall & Muckross House

We made a quick stop at Desmond Hall (and a few gorgeous roadside overlooks) as we made our way from Ennis to Killarney. We stopped over at the Muckross House and Gardens, where Queen Victoria made a brief visit in 1861.

Upon arriving in Killarney, we had a free evening! Pubs, restaurants, sights and sounds…everyone got up to something a little different. Special shoutout to the Celtic Whiskey Bar for their top-notch whiskey flights.

Day 6: Free Day in Killarney

Free day in Killarney! We started off the day with a leisurely breakfast and a tour around Killarney National Park in traditional jaunting carts. The rest of the day was ours to spend however we liked—shopping, exploring the local abbey, or simply resting in the hotel room.

We capped off the evening with the Celtic Steps show at the Killarney Racecourse.

Day 7: The Ring of Kerry

Today we explored the famous Ring of Kerry! We started off with a quick stop at the Red Fox Inn for Irish coffee to warm our bones, and then we were off! The weather was touch and go (what else can you expect in Ireland?), but we were able to leave the bus several times and explore the region’s many breathtaking landscapes.

We finished off the day with yet another evening of tunes in Killarney! Thanks for letting us sit in for a session at the Luane Bar, @michaelcoultmusic !

Day 8: Midleton Distillery & Group Session in Kilkenny

We left Killarney for a tour of the Midleton Distillery, where some of Ireland’s most famous whiskeys (think Jameson, Red Breast, the Spots, etc.) are brewed, distilled, and bottled. From there we took a sleepy (and content) bus ride to our next destination of Kilkenny.

We finished off the evening with a “home” session in the Hotel Kilkenny conservatory. We all sat in a circle and took turns either calling or requesting a tune/song from the rest of the group. Lots of talent on display in this crowd!

Day 9: Kilkenny

Today we explored the Medieval streets of Kilkenny. The group enjoyed a free morning of roaming the town—shopping, dining, wandering through the Smithwicks brewery and various gorgeous cathedrals—and then met in the afternoon for a tour of Kilkenny Castle. The layers and layers of history in this town are magnificent!

After dark, we enjoyed a good mingle at the hotel bar. Some of us then went out to the mighty Monday night session at Cleere’s Bar—a local gem that has been running for over 35 years!

Day 10: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, and Dublin

Our last full day of the trip! We woke up early and wound our way through the Wicklow Mountains, passing sheep and windy views along the way, then stopped to explore the 900-year-old Glendalough monastic site.

Once we reached Dublin, we checked in at Clontarf Castle hotel (an actual historical building built on the grounds where Brian Boru fought the famous Battle of Clontarf!) and enjoyed a final leisurely dinner with the full group.

Day 11: Departure from the Dublin Airport

One last selfie at the Dublin airport, and then we scattered to the winds. We want to thank every person who joined us for this trip. This was our very first Kinnfolk tour of Ireland, and we were understandably nervous at the start…but you all showed us how easy and worthwhile a journey like this can be. We couldn’t have asked for better travel companions.

Special shoutout to Denis Fitzgerald, THE best bus driver in all of Ireland (and that’s a fact).

Swipe  for our final view of Ireland vs our first view of home. There’s nothing like travel to remind you of the unique beauty of the land you left behind.

Enjoying the photos and stories from our 2025 Ireland trip? Wish you could go yourself? Well, we have good news...

Registration for the 2026 Kinnfolk Music of Ireland Tour is officially OPEN! We're excited to partner with Healy Tours again to bring a fresh group of folks to the Emerald Isle. We're taking a brand new path this year, including visits to Dublin, Donegal, Derry, Westport, Galway, and many stops in between. You'll explore the towns, view breathtaking landscapes, and—of course—find plenty of pubs with traditional Irish music! ☘️🎶

Click below to take a peek at the itinerary and/or sign up for the trip!

Slàinte mhath!

~Josh & Julie