From March 12th to the 19th, LTHS Choir had the privilege of spending their spring break in Ireland. On a 6-day road trip stopping at Dublin, Killarney, and Galway, they were able to experience Ireland’s rolling hills along with its most inspiring tourist attractions. They performed two concerts in this country: one at Christ Church Cathedral and one in Kerry Bog Village, located in Killarney and Dublin. Apart from these magical performances, this group travelled to see The Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, The Rock of Cashel, and even experienced a jig from Mr. Bush himself. From here, these would be the best tips for those who are looking into visiting Ireland’s beautiful destinations.
Dublin
As the capital of Southern Ireland, Dublin is most similar to a populous city among the cities visited. This city remains constantly bustling, with both cars and people, yet it still holds a Castle in its centre (which is very common in Ireland). This refers to Dublin Castle, the former seat of the British Government in Ireland. It houses the gorgeous Chapel Royal, filled with stained-glass windows and a history of Ireland’s religious shifts. From there, the history of Ireland’s independence remains as a time capsule in Trinity College. During their Book of Kells and Long Room tour, citizens can see the original Declaration of Irish Independence from 1919, a 9th-century gospel manuscript, The Book of Kells, and an 18th-century library reconstruction. Furthermore, this group was fortunate to perform at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, a church founded in 1030 by the first Bishop of Dublin. Make no mistake: the magic of this Cathedral performance will hold core memories for the students on this trip.
Killarney
On the journey from Dublin to Killarney, the group stopped at The Rock of Cashel, a collection of church ruins dating back to the 10th Century. As this was the group’s first look at the Irish countryside, it is pictured as the place that would define Ireland to those who have never visited. From there, the group visited Blarney Castle, a place where one must climb seven flights of claustrophobic spiral staircases to then bend over backwards to get the gift of gab by kissing the Blarney Stone. Which, to those who don’t know, is when you have the life-long gift of being able to talk your way through anything (otherwise known as persuasion). The following day, the group performed at Kerry Bog Village, a family-owned business currently operated by John Mulvihill, who greets every visitor to the Village.
From Killarney to Galway
On the ride from Killarney to Dublin, they travelled through the Ring of Kerry, a driving route with stops at certain points. It was on this ride that the group spontaneously stopped at an outlook of the Atlantic Ocean, which was most of the group’s first time seeing that ocean. From there, they travelled to the most anticipated spot yet, the Cliffs of Moher. While the day was cloudy and cold, the group was elated at the breathtaking views. It was the kind of view that no picture or story could express its magic, and so, it remains most authentically in the memories of the students. For those going to Ireland, this stop is highly recommended, as the weather on the day does not ruin its beauty. From here, the group joined their bus onto the road for Galway, with the surprising addition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” sung to pass the time (sung in true choir style, of course).
Galway
The group spent the day of Saint Patrick’s Day in Galway. By beginning the day with the Saint Patrick’s Parade, they started cold and wet. Despite the weather conditions, the parade began with a friendly face. Liam Silke, known as the Town Crier, opened the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, and ironically, was the group’s tour guide around Galway the night prior. After the hour-and-a-half parade, the group split off to explore the town of Galway. Some found the gift of the Claddagh ring, while others drank coffee by the river, and most (as it is a right of passage, of course) found music so that they could jig.
In the end, it was the unplanned moments that defined the 2026 LTHS Choir Trip. It was the spontaneous stop where they happened upon a double rainbow, which, if they had come any earlier or left later, would have missed its magic. It was the dances and the performances, both from their group and the people around Ireland. It was the bus rides and their conversations between friends. It was the experience of a lifetime, and the best way to wrap up my last choir trip as a senior.
And I can’t help but wonder where they’re planning to go next?
