COME TO IRELAND WITH JOANIE!

Join me and my Cherish the Ladies guitarist, Mary Coogan, on a 7-day musical journey through the Emerald Isle! We'll traverse Ireland's stunning landscapes, sharing music, tales, and laughter while exploring its legendary sites.

Each day, we'll immerse ourselves in Ireland's rich culture before retiring to luxurious 4 and 5-star accommodations. Evenings will be filled with exquisite dining and nightly entertainment, featuring myself, Mary, and our special guests including some of Ireland's leading entertainers!  Of course we want you to bring along your instruments, dancing shoes, and singing voices—we encourage everyone to join in the fun!

With every one of our tours selling out, it's clear we're onto something special. It brings me immense pride that all of my previous bus tours have sold out, a testament to the incredible experiences we offer. 

So, if you're perusing this page, I sincerely hope you'll consider joining us.  Spaces fill up fast, so secure your spot soon to ensure you don't miss out on the opportunity to explore Ireland with a fantastic group of fellow travelers.

Once again, I'm delighted to team up with my longtime tour coordinator, Niall Leogue from Caddie Tours. Niall is a pro and has dedicated his life to tourism. He is exceptional and detail-oriented, and I can't recommend him more for assisting you in planning your trip, from flights to hotels and even travel insurance, so don't hesitate to get in touch!

Thank you for your interest—I look forward to welcoming you aboard for an unforgettable musical adventure through Ireland!

Joanie Madden

Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you start your vacation.

Day One – Welcome to Ireland

Your Irish adventure begins in County Clare, where Joanie Madden and Mary Coogan, along with your friendly coach driver Eamonn Dempsey, will greet you at Shannon Airport at 10:00 AM. They’ll escort you and your luggage to the waiting coach as we set off on our journey.

Our first drive takes us through Limerick and into the rolling countryside of County Tipperary, arriving in the Heritage Town of Roscrea. Here, we’ll pause for a delightful lunch at the White House Restaurant, nestled in the town square beside the magnificent 13th-century Roscrea Castle and Gardens.

After lunch, we continue on to the medieval jewel of Kilkenny, where we’ll check into the centrally located 4-star Hotel Kilkenny for a two-night stay. Shortly after our arrival, we’ll head out for a very special guided experience—“Shenanigans: The Kilkenny City Walk.” Led by the witty and engaging Nevin Cody, this walking tour blends history, humor, and storytelling in a way that will have you laughing while you learn about this charming city.

Following the tour, return to the hotel with some free time to relax before we gather for our welcome dinner in the grand dining hall. Afterward, settle in for a memorable evening of outstanding entertainment hosted by Joanie and Mary—the perfect start to our week together.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: THE HOTEL KILKENNY, KILKENNY (L, D)

Day Two – The Garden of Ireland

After a hearty breakfast, we set off northwest through the gentle countryside of Carlow and Kildare, bound for the majestic Wicklow Mountains—often called “The Garden of Ireland.” Here lies Glendalough National Park, a place of breathtaking natural beauty and deep spiritual resonance.

Nestled in a glacial valley carved during the Ice Age, Glendalough—meaning “Gleann Dá Loch” or “Valley of the Two Lakes”—is home to two pristine lakes surrounded by dramatic cliffs, forests, and waterfalls. At its heart are the evocative ruins of an early Christian monastic city, founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. For over 1,500 years, pilgrims and visitors alike have been drawn to this serene landscape, inspired by its history and awe-inspiring scenery.

From there, we travel to the quaint village of Avoca, home of the renowned Avoca Handweavers. Established in 1723 on the banks of the Avoca River, this is the oldest working handweaving mill in Ireland. During our visit, you’ll enjoy lunch, watch skilled artisans at the loom, and perhaps browse the colorful shops for handcrafted treasures to bring home.

We'll return to Kilkenny, for a little rest before meeting up for another memorable night of great food, music and entertainment.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: THE HOTEL KILKENNY, KILKENNY (B, D)

Day Three – Kings, Saints & Seaside Charm

After breakfast, we journey to one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks, the Rock of Cashel—a place steeped in legend, faith, and royal power. Rising dramatically above the surrounding golden plains, this ancient fortress was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and is forever linked with St. Patrick, who is said to have converted King Aengus here in the 5th century. With over a thousand years of history etched into its walls, the Rock of Cashel stands as a breathtaking symbol of Ireland’s Ancient East.

Our travels then take us south into County Cork, where we stop in the lively market town of Fermoy for lunch on your own.

Following our lunch break, we will start our journey to Kinsale by first honoring the anniversary of 9/11 with a visit to the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance, a memorial built by Kathleen Murphy, a local nurse from the area who emigrated to America and worked along New Yorks finest at New York‛s Lennox Hill Hospital for over 40 years. Following the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks, she was so moved that she decided to establish the Garden of Remembrance in memory of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001.

It’s just a short drive to Kinsale, one of Ireland’s most picturesque and historic harbor towns, where we’ll be based for the next two nights at the charming 4-star Actons Hotel overlooking the harbor. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant, followed by an evening of lively music and entertainment with Joanie and Mary—the perfect welcome to this colorful seaside town.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: ACTON’S HOTEL, KINSALE (B, D)
 

Day Four – History, Clifftops & Kinsale Charm

After breakfast, we set out to explore Charles Fort, one of Ireland’s most important National Monuments. Built in the late 17th century, this massive star-shaped fortress remains one of the largest military installations in the country. Its walls have witnessed centuries of conflict, from the Williamite War (1689–91) to the Irish Civil War (1922–23), making it a place where history truly comes alive.

