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The Best Irish Concert Venues
The Best Irish Concert Venues
This is your year to travel, this is also your year to see the concert of your life. So why don’t you do both at the same time? Europe is a great place to see many of your favorite artists play. This year alone acts such as P!NK, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen are performing in Ireland! Ireland is becoming a hotspot for popular artists. Venues include castles, and some spaces even hold over 80,000 attendees! Make it both a memorable concert and a memorable vacation at the same. Learn about these top concert venues across Ireland, and what makes them so unique.
Aviva Stadium
This stadium is home to both sports and entertainment. It’s known as the oldest sports stadium in Europe! This is also the oldest rugby union ground in the world! 51,700 fans can enjoy history in the making here.
2024 performers include Taylor Swift and P!NK! Previous years Aviva Stadium has welcomed: Harry Styles, Billy Joel, Rihanna, Phil Collins, Lady Gaga and Madonna. This stadium is located in Dublin centre and can easily accessible by public transport or foot from Dublin hotels.
Croke Park
If you’re looking to attend the biggest stadium in Ireland, you found it! Croke Park can entertain up to 82,300 fans. Only two larger stadiums are found in all of Europe, making this the third largest venue in the country! This is an outdoor space starring some of the biggest acts in the world.
2024 performers will be bigger than ever at Croke Park with acts playing such as Coldplay, AC/DC, and Bruce Springsteen. Over previous years, Bon Jovi, Ed Sheeran, Garth Brooks, U2, Celine Dion, Beyonce, Tina Turner, and One Direction have all put on a show at Croke Park. You can watch a show at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.
3Arena
13,000 fans may enjoy this indoor venue in Dublin, Ireland located next to River Liffey. This venue is known as one of the top ten busiest music arenas in the world! If you stay in downtown Dublin, you may even be able to walk to this location since it is in Dublin centre.
2024 performers include: Smashing Pumpkins, The Killers, Dave Matthews Band, Eric Clapton, Tenacious D, and more. While previous acts to strut on this stage include: Green Day, Bob Dylan, Elton John, KISS, Pearl Jam, Blink 182, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Katy Perry, Iron Maiden, The Black Eyed Peas, Backstreet Boys, Justin Bieber, Kylie Minogue, Maroon 5, Jay-Z, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Alicia Keys, Dua Lipa, Tool, Alanis Morissette, Brad Paisley, Jona Brothers, Post Malone, and many others. If you’re looking for a place to watch the biggest and the best, you have found it!
Slane Castle
2021 marked the 40th anniversary of this venue, remembering the first performance which occurred here in 1981. This outdoor venue fits 80,000 fans. This may be the only time you will ever attend a concert with a stunning castle as your backdrop!
In 2024, Slane Castle will host a portion of The Boyne Music Festival inside their indoor Gothic Ballroom. This intimate concert will fit 100 guests. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming outdoor events as spectacular as last year. Previous performers over the years include: U2, David Bowe, Rolling Stones, Madonna, Foo Fighters, Oasis, Harry Styles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eminem, Kings of Leon, Queen, Bob Dylan and more.
Slane castle is in Meath, Ireland. If you’re traveling from Dublin, it’s only about a 45-minute drive from the city.
University Concert Hall
If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, then this venue is for you. University Concert Hall holds only 1,000 fans for a less overwhelming experience. This gives you more of an opportunity to get to know other attendees and even meet the performers. University Concert Hall is also the first concert hall ever built in Ireland! Talk about witnessing a piece of history. You can watch acts here this year including Ben Portsmouth, Mary Byrne and Bowie in Candlelight. University Concert Hall is in Limerick, Ireland.
Tickets for 2024 are selling fast. It’s no secret that the top artists are traveling to Ireland, and even more specifically, Dublin this year. To stay in Dublin, enjoy your vacation and maybe even catch a concert in the mix contact us at Celtic Tours.
