Founded in August 2025 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the New Caledonia String Orchestra invites string-based instrumentalists—dulcimer, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo, autoharp, and kindred instruments—to join us for a musical adventure in Ireland!
Combine your passion for music and travel in a performance vacation that promises cultural enrichment and unforgettable memories.
New Caledonia String Orchestra, August 2025 led by Artistic Directors Larry & Elaine Conger
Céad Míle Fáilte to Ireland!
Céad Míle Fáilte—Gaelic for “a hundred thousand welcomes”—captures the warm hospitality awaiting you in Ireland! Join the New Caledonia String Orchestra, fresh from our wildly successful 2025 Scotland trip, for a performance vacation to the vibrant cities of Dublin and Waterford. Perform in the heart of Ireland’s countryside, share your love of music, and immerse yourself in the country’s rich heritage. This journey is for musicians and non-musician companions alike—spouses, friends, or family are welcome to join the fun!
Céad Míle Fáilte—Gaelic for “a hundred thousand welcomes”—captures the warm hospitality awaiting you in Ireland! Join the New Caledonia String Orchestra, fresh from our wildly successful 2025 Scotland trip, for a performance vacation to the vibrant cities of Dublin and Waterford. Perform in the heart of Ireland’s countryside, share your love of music, and immerse yourself in the country’s rich heritage. This journey is for musicians and non-musician companions alike—spouses, friends, or family are welcome to join the fun!
Welcome to Your Musical Journey in Ireland!
Dates: June 14 - 21, 2026
Discover the Charm of Waterford & Dublin
Ready to blend your love of music with Ireland’s magic? Fly into the vibrant city of Dublin, then journey to the historic and picturesque countryside of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, where you’ll spend most of your time soaking in its charm and serenity.
Why Join Us? A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity:
Experience the Joy of Music:
Immerse yourself in Ireland’s musical soul as you perform in historic venues nestled in Waterford’s enchanting countryside. Enjoy a day of low-key performances led by Artistic Directors Larry and Elaine Conger, with Geoff Black hosting a lively jam session, “Across the Celtic Sea,” alongside local Irish musicians. Non-musicians can explore the scenic surroundings, visit local attractions, or cheer on their companions.
Dates: June 14 - 21, 2026
Discover the Charm of Waterford & Dublin
Ready to blend your love of music with Ireland’s magic? Fly into the vibrant city of Dublin, then journey to the historic and picturesque countryside of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, where you’ll spend most of your time soaking in its charm and serenity.
Why Join Us? A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity:
- Limited Spots for Musicians! Our orchestra is exclusive, with limited spots for passionate string players. Last year’s Scotland trip sold out quickly, so secure your place now!
- Fun for Everyone: Musicians and non-musician companions (spouses, friends, or family) will love this trip. Scotland 2025 was a hit for all, with non-musicians enjoying cultural tours, scenic beauty, and new friendships.
- Cultural Exchange: As part of Performing Arts Educators, a dedicated non-profit, this trip fosters meaningful connections with local Irish musicians through performances and a special jam session, “Across the Celtic Sea.”
- Welcoming All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a hobbyist, our relaxed performances and jam sessions are for everyone. We especially encourage guitarists and mandolinists to join our dulcimer-led ensemble!
Experience the Joy of Music:
Immerse yourself in Ireland’s musical soul as you perform in historic venues nestled in Waterford’s enchanting countryside. Enjoy a day of low-key performances led by Artistic Directors Larry and Elaine Conger, with Geoff Black hosting a lively jam session, “Across the Celtic Sea,” alongside local Irish musicians. Non-musicians can explore the scenic surroundings, visit local attractions, or cheer on their companions.
Dates: June 14 - 21, 2026
What to Expect: Day-by-Day Itinerary
SUN / DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO DUBLIN & TRANSFER TO WATERFORD
Arrive Dublin Airport, relax with tea & biscuits at the Royal Marine Hotel lounge (short shuttle wait possible). Stroll the waterfront, then enjoy a comfy coach ride to Waterford’s Tower Hotel. Share a hearty welcome dinner with old & new friends.
MON / DAY 2: MORNING TUNES & WATERFORD RAMBLES
Morning rehearsal at the Tower Hotel. Use your Freedom Pass to explore Waterford’s Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, Irish Museum of Time, or Irish Silver Museum. Dinner on your own at the hotel or a nearby pub.
(Ensemble Performance Option 1: Hotel)
TUE / DAY 3: MORNING TUNES, AFTERNOON EXPLORATION & EVENING PUB FUN
Morning rehearsal, then coach to Jack Meade’s – a 1705 pub – for an included Irish buffet, a small Guinness, and lively folk music & dance. Return late to the Tower Hotel.
(Ensemble Performance Option 2: Pub)
WED / DAY 4: IRISH EMIGRANT EXPERIENCE & DRESS REHEARSAL
Coach to New Ross for a guided tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship. Return mid-afternoon for a relaxed dress rehearsal at the Tower Hotel.
