MICHAEL LONDRA

Emmy® nominee, Michael Londra, the Irish singer best known as the voice of Riverdance on Broadway and for his own US TV special, "Beyond Celtic", presents an evening bringing you “Christmas from Ireland” told in song, dance and the festive stories of his youth.

The evening features traditional, heartwarming Irish carols like Winter, Fire and Snow and Gaelic versions of Christmas songs you will love such as "Oiche Ciuin" (Silent Night). Michael will also sing Celtic songs of a new Ireland including his own popular carol "Beyond the Star", recorded and performed by choirs worldwide. The famed tenor sings many carols more familiar to international audiences like O Come Emmanuel and The First Noel, but sung in a more traditional Celtic style by one the greatest Irish singers of our time.

Irish musicians join Michael onstage to perform age-old Celtic airs on the haunting uilleann pipes, fiddle, low whistles and the national drum of Ireland, the bodhran. They thrill the audience with their own frenetic traditional jigs and reels.  The musicians are some of the most popular traditional players in Ireland, playing festivals and concerts throughout the year.

Rounding out the evening are the breathtaking dancers, built from Michael's connections to Riverdance. They perform traditional and modern dances that reflect the two worlds that Ireland lives in. The dancers are some of the best in the world, performing with Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and many more productions. But come Christmas they present breathtaking steps especially choreographed to celebrate the season, and dances traditionally danced during the holiday season.

Coming from a large musical family, Michael tells the tales of his grandmother and the Christmas traditions of her home such as "The Wren Boys" where locals dress in unusual garb on St. Stephen's Day (December 26th), gather at the crossroads and on to wander the village,  singing in the streets. He also tells the story of "Oiche Nollaig na mBan" (Ladies Christmas) and many other Celtic traditions at Yuletide. Hear the stories of ancient times in rural Ireland and how customs of the day evolved. Michael will tell the tale of how the famed "Wexford Carol" was born and was reputedly found in a churchyard in the 12th century in his home county. Michael's recording of this carol is featured on Jim Brickman's "Christmas from the Heart" and is considered one of the most popular recordings of the piece.

FOR PHOTOS, VIDEO, PROGRAM COPY, QUOTES, ARTIST PROFILE CONTACT MICHAEL AT mlondra@venuworks.com

JUNE 05, 2022

DAY 1  - DUBLIN ARRIVAL & DONEGAL CASTLE

Your tour begins at Dublin Airport, where your host Michael Londra will greet you with a warm Irish welcome! He and your Irish-born driver/ guide (a knowledgeable rascal for sure!) will escort you to the luxury motorcoach, and drive a short distance for your first Full-Irish Breakfast – truly a delight, and a meal to look forward to every morning of your vacation. Afterwards, board your luxury motorcoach and drive northeast through Ireland’s rolling hills and valleys and into County Donegal. Upon arrival in Donegal town, we’ll visit the imposing Donegal Castle, which incorporates the gabled tower of a 15th century house built by the O’Donnell family. Partially restored, the castle reflects a long and turbulent history. Fascinating stuff! After a short drive to your hotel, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and settle into your room. This evening before dinner, join Michael and your fellow travelers for a complimentary welcome drink, and open your Ireland with Michael gift bag! And then it’s time to enjoy your first authentic Irish dinner in the hotel restaurant. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: 
MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL

JUNE 06

DAY 2 - HANNA HATS, SLIEVE LEAGUE CLIFFS & NANCY’S BAR

After a restful night’s sleep and another delicious breakfast, Michael will take you to visit Hanna Hats, a small family business, world famous for its tweed hats. You will see in his TV show that Michael is no stranger to a cloth cap. The factory is not open to the public, so this is a special treat for you, arranged by Michael. Meet his friends, the owners on the factory floor, where you can watch these iconic hats being made as they have been since 1924. From there, we take a coastal drive west to view the stunning Slieve League Sea Cliffs, which at 1,972 feet makes them the highest in Europe. Higher than the Cliffs of Moher from episode One of Ireland with Michael. The cliffs drop straight down to the wild Atlantic waves below. Watch Michael as he is pretty terrified of heights. Truly breath-taking! Before heading back to your hotel, enjoy some freshly made tea and traditional Irish scones. Tonight’s dinner is at the award-winning Nancy's of Ardara, which offers a warm atmosphere and traditional flavor. The McHugh family has owned Nancy’s for over seven generations, and has managed to retain the traditional feel and family atmosphere that is so rare these days. Nancy’s draws people back again and again – you’ll see why! OVERNIGHT: 
MILL PARK HOTEL, DONEGAL

OATYARD DISTILLERY & WESTPORT HOUSE

JUNE 7

DAY 3 ENNISKILLEN AND WESTPORT HOUSE

This morning, we’ll make a wee stop in Northern Ireland as we drive to one of Michael’s favorite locales, the Enniskillen lake district. We’ll visit The Boatyard Distillery on the banks of Lough Erne, which Nathan Carter, Ireland’s top entertainer recommended during the Road Rise to Meet You episode of Ireland with Michael. This award winning farm-to-bottle distillery created their gin and vodka especially for the Savoy Hotel in London, so we’ll surely have to sample some! Afterwards, we’ll head back into the Republic of Ireland with a drive through green pastures to the charming town of Westport, with its Georgian town center, stone bridges and tree-lined promenade on the banks of the Carrowbeg River. We’ll stop to visit Westport House, a stately mansion build in 1730, with magnificent views of Clew Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. You will feel history come alive as you walk through the stately rooms with priceless furnishings, silver, paintings and books. Enjoy time to relax before dinner in the hotel restaurant. Your hotel is located in the center of town, which is perfect for an after-dinner stroll. You’ll find plenty of traditional Irish music in one of the several nearby pubs. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: 
HOTEL WESTPORT, WESTPORT 