Fit for Royalty: Best Irish Castle Stays
Fit for Royalty: Best Irish Castle Stays
Looking to live like the elite even if it’s just for one day? Well, you can at these Irish castles! Take time to dip in the indoor pool, relax at the spa, hike acres of land, fish, golf, kayak, play tennis, horseback ride, and so much more right on property!
Dromoland Castle
This castle is over 1,000 years old and one of Ireland’s most expensive castles. The property is 500 acres with a slew of activities to attend onsite. While staying, one may attend clay pigeon shooting, fishing, golfing, paddle boarding, go karts, tennis, pickleball, cycling, hiking trails, archery, and falconry. If you’re just looking to relax, you may also indulge in the spa or swimming in the indoor pool. Many celebrities have stayed at this location including John Travolta, Nelson Mandela, Johnny Cash, and Bill Clinton. This castle is in Dromoland, Ireland.
Ashford Castle
If you’re a beer drinker, this castle may be what you’re looking for, Ashford Castle was previously owned by The Guinness Family! If you’re looking for a special place to stay on the property book The Boathouse. The Boathouse was conceived and built when The Guinness Family still owned the estate. It lies solo on the edge of Lough Corrib and is surrounded by the lake and gardens. If you always wanted a private butler, then Ashford Castle has you covered since all guests of The Boathouse receive one! Amenities at Ashford Castle include fresh flowers, Egyptian Cotton bed linen, lakeside views, lakeside dining, plus bathrobes and slippers, bottled mineral water, an expresso machine, fireplace, complimentary movies, and a welcome basket. Activities available at the castle include tennis, golf, hiking, walking tours, the cinema, clay shooting, cycling, archery, falconry, horseback riding, boating, kayaking, lake cruising, and fishing. Ashford Castle resides in Mayo, Ireland.
Lough Eske Castle
When you’re visiting Northern Ireland, you’ll want to stay at Lough Eske Castle. At this property guests can even opt to stay in their own private lodge. The lodge comes with 800 square feet and your own wood burning fire, separate living and dining areas, free internet and more. The castle offers a variety of activities including complimentary history tour, complimentary bikes, spa, horse drawn carriage rides, and fishing on Lough Eske. Stay at this castle in Donegal, Ireland.
Cabra Castle
Looking to pop the question? A castle is such a romantic place to do it! Cabra Castle offers a package experience to make this engagement moment extra special. The “Will You Marry Me Package” comes with all the frills to wow your special someone. You will share a 5-course dinner, chocolate dipped strawberries and a bottle of champagne. You may add extra desserts, flowers, or wine to your package as you see fit. Get engaged at Cabra Castle in Kingscourt, Ireland.
Castle Leslie
Another castle we love due to all the activities is Castle Leslie. If you love equestrianism, this is the castle for you! Castle Leslie features a world class Equestrian Centre on over 1,000 acres of land. Other activities include horse drawn carriages, falconry, hiking, clay shooting, archery, boating and fishing. You may stay at the castle itself, The Lodge, or the Old Castle Mews to feel even closer to the equestrian experience. Once you are done with your daily activities, feel free to relax at the castle spa or pool. Visit this castle in Glaslough, Ireland.
Whether you’re planning to get married, love outdoor activities, need to relax at the spa or spend time with horses, these above castle stays have you covered! If you wish to add a castle stay to your trip to Ireland, Celtic Tours can add any of these options to your tour.
TAP and PAY the Easy Way Overseas!
TAP and PAY the Easy Way Overseas!
April 17, 2024
Our President just returned from Ireland and used the REVOLUT app during her stay in Ireland and Northern Ireland. While we are not an affiliate in any way of REVOLUT, it is a well-known tool in Europe for making foreign currency payments and it is so easy and carefree to use! If you have clients going to Europe, this may be the best way for them to pay as they go, budget and avoid carrying a lot of cash and added fees!
