Tours
County of Culture Tour Series 2017
Clare Tourism, Comhaltas and the Clare County Council Arts Office would like to share the diverse culture, heritage and sights of County Clare with visitors to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2017. The tours will bring you to the four corners of Clare where you will meet the locals, enjoy the scenery and sample the local music.
All tours are €15 per person and tickets can be booked online from 21st June 2017 through www.glor.ie. The ticket includes coach transfer and entrance into a Riches of Clare Lunchtime Concert at chosen location or a local music session. Participants will also receive a complimentary Visit Clare welcome pack including a Riches of Clare music CD. You will be met at each location by a local guide. All tours will depart at 10:15am from the carpark at glór theatre.
East Clare Musical Way
Tuesday 15th August
This coach tour of the Tulla & Feakle areas takes you along the East Clare Musical Way. This area is renowned as one of the richest areas of traditional music. The tour passes the homesteads of 22 East Clare musicians, singers, and dancers who are responsible for passing on the area’s unique style of music and tradition. After this scenic trip through a lush natural landscape, the tour arrives at Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre where you will be met by members of Tulla Comhaltas. The day trip concludes with a Riches of Clare Music Concert at the Tulla Courthouse, followed by a return trip to Ennis town.
This coach tour of the Tulla & Feakle areas takes you along the East Clare Musical Way. This area is renowned as one of the richest areas of traditional music. The tour passes the homesteads of 22 East Clare musicians, singers, and dancers who are responsible for passing on the area’s unique style of music and tradition. After this scenic trip through a lush natural landscape, the tour arrives at Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre where you will be met by members of Tulla Comhaltas. The day trip concludes with a Riches of Clare Music Concert at the Tulla Courthouse, followed by a return trip to Ennis town.
Burren Music and Walk
Wednesday 16th August
The day trip gives offers a taste of North Clare and the famous Burren region of Clare. Arrive in the heart of the Burren National Park for a guided stroll through the karst limestone and unique landscape. Following the walk, the trip continues by coach to Corofin village where visitors can explore The Burren Heritage Centre. A short stroll through the village takes you to Teach Cheoil, Corofin for a Riches of Clare Concert before returning to Ennis.
The day trip gives offers a taste of North Clare and the famous Burren region of Clare. Arrive in the heart of the Burren National Park for a guided stroll through the karst limestone and unique landscape. Following the walk, the trip continues by coach to Corofin village where visitors can explore The Burren Heritage Centre. A short stroll through the village takes you to Teach Cheoil, Corofin for a Riches of Clare Concert before returning to Ennis.
Heritage of Kilfenora and Lisdoonvarna
Thursday 17th August
This tour begins with a trip to North Clare stopping off at the town of Lisdoonvarna, originally famous as a Victorian Spa town and more recently as the home of The Matchmaking Festival. The coach is met by a local guide who will take visitors to see the Spa Wells and impart the history of the town and its reputation for tourism, music and natural heritage. From Lisdoonvarna, the tour continues to Kilfenora, the home of the renowned Kilfenora Céilí band. Here at Kilfenora Cathedral enjoy a Riches of Clare music concert before heading back to Ennis town.
This tour begins with a trip to North Clare stopping off at the town of Lisdoonvarna, originally famous as a Victorian Spa town and more recently as the home of The Matchmaking Festival. The coach is met by a local guide who will take visitors to see the Spa Wells and impart the history of the town and its reputation for tourism, music and natural heritage. From Lisdoonvarna, the tour continues to Kilfenora, the home of the renowned Kilfenora Céilí band. Here at Kilfenora Cathedral enjoy a Riches of Clare music concert before heading back to Ennis town.
Kilrush Music and Heritage Trail
Friday 18th August
Travel by coach west towards the coast and meet with a local guide at the scenic Kilrush Marina. Kilrush is at the centre of the rich and diverse coastal landscape of the West Clare Peninsula. Follow the town walking trail passing Glynn’s Mill, the Maid of Eireann Statue and the Market House while learning about the musical highlights of the area including the stories of famous musicians Mrs. Crotty and Tomas Madigan. The walk ends at Teach Cheoil to enjoy a Riches of Clare concert before departing for the return trip to Ennis.
Travel by coach west towards the coast and meet with a local guide at the scenic Kilrush Marina. Kilrush is at the centre of the rich and diverse coastal landscape of the West Clare Peninsula. Follow the town walking trail passing Glynn’s Mill, the Maid of Eireann Statue and the Market House while learning about the musical highlights of the area including the stories of famous musicians Mrs. Crotty and Tomas Madigan. The walk ends at Teach Cheoil to enjoy a Riches of Clare concert before departing for the return trip to Ennis.
A Celebration of Willie Clancy in Miltown Malbay
Sunday 20th August
The week of cultural tours ends with a trip to Atlantic coast and to Miltown Malbay. Meet with a local guide at the 'Music Makers of West Clare' with Oidhreacht an Chláir. The tour visits the grave of legendary musician Willie Clancy and is followed by a music session with local musicians at the Community Centre in the village. Willie Clancy, born in 1918 is one of the county’s best-known pipes player and is the inspiration for the annual Willie Clancy Summer School. Following the music session, the tour returns to Ennis town.
The week of cultural tours ends with a trip to Atlantic coast and to Miltown Malbay. Meet with a local guide at the 'Music Makers of West Clare' with Oidhreacht an Chláir. The tour visits the grave of legendary musician Willie Clancy and is followed by a music session with local musicians at the Community Centre in the village. Willie Clancy, born in 1918 is one of the county’s best-known pipes player and is the inspiration for the annual Willie Clancy Summer School. Following the music session, the tour returns to Ennis town.