JUNE 8

DAY 4 - ACHILL ISLAND & THE DESERTED VILLAGE

Prepare for some stunning scenery this morning, as we travel along Curraun Peninsula to reach Achill Island, which is joined to the mainland by a bridge of just 800ft long. Before the first bridge was built in 1887, the narrow sea channel at Achill Sound could only be crossed at low tide on foot or on horseback! Follow the Atlantic Drive to capture wonderful and wild scenic views of steeply sloped mountains plunging into the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. We’ll stop at Keem Bay Beach, described as one of the top ten beaches in the world by Lonely Planet. Before lunch at the Beehive Café, considered to be the most authentic and uniquely Irish cafes in Ireland, we’ll visit The Deserted Village providing a haunting reminder of times past on Achill Island. This 'village' consists of the remains of almost 100 traditional stone cottages which date to at least the 12th Century AD. Then it’s back to our hotel where the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy as you please. Perhaps you can stroll up to the famous Matt Molloy’s pub for a pint. Matt is a member of The Chieftains, and his pub is well known for its fine traditional Irish music. OVERNIGHT: 
HOTEL WESTPORT, WESTPORT

DA

JUNE 9

DAY 5 - KILLARY HARBOR SEA CRUISE - ON TO GALWAY

After another hearty Irish breakfast, we drive to the village of Leenane and step aboard the “Connemara Lady” catamaran. Michael loves this 90-minute cruise with uninterrupted views of the breathtaking scenery on the Killary - Ireland's only fjord – scenery which cannot be seen from land! Excellent onboard commentary on local history and culture. You may even see some dolphins, which regularly swim alongside. Then it’s back on dry land and a pleasant drive to Galway – the City of the Tribes. With a history dating back 800 years, this thriving, bohemian, cultural city with a love of traditional music is hard to resist. Your hotel’s stunning beachfront location, just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, with a 2km boardwalk (locally known as the ‘prom’) is guaranteed to tempt you. This evening, Michael will host dinner in the hotel restaurant. We will finish early enough so you can head into town to sample the many pubs and live traditional music scene to sample jigs and reels from Ireland’s finest players. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: 
GALWAY BAY HOTEL 

JUNE 10

DAY 6 - CITY OF THE TRIBES

The magic of Galway continues this morning, as Michael’s great friend Brian Nolan leads a gentle walking tour through the narrow city streets. Brian’s passion for and knowledge of his hometown will captivate and fascinate you! You’ll see the medieval city walls, Lynch’s Castle and the famous Claddagh. You will love strolling through the charming cobblestone streets with artists and buskers and a delightful new wonder around every corner. And the shopping is great too! The remainder of the day is yours to freely explore, relax, sightsee or shop at your own pace. OVERNIGHT: 
GALWAY BAY HOTEL 

JUNE 11

DAY 7 - CLONMACNOISE & DUBLIN

Today after breakfast, board your luxury motorcoach and travel to the center of Ireland for a uniquely spiritual visit to Clonmacnoise, a monastic settlement founded in the 6th century. Strategically set in the center of Ireland on the banks of the River Shannon, the extensive remains of a cathedral, round tower, high crosses and no fewer than seven churches reveal why Clonmacnoise was once a leading center of religion and learning in Europe. We’ll continue through the rugged countryside to Ireland’s vibrant capital city of Dublin which was founded by the Vikings in the 10th century. Today this historic city is loaded with charm, sights, parks, museums, galleries, theatres, shops, pubs, restaurants and an abundance of character. After checking into our hotel, you are free to sightsee and explore Dublin at your own pace. Michael loves to people watch in Saint Stephens Green and shop on Grafton Street as you witnessed on the TV show or perhaps you can take the tram out to Kilmainham Gaol. There are plenty of museums of Irish interest such as the National Museum, the National Gallery or Epic Ireland. There’s great shopping on Nassau Street and on the pedestrianized Grafton Street or Henry Street. Tonight, on our last night in Ireland, prepare for a rip-roaring evening of traditional Irish song and dance accompanied by a delightful dinner. We’ll kick up our heels and enjoy that last drink (for now!) together. OVERNIGHT: 
RADISSON BLU ROYAL HOTEL, DUBLIN 

JUNE 12

DAY EIGHT - THE JOURNEY HOME

It is time to fly home. We will get you to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States. An Ireland with Michael trip will make you life long friends so it’ll be sad to say goodbye but Ireland isn’t going anywhere and many of our travellers come back to Ireland with Michael again and again.

Short Overview
The driver is available for up to eight hours a day for touring. Gratuity is not included (driver and/or tour director).
Hotels
Mill Park Hotel, Donegal 2 Nights - Hotel Westport, Westport 2 Nights
Park House Hotel, Galway 2 Nights - Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin 1 Night
Highlights
Welcome get-together drink
Slieve League w/tea & fresh baked scones
Achill Island & Deserted Village
Connemara Sea Cruise (Killary Harbour)
Guided walking tour of Galway
Visits
All visits are outlined on the above itinerary and included in the cost unless otherwise stated. Land Cost only without airfare $2895.00 includes breakfast and dinners where noted. Single Room Supplement $650.00
Includes all breakfasts and dinners where noted