Music and Culture | Sept 27
All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all trips.
Discover the Dingle Peninsula!! Step into the heart of Ireland’s musical soul with local and internationally acclaimed musician, Éilís Kennedy and Dingle Global Education hosts, Seán Pól and Lenka guiding you throughout the week. This is an unforgettable journey to the Dingle Peninsula, one of the most vibrant and culturally rich regions on the Wild Atlantic Way. This 7-night tour is designed for music lovers, culture seekers, and anyone who wants to experience authentic Ireland.
This is more than a tour – it’s an immersive experience where music, song and dance flows through every moment of your adventure. Each evening, gather in an intimate setting for an exclusive live sessions led by Éilís and her talented musical guests. Feel the warmth of traditional Irish music in its most authentic form.
Enjoy expert guided tours of the peninsula’s most scenic and iconic places from the ancient Gallarus Oratory to the breathtaking Slea Head and a day trip to the charming town of Killarney.
Enjoy a home base, unpack your bags and relax.
As you will not be spending hours and days rushing around and driving from one location to another, from one hotel to another, you will have time to breathe… enjoy pure Ireland.
Your Music Guide
Éilís (sounds like ay-leesh) Kennedy is
an internationally acclaimed singer, flute player and lyricist who was born and raised on the Dingle Peninsula. She knows this area intimately, and its music, songs and culture have been an intrinsic part of her life.
She has received widespread praise for her spirited performances across the world – from Dublin’s National Concert Hall to London’s Barbican, from Melbourne Recital Hall to Carnegie Hall in New York.
With Éilís as your guide, you will be immersed and captivated as she shines light on less-travelled paths through her unique perspective.
Surrounded by wild, natural beauty, you will hear many stories, learn a few songs, pick up some Irish language phrases, perhaps try some traditional Kerry tunes – or simply relax and enjoy the experience!
It’s up to you . Take the first step into this singular place.
Comprehensive Biography available here
“a singer whose vocals need neither searchlight nor scaffolding to bore holes into the soul " The Irish Times
Day by Day Itinerary
Dingle, Ireland
Day 1 - Welcome to Dingle
We will collect guests arriving at Shannon Airport and transfer them to Dingle. The full group will then meet for lunch, followed by a short orientation walk through Dingle town. In the evening there will be dinner at Benner’s Hotel with Éilís, Seán Pól and Lenka, followed by an intimate music concert.
Inclusions:
Lunch on arrival, drinks reception, and dinner
Day 2 - Local History & Music Traditions
Optional Mass in the morning in Saint Mary’s Church, Dingle, or take the morning off to relax.
In the afternoon, meet with a local historian and folklorist, who will give you a talk on the folklore and the music traditions of the Dingle Peninsula. We will then go for a historical walk of Dingle town.
Music session with Éilís and friends.
Inclusions:
Breakfast.
Day 3 - Slea Head Drive & The Wild Atlantic Way
Today you are going to experience one of the most stunning coastal routes in the world: Slea Head Drive. Ancient sites, cosy villages, beautiful beaches and breath-taking scenery await. You will hear and see how people lived thousands of years ago, and how the locals live today.
One of highlights is a visit to The Great Blasket Centre, a fascinating heritage centre and museum that honours the unique community who lived on the remote Blasket Island until their evacuation in 1953. Éilís, whose family roots trace back to the Blaskets, has a deep personal connection to this place and the
people who once lived there. In a truly special setting, she will share the islanders’ music, songs, and stories, bringing their rich heritage to life. This magical day will be completed with an evening music session.
Inclusions:
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Day 4 - Irish spirituality & Traditional musical instrument workshop visit
Ireland is known as the land of Saints and Scholars. This morning you will hear about Ireland’s long history of spirituality. We will walk to the Diseart Centre of Irish Spirituality and Culture in Dingle town, where you’ll see the priceless Harry Clarke stained glass windows.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the workshop of a traditional uilleann pipe maker for a closer look into the craftsmanship behind one of Ireland’s iconic musical instruments.
This evening after dinner, you will enjoy a private concert in front of a roaring peat fire accompanied by a beverage or two.
Inclusions:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Killarney Town Visit
Today you will travel to Killarney, a charming town on the shores of Lough Leane, an hour’s drive from Dingle. We will visit Killarney National Park, with its stunning mountains, lakes, woodland and waterfalls. We’ll also visit Muckross House and
Gardens.
After lunch, you will have some free time to shop in Killarney town. Singing night with Éilís and friends.
Inclusions:
Breakfast and lunch
Day 6 - Taste of Dingle
Dingle is increasingly renowned for its vibrant food scene, where local ingredients and centuries-old culinary traditions come together in creative ways.
Today, you’ll experience a taste of Dingle’s rich food culture through encounters with local producers and artisans who are passionate about the region’s culinary heritage.
From the bounty of the Atlantic to the fertile farmlands surrounding the peninsula, Dingle’s connection to place is reflected in every flavor. This experience offers a delicious insight into how tradition and innovation blend to create the unique tastes that define Dingle today.
Music session with Éilís and friends.
Inclusions:
Breakfast, lunch.
Day 7 - Last Day in Dingle
A free day to shop and explore at your own pace. We can help you with booking additional activities, such as a boat tour, golf, horse riding, a visit to the Dingle Crystal workshop or Dingle Distillery. In the evening, we gather for a final dinner, followed by a farewell music session.
Inclusions:
Breakfast and dinner
Day 8 - Dingle to Shannon
After an amazing week, a bus will bring you back to Shannon airport. If you are extending your stay in Ireland, we can help you get to your next location.
Inclusions:
Breakfast
Music session at John Benny's Pub, Dingle
Accommodation & Meals
You will be staying in Dingle Benners Hotel, an intimate boutique hotel in the heart of Dingle town, with a rich heritage dating back to the early 1800s. A long standing history of warm welcomes and award winning food awaits. Enjoy Mrs Benners Bar cosy atmosphere for a relaxing drink.
Breakfast is provided each morning at Dingle Benners Hotel, there are four group lunches and three group dinners in pubs and restaurants in addition to some local tasty snacks included in the package.
Dingle is recognised for award-winning dining experiences, and an active food culture. You will enjoy dishes featuring the best of local and seasonal produce.
Dingle Benners Hotel is the overall winner of the Historic Act of Hospitality award at the 2025 Historic Hotels of Europe Awards, hosted in Germany. The hotel also received the Historic Act of Hospitality bronze award at the Historic Hotels of Europe Awards held in Poland in November 2023. Additional accolades include Best Irish Breakfast at the Georgina Campbell Awards 2019, as well as Ireland’s Best Afternoon Tea (bronze) and Best Casual Dining (bronze) at the Gold Medal Awards 2023.
Meet your hosts
Dingle, Ireland
Your co-hosts
Seán Pól and Lenka have over 30 years’ experience working with American visitors to Dingle, including universities and college students sports teams on study abroad trips and adults on educational tours.
Dingle is our home and we know it intimately. We are raising our family here, and while you’re with us on this trip we’ll treat you as extended family; which means with respect, empathy and kindness; combined with humour and a sense of fun and adventure.
We had such a wonderful time hosting the Music & Culture tour in 2025 that we can’t wait to welcome guests for the 2027 trip.