Simply: 1. Download the app from the app store 2. Open a free account 3. Add the desired amount to the account (our President added what she needed on the go, and there was a small $.25 cent fee for this) 4. Use your phone to TAP and PAY throughout Europe (you can also get a free card for the account to use when your phone is not available)
If your funds are in USD, they will be exchanged at the current exchange rate. You can also exchange to the currency of your choice at any time with no fees. Using REVOLUT allows you to avoid carrying large amounts of cash while travelling, and also avoids international withdrawal fees at ATMs, as well as going to the bank or standing in long money exchange lines. You can instantly move more money from your accounts set up on Apple pay or other pay services on your phone without exchange fees. The app also allows you to monitor exchange rates and exchange money with improved rates. Additionally, if you do exchange money from USD to the Currency of the country you are visiting, but don’t spend it all, you can exchange it back!
This is an incredibly useful tool we just wanted to share, which may help your clients who are traveling abroad this year! For more tools to aid your trip visit our Travel Tools recommendations.
Make the Most of 2024!
Make the Most of 2024!
March 21, 2024
2024 is well under way and we appreciate all your business! We've gotten many bookings for Ireland and UK tours so far this year and even a few to Italy and other wonderful destinations! We're delighted to continue offering incredible vacation packages and to help you make the most of your 2024. At this time, hotel availability in Spring and early summer is very slim, but rest assured Celtic Tours has plenty of space available for the fall months. Fall is a wonderful time to travel, with cooler temperatures, less crowds, and a more relaxed pace which allows you to really immerse yourself in your vacation and let your troubles fade away.
Maybe you're interested in experiencing Halloween traditions outside of the US? Our Halloween Spooktacular is the perfect opportunity! Or take advantage of our Irish Tour series and see all Ireland has to offer! Don't forget our myriad of tours throughout Europe for castle lovers, culinary aficionados, and history fans. There's something for everyone!
Browse our Celtic Tours destinations and contact us via phone or email to book today!
Looking Ahead to 2024!
Looking Ahead to 2024!
September 1, 2023
Happy September! Summer is drawing to a close, but don't fret, there's plenty to look forward to! With the change of the season comes the change of available tours and tour dates. We have a wide selection of destinations coming in 2024, and although not all of them have been added to our website yet, many have! Naturally, we have plenty of tours in the UK; Your favorite tours are back for you to enjoy again! Our popular Irish tour series is making a return as well, alongside some itinerary updates to bring you an even better experience! Secure your spot now!
We also have incredible tours available throughout Europe! We offer tons of private tours to Germany with specialized itineraries such as Rivers, Wines and Castles, and independent journeys are also available. From culinary adventures to castle exploration, there's something for everyone.
Escorted Tours
We also have an exciting selection of tours available throughout Northern, Eastern and Central Europe for 2024. Explore places like Croatia, one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe, as well as underrated gems such as Slovenia, Serbia, or even Baltic States like Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania! Tours range from just a couple of days to two weeks or more. There is lots of culture, history and even culinary reward to experience in these countries, and they make for unforgettable trips. See for yourself and book a vacation!
There are plenty of more 2024 tours coming to the website in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out! The perfect tour is waiting for you, we guarantee it.
Email reservations@celtictours.com or give us a call to plan your trip now.
May The 4th Be With You... In Spain!
May The 4th Be With You... In Spain!
May 4th, 2023
Summer is fast approaching but there's still time to plan your perfect vacation! Consider a visit to Spain on one of our incredible tours!
We have three wonderful journeys by train to choose from, which allow you to experience the very best of Spanish cities and culture, and allow plenty of time for individual exploration! Each of these has daily departures until October 2023. These tours include daily breakfast, first class hotels, relaxed itineraries, and include train tickets and transfers between cities.