(Ensemble Performance Option 3: Ship)
THUR / DAY 5: KILKENNY CONCERT AT ST. CANICE’S CATHEDRAL
Afternoon travel to Kilkenny. Evening performance in the breathtaking St. Canice’s Cathedral alongside the renowned Lady Desart Choir. Return late to Waterford, buzzing with triumph.
FRI / DAY 6: KILKENNY STROLLS & CRYSTAL BRILLIANCE
Return to Kilkenny for free time: revisit the cathedral, explore Kilkenny Castle & Gardens, Smithwick’s Brewery, or boutique shops. Late afternoon tour of the House of Waterford Crystal.
(Ensemble Performance Option 4: Waterford Crystal)
SAT / DAY 7: POWERSCOURT ESTATE SPLENDOR & FAREWELL FEAST
Check out early for a scenic coach to Powerscourt Gardens – Italianate terraces, rose beds, Japanese Garden. Lunch & shopping on the estate, then to Dun Laoghaire’s Royal Marine Hotel. Gather for an included farewell dinner filled with music and memories.
(Ensemble Performance Option 5: Gardens – weather permitting)
SUN / DAY 8: FOND FAREWELL
Breakfast at Royal Marine Hotel, complimentary shuttles to Dublin Airport (minor waits possible). Depart with a heart full of tunes – or extend your stay with Greatdays.
Additional Performance Opportunities
Five enchanting, first-come, first-serve ensemble pop-ups (4+ players) in informal settings where locals stop to listen. Plus lively pub jam sessions with Geoff Black – open to all levels.
Your strings, Ireland’s soul – let the music begin!
What to Expect: Day-by-Day Itinerary
SUN / DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO DUBLIN & TRANSFER TO WATERFORD
Arrive Dublin Airport, relax with tea & biscuits at the Royal Marine Hotel lounge (short shuttle wait possible). Stroll the waterfront, then enjoy a comfy coach ride to Waterford’s Tower Hotel. Share a hearty welcome dinner with old & new friends.
MON / DAY 2: MORNING TUNES & WATERFORD RAMBLES
Morning rehearsal at the Tower Hotel. Use your Freedom Pass to explore Waterford’s Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, Irish Museum of Time, or Irish Silver Museum. Dinner on your own at the hotel or a nearby pub.
(Ensemble Performance Option 1: Hotel)
TUE / DAY 3: MORNING TUNES, AFTERNOON EXPLORATION & EVENING PUB FUN
Morning rehearsal, then coach to Jack Meade’s – a 1705 pub – for an included Irish buffet, a small Guinness, and lively folk music & dance. Return late to the Tower Hotel.
(Ensemble Performance Option 2: Pub)
WED / DAY 4: IRISH EMIGRANT EXPERIENCE & DRESS REHEARSAL
Coach to New Ross for a guided tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship. Return mid-afternoon for a relaxed dress rehearsal at the Tower Hotel.
(Ensemble Performance Option 3: Ship)
THUR / DAY 5: KILKENNY CONCERT AT ST. CANICE’S CATHEDRAL
Afternoon travel to Kilkenny. Evening performance in the breathtaking St. Canice’s Cathedral alongside the renowned Lady Desart Choir. Return late to Waterford, buzzing with triumph.
FRI / DAY 6: KILKENNY STROLLS & CRYSTAL BRILLIANCE
Return to Kilkenny for free time: revisit the cathedral, explore Kilkenny Castle & Gardens, Smithwick’s Brewery, or boutique shops. Late afternoon tour of the House of Waterford Crystal.
(Ensemble Performance Option 4: Waterford Crystal)
SAT / DAY 7: POWERSCOURT ESTATE SPLENDOR & FAREWELL FEAST
Check out early for a scenic coach to Powerscourt Gardens – Italianate terraces, rose beds, Japanese Garden. Lunch & shopping on the estate, then to Dun Laoghaire’s Royal Marine Hotel. Gather for an included farewell dinner filled with music and memories.
(Ensemble Performance Option 5: Gardens – weather permitting)
SUN / DAY 8: FOND FAREWELL
Breakfast at Royal Marine Hotel, complimentary shuttles to Dublin Airport (minor waits possible). Depart with a heart full of tunes – or extend your stay with Greatdays.
Additional Performance Opportunities
Five enchanting, first-come, first-serve ensemble pop-ups (4+ players) in informal settings where locals stop to listen. Plus lively pub jam sessions with Geoff Black – open to all levels.
Your strings, Ireland’s soul – let the music begin!
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to combine travel, music, and cultural exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or an enthusiastic traveler, this adventure is tailored for you!
Price Includes
- 6 nights Tower Hotel Waterford + 1 night Royal Marine Hotel Dun Laoghaire
- Daily full buffet breakfast
- Welcome & farewell 3-course dinners
- Group airport transfers (periodic shuttle)
- Waterford Freedom Pass (4 museums)
- Performance at St. Canice’s Cathedral
- Dedicated rehearsal space
- Jack Meade’s Pub buffet + Irish music & dance
- Entrance to Waterford Crystal & Powerscourt Estate
- Greatdays representative + full PAE team on-site
- All taxes & compulsory fees
- Greatdays can arrange early arrival or extended stay in Ireland.
Please email [email protected]g for more information.