Léim Ar Bord!
Hop Aboard Ireland’s Living Culture
Journey through Ireland’s stories, songs and art in the places where they took root.
Created exclusively in partnership with iBAM!, Irish Books, Art & Music, this special journey takes you beyond Ireland’s familiar landmarks and into the heart of its living culture. You’ll meet authors, artists, booksellers, musicians, and storytellers who continue to shape the country’s creative spirit.
Follow in the footsteps of W.B. Yeats through County Sligo. Discover Dublin’s literary and musical heritage at Trinity College, Windmill Lane Studio, and the Abbey Theatre. In Galway and Dingle, enjoy exclusive iBAM! Pop-Up Experiences that bring you face to face with people who know Ireland’s stories best.
Along the way, you’ll also experience traditional music, song, dance, and storytelling, explore the Aran Islands and Dingle Peninsula, and share meals and memorable moments with fellow travelers.
This is Ireland through the voices of its people.
Highlights of Léim Ar Bord!
- Exclusive iBAM! Pop-Up Experiences with celebrated Irish authors, artists, and cultural ambassadors
- Discover Ireland’s literary, musical, and artistic traditions on a special departure created in partnership with iBAM! (Irish Books, Arts & Music).
- Explore Dublin’s cultural treasures, including Trinity College, the Book of Kells, Windmill Lane Studio, and The Abbey Theatre.
- Follow in the footsteps of W.B. Yeats with visits to the Yeats Society, Drumcliffe Church, and Yeats’ final resting place.
- Experience authentic Irish traditions through storytelling in Connemara, a céilí dance lesson, and music and dance at Trad on the Prom.
- Visit the Aran Islands and the scenic Dingle Peninsula, two of Ireland’s most iconic destinations.
- Travel with us and support Irish arts and culture — $100 from every iBAM! Tour booking will be donated to iBAM! to support its cultural programming.
DAY 1: DEPART CHICAGO
Your Irish adventure begins with an overnight flight from Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Relax and enjoy onboard services as you travel across the Atlantic.
DAY 2: ARRIVE IN DUBLIN
Welcome to Ireland. Upon arrival in Dublin, begin your Irish adventure with an introductory walking tour of the capital. Explore historic streets, elegant Georgian architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods while discovering the people, places, and traditions that have shaped Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and your first overnight stay in Dublin. DDAY 3: DISCOVER DUBLIN
This morning, visit Trinity College, home to the world-famous Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript created more than 1,000 years ago and regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. Enjoy free time to explore Dublin at your own pace before an evening of dinner and entertainment at Celtic Nights Arlington, where traditional Irish music, song, and dance bring centuries of Irish culture to life. B, D
DAY 4: DUBLIN'S CULTURAL HERITAGE
Explore Ireland’s artistic and musical legacy with a visit to the legendary Windmill Lane Studio, where U2 launched their recording career and many of the world’s most celebrated musicians have recorded. Following a two-course lunch in a traditional Irish pub, enjoy an evening performance at Dublin’s renowned Abbey Theatre, founded in 1904 by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory and long regarded as the heart of Irish literature, drama, and storytelling. B, L
DAY 5: INTO YEATS COUNTRY
Follow in the footsteps of W.B. Yeats as you journey to County Sligo, where the landscapes and people inspired some of Ireland’s most beloved poetry. Visit the Yeats Society before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in Sligo. B, D
DAY 6: EXPLORE SLIGO
Continue through Yeats Country with a visit to Drumcliffe Church, the final resting place of W.B. Yeats beneath the dramatic backdrop of Benbulben Mountain. Later, enjoy a cruise aboard the Rose of Innisfree on scenic Lough Gill, where the beauty of the surrounding landscape inspired Yeats’ famous poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree. B, D
DAY 7: SLIGO TO GALWAY
Discover Galway, where music, dance, and storytelling remain an important part of everyday life. Learn the steps of a traditional céilí dance before traveling into Connemara for an authentic storytelling experience celebrating the folklore, history, and traditions of Ireland’s rugged west. This evening, enjoy a three-course dinner in a traditional Irish pub. B, D
DAY 8: IBAM POP-UP EXPERIENCE IN GALWAY
Begin the day at Kenny’s Bookshop & Gallery, one of Ireland’s most beloved independent bookstores, for an exclusive iBAM! Pop-Up Experience hosted by renowned bookseller and literary champion Tom Kenny. During this intimate gathering, Tom shares stories of Galway’s vibrant literary community, Ireland’s rich publishing tradition, and the writers who have shaped the city’s creative spirit. After time to browse the bookshop and gallery, enjoy free time to explore Galway on your own before meeting the group for dinner. Then experience Trad on the Prom, Galway’s acclaimed celebration of traditional Irish music, song, and dance. B, D
DAY 9: THE ARAN ISLANDS
Travel by ferry to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, where daily life continues much as it has for generations. Enjoy a traditional lunch before touring the island by mini-coach, visiting the spectacular prehistoric stone fort of Dún Aonghasa and taking in breathtaking Atlantic views. B, L
DAY 10: GALWAY TO KERRY
Journey south to County Kerry, where dramatic landscapes and rich literary traditions await. Visit the Kerry Writers’ Museum for a guided storytelling experience
celebrating the authors, poets, and storytellers whose works were inspired by this remarkable corner of Ireland. Continue to the Dingle Peninsula for dinner and your
overnight stay. B, D
DAY 11: IBAM POP-UP EXPERIENCE IN DINGLE
Explore one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal regions as you tour the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula, where mountains, ancient traditions, and Atlantic vistas have inspired generations of artists and storytellers. Following a two-course lunch in a traditional Irish pub, enjoy an exclusive iBAM Pop-Up Experience with acclaimed artist and author Liam O’Neill. During this special gathering, Liam shares the inspiration behind his vibrant paintings and writings, offering a deeper connection to the people, landscapes, and traditions of Corca Dhuibhne. B, L
DAY 12: KERRY TO KILDARE
Travel east to Kildare, with visits to historic St. John’s Castle and Newbridge Silverware, one of Ireland’s best-known names in fine craftsmanship and design. This evening,
celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner alongside your fellow travelers, sharing memories of the stories, music, traditions, and friendships that have made this Irish adventure so memorable. B, D
DAY 13: DEPART IRELAND
After breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for your flight home. As you return home, you’ll take with you lasting memories of Ireland’s literary heritage, traditional music, vibrant culture, spectacular landscapes, and the warm welcome that makes the Emerald Isle so special. B
Dates:
May 2-14, 2027
Price Per Person:
Double $6,497
Single $7,362
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
Call for pricing
Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL
Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
24-hour emergency call service