Visit:
- Barcelona & Madrid (6 Night)
- Barcelona, Valencia & Madrid (7 Night)
- Barcelona, Madrid & Seville (8 Night)
Our popular escorted Elegance, Culture and Reconquista tour still has spots available for:
- July 8th
- September 23rd
- October 28th
5 Tips For Your Scotland Self Drive
5 Tips For Your Scotland Self Drive
Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned road trip, singing tunes in the car with the windows down, getting a little lost, and discovering the beauty of a new place? Road trips are the perfect vacation option for those travelers who want a little more independence in their vacation, especially if you are budget conscious.
1. Download Your Route on Google Maps and Allow for Extra Time
When renting a car overseas, you should be aware that you are not always going to find a GPS in your vehicle. A GPS does come at an extra cost, and are available on request, which means that it isn’t guaranteed that you will get one. The workaround? Download your route from Google Maps onto your phone before you go, this will allow you to have access to your map, even if you don’t have internet service! It is also worth pointing out that you will want to account for a bit of extra time on your route – keep in mind that the roads are windy and narrower than what we are used to in the U.S.
2. Invest in an Automatic Car
When booking a car in the U.K., a manual car is going to be cheaper. However, if you are uncomfortable with a stick shift, I would highly recommend opting for an automatic vehicle. Not only will you be driving on the “wrong” side of the road, but you will also be in a new place. Save yourself the stress and opt for the automatic if it makes you feel more comfortable.
3. Take the Scenic Route
The beauty of a self-drive vacation is the freedom and flexibility you have in your day-to-day itinerary. Take advantage of this flexibility and discover the more scenic areas within Scotland, maybe even visit some of Scotland’s more remote, harder to reach areas?
4. Watch for Animals
One of the wonderful things about Scotland is the ample wildlife. While in Scotland it isn’t uncommon to see sheep, deer, or even some of the Highland cattle alongside the road. That being said, you just want to be mindful of the wildlife while driving.
5. Stop for Photos and Breaks
This may be one of the most useful tips – if you are driving along and something catches your eye, stop! One of the joys about having your own vehicle is the freedom to stop and stretch whenever you would like. Don’t forget to get out to stretch, grab a bite of food, or simply stop to admire the views as you are driving along – it will make the road trip a lot more enjoyable!
If you want freedom to see the sights on your own time and experience the open road a self-drive tour is for you. Celtic Tours can help you customize your trip today.
Scotland's Highlands
Scotland's Highlands
Glencoe
Inverness
Isle of Skye
The Highlands really is the Scotland of your imagination. There is a natural playground which begs to explored, inviting visitors from all over the world to come and wander.
If your heart desires to see the Scotland tours and the Scotland Highlands we can help you! Explore the highlands along with the rest of Scotland with Celtic Tours.
A Day in Dublin
A Day in Dublin
Trinity College and Book of Kells
Grafton Street
Stephen’s Green
St. Patrick’s
Dublin Castle
Guinness Storehouse
Temple Bar
Dublin is our exact area of expertise. If you need help planning and navigating the city, Celtic Tours has you covered!
Scenic Spotlight: The Ring Of Kerry in Ireland
Scenic Spotlight: The Ring Of Kerry in Ireland
Begin your journey in the charming town of Killarney, a vibrant town comprised of history, heritage, and lively festivals. Many travelers are drawn in by the friendly atmosphere of this charming little town. While in the area be sure to grab a bite to eat at one of the many great seafood restaurants within the area and enjoy some of the top attractions Killarney has to offer, such as the Muckross House, Killarney National Park, or Dunloe Castle.
Muckross House
Nestled within the 26,000 acres of Killarney National Park is the Muckross House, a 19th century Victorian Mansion. Standing along the shores of Muckross Lake, the elegant Victorian house, surrounded by the world-famous Lakes of Killarney, mountains, and woodlands, creates impressive views for guests who are exploring the area.
Killarney National Park
The unique and distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls, gives the Killarney National Park a special scenic beauty. With ample wildlife and an abundance of greenery, Killarney National Park offers a tranquil, scenic, setting for those looking to take a stroll, go kayaking, or partake in a traditional jaunting car ride.