From there, we travel a short distance to the breathtaking Old Head of Kinsale, one of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal headlands. Rising hundreds of feet above the Atlantic Ocean, this vast promontory is crowned by the striking black-and-white striped Old Head Lighthouse. Just offshore lies the tragic resting place of the RMS Lusitania, sunk by a German torpedo in 1915, a reminder of how this peaceful coastline once became the stage of world history.

We then return to the colorful streets of Kinsale, where you’ll have free time to wander, shop, or simply soak in the town’s charm. Known as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland,

Later, we’ll reunite for dinner an an authentic night of live music, laughter, and craic in the heart of town.

OVERNIGHT: ACTON’S HOTEL, KINSALE (B)

Day Five – Patriots, Bays & Island Gardens

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Kinsale and travel west to Clonakilty, where we’ll visit the Michael Collins Centre. Here, you’ll gain insight into the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s greatest patriots—a brilliant strategist and key figure in the nation’s early 20th-century struggle for independence. Through fascinating exhibits and storytelling, the Centre brings to life the extraordinary achievements and tragic fate of “The Big Fellow.”

From there, we journey on to the legendary beauty of Bantry Bay, stopping for lunch along the way before reaching the colorful village of Glengarriff. Here, we’ll board a ferry for a short but unforgettable trip across the sheltered harbor to Garnish Island (Ilnacullin). This 37-acre paradise is world-famous among horticulturists and garden lovers for its lush plant life, elegant Italianate gardens, and unique microclimate that allows rare and exotic species to thrive. As we cruise across the bay, keep an eye out for the local seal colony basking on the rocks, as well as seabirds and, with luck, dolphins or porpoises playing in the water.

After returning from the island, it’s just a short ride to the welcoming town of Bantry, where we’ll settle in for a two-night stay at the stylish 4-star Maritime Hotel, beautifully set on the waterfront. Bantry itself is a town steeped in history and character. Once a thriving market town and fishing port, it became famous in 1796 when a French Armada attempted to land here to aid the Irish rebellion—a dramatic moment that still echoes in its heritage. Today, Bantry is known for its lively square, bustling shops, and warm hospitality, all surrounded by sweeping views of mountains and sea.

This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers in the hotel restaurant, followed by another lively night of entertainment with Joanie and Mary.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: MARITIME HOTEL, BANTRY (B, D)

Day Six – Gougane Barra, Kenmare & The Caha Mountains

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the magical Gougane Barra, a serene valley surrounded by forested hills and rugged mountains. At its heart lies the tiny lakeside oratory of St. Finbarr, a place of pilgrimage and reflection for centuries. With its peaceful waters and breathtaking scenery, Gougane Barra is one of Ireland’s most enchanting hidden gems.

From here, we travel on to the charming town of Kenmare in County Kerry. Known for its colorful streets, artisan shops, and warm welcome, Kenmare offers the perfect spot for lunch and some free time to browse the boutiques, explore the town square, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we take the dramatic drive through the Caha Mountains, following winding roads and tunnels that cut through the rock itself, offering sweeping views across the valleys and coastline of the Beara Peninsula. Our journey then brings us down into Glengarriff, a picturesque village nestled along Bantry Bay, before returning to our home at the Maritime Hotel.

This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers, followed by another lively night of music and entertainment with Joanie and Mary in the hotel.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: MARITIME HOTEL, BANTRY (B, D)

Day Seven – Bantry, Blarney & Farewell Celebrations

We couldn’t leave Bantry without visiting the magnificent Bantry House and Gardens, a stately home overlooking the bay with sweeping views of the Caha Mountains. Here, we’ll stroll through the historic gardens, laid out over seven terraces, featuring an elegant fountain, a grand wisteria circle, and the famous 100 stone steps that climb to the woodland above—rewarding those who ascend with a truly spectacular view.

Our journey then takes us east to the world-famous Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills. for lunch and a visit. Step inside the castle’s storied stone walls and wander its enchanting gardens before climbing the winding staircase to the top, where the legendary Blarney Stone awaits. Tradition says that those who dare to kiss the stone are bestowed with the “gift of eloquence”—so pucker up if you’re feeling brave!

After exploring the castle, we’ll visit the nearby Blarney Woollen Mills, the largest emporium of Irish crafts in the country, where you’ll have the chance to browse finely woven woolens, crystal, pottery, and a host of other Irish treasures for last minute memories and gifts to bring hom.

From here it's on to Tipperary and the welcoming 4-star Ballykisteen Golf Hotel, where we’ll enjoy a festive farewell dinner together. The evening will be capped with one last unforgettable night of music and memories with Joanie & Mary, a joyful celebration of the friendships and experiences we’ve shared along the way.

DINNER, MUSIC & OVERNIGHT: BALLYKISTEEN GOLF HOTEL, LIMERICK JUNCTION (B, D)

Day Eight – It’s a Long Way to Tipperary…

All too soon, our Irish adventure draws to a close. After breakfast, we will bring you to Shannon Airport in plenty of time to check in, clear customs and emigration, and enjoy a stress-free departure. With duty-free shopping on hand, you’ll have the chance to pick up a few last-minute gifts or mementos before your flight.

As the old song says, “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary”—and an even longer way home—but we hope you leave with hearts full of music, laughter, and cherished memories from your time in Ireland.

From all of us - Joanie, Mary, Bruce, Eamonn and of course Niall, thank you for trusting us with your vacation and we look forward to welcoming you again on another unforgettable adventure.

Until then, we wish you a safe journey home.

Slán Abhaile – Safe Home!