As a first time group leader traveling with Music Celebrations International (MCI), I was very pleased with the tour.

Our performance venues were beautifully selected for their historic and acoustic elements. We performed in four concerts, two of which were shared performances with local musicians. All four of our concerts were warmly received. Because our performances were publicized well in advance, we drew an audience from the native townspeople as well as the USA, including our home state of New Mexico. We appreciated having places to rehearse and very helpful contact people at the venues that would allow us to arrive early for rehearsal, and would accommodate our musical needs.

The scenery was absolutely breathtaking and the weather was beautiful and wet –we desert-dwellers didn’t mind the little rain we encountered. The sight seeing was glorious!

Our hotels were well-chosen and in areas of the cities that were accessible to good pubs, shopping, and eating. The hotel staff was very kind, professional, and willing to go out of their way to meet our needs.

Our personal highlights included a demonstration of working sheepdogs, impromptu singing at Knockmoy Abbey and in the Glendalough church, and learning and performing some of the traditional Irish music.

We had a wonderful guide and bus driver that made our tour even more memorable. Both men sang for our bus several times and were very knowledgeable of Ireland’s history, as well as blarney.

Many thanks to MCI’s Laura and Edmundo, who were extremely helpful and personable in the planning process of the tour. All in all, our singing trip to Ireland was unforgettable and we appreciate being so well taken care of.

Virginia Nickels, Artistic Director