Killorglin
From Killarney, you will continue on to Killorglin, famous for its traditional Puck Fair, Ireland’s oldest festival dating back to the 17th century. This town offers an enjoyable melting pot of pubs, cafes, and galleries to their visitors. Continue your drive along the coastline of the broad Iveragh Peninsula, through the towns of Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Waterville, and Sneem.
Glenbeigh
Cahersiveen
Waterville
Sneem
To complete this famous touring path, simply circle back to Killarney, your starting location. The Ring of Kerry is one of our most popular destinations. Join a tour making the Ring of Kerry stop today!
Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cinque Terre
Monterosso
Vernazza
Corniglia
Manarola
Riomaggiore
Regardless of which villages you decide to visit while in Cinque Terre, you are sure to discover the ample beauty of this unique area from the colorful buildings, scenic cliffs and harbors, and ample vineyards the region has to offer. If you need help planning your village visits we can help at Celtic Tours!
Packing for Your European Vacation
Packing for Your European Vacation
Once we arrived in Switzerland, I immediately began to regret my packing decisions. After taking a bus, a train, and walking for a decent amount of time, we finally made it to our hotel. Not only was lugging all of our items daunting, but we also managed to break a wheel off of a suitcase in the process, making it that much harder to navigate around Geneva. I immediately realized that when packing for Europe, less is more. Not only from a navigation standpoint, but some European hotels often do not have elevators, or large areas to stow luggage in your room, like we are used to in the U.S. Not only had I begun realizing that I had packed a little too much, but I also realized that I hadn’t quite packed the right things.
Adapters
Beauty & Health Products
Clothing
Currency
Bearing this in mind, while packing for your first European vacation remember – less is more, and you will be all set. If you're in need of more travel tools, Celtic Tours is here to help!
Hiking Throughout Scotland
Hiking Throughout Scotland
Cairngorm National Park
The Cairngorm National Park, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, has everything from castles to distilleries, providing plenty of attractions and endless fun. As UK’s largest National Park, visitors are provided with ample options for activities when visiting, whether you are looking to explore mountains, water, or greens, there are plenty of activities that suit all visitors. If you choose to stay at the park during the evening, you will be able to discover the natural nighttime beauty of Scotland with stargazing. As the most northernly Dark Sky Park in the world, the dark skies provide clear visibility and endless opportunities for stargazers.
Abernethy Forest and Ryvoan Circuit
Strathpeffer
Sandwood Bay
Hiking allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of Scotland in a unique way. Book your next escorted trip to Scotland with Celtic Tours.
Christmas Around the World
Christmas Around The World
Ireland
Italy
Scotland
Wherever you decide to celebrate the holiday season, we wish you a time of happiness, prosperity, and good health.
Buon Natale! Nollaig Shona Duit! Ablythe Yuletide! Merry Christmas!
Must-See Attractions in Dublin
Must-See Attractions in Dublin
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Guinness Storehouse
St. Stephen’s Green
Ha’penny Bridge
EPIC Museum
Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Every trip needs to start somewhere and we truly hope these attractions help you move forward! If you like to book an Ireland trip that includes some or even all of these attractions, let us know at Celtic Tours!
Traveling with Techology
Traveling with Technology
Email Yourself a Scan of your Passport
Use Google Maps Offline
How to Save Google Maps Directions Offline
- On your phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app
- Make sure you’re connected to the Internet and signed in to Google Maps
- Search for a place, like Palm Springs, Madrid-- you get the idea
- At the bottom of the page, tap the name or address of the place (in the white bar)
- If you search for a “place” like a restaurant, tap more
- Select Download
Flight’s Entertainment Options
Store Power Cords in a Small Case
Bring a Converter
Follow these above tricks and tips and you are sure to have an improved experience why traveling. For more tips and tricks check out the Celtic Tours Travel Tools.