Special Events

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK TOURS, Hosted by Michael & Siobhan Reidy

In 2017, we started taking groups “off-the-beaten-track” in Ireland, and had A LOT of fun in the process. We added a Scotland tour in 2020, but Covid had other plans. Our sold-out 2020 tours were cancelled, and for more than two years, Covid restrictions kept us home. We’re back now and currently offer trips in April and October following a variety of itineraries. In general the itineraries include heading north from Dublin, south from Dublin, into the Scottish Highlands and Aberdeenshire, and around southern Scotland/northern England, but we’re always tweaking and adding new things.

If you want to kiss the Blarney Stone, look for leprechauns, and spend your nights at tourist-only pubs, we are NOT the tour for you. But, if you want to spend time with the locals, see the best sights at a relaxed pace, stay at charming small hotels, and hang out at real pubs and restaurants rather than tour bus mills, we might be what you’re looking for. We spend at least two nights at every stop to help you get a feel for each area, and we rarely start our days before 9:00 am…we are not rushing around the country trying to hit all the supposed ‘must-sees,” but we will definitely show you the best of Ireland and Scotland.

TOURS FILL UP QUICKLY. USE THE “CONTACT US” PAGE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO OUR EMAIL LIST TO RECEIVE INFORMATION DIRECTLY…WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US!

Next Tour: Southern Scotland & Northern England, October 2025 (exact dates TBA)

This tour heads south from Edinburgh and spends two nights in the Dumfries area of Scotland; two nights in the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales; two nights in the medieval city of York; three nights in the Scottish Borders; and three nights in Edinburgh

Highlights:

A guided tour of Traquair House, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house (including a reclaimed 200 year old brewery under the chapel), with the 21st Lady of Traquair
A behind the scenes tour of Dumfries House, an exquisite 18th century estate housing one of Britain’s most important collections of Georgian furnishings. The estate was saved from the auction block by the last-minute (literally) intervention of King Charles (then the Prince of Wales) and it now offers a range of training opportunities for young people in a variety of traditional skills and crafts
Hadrian’s Wall and the countless artefacts excavated from the Roman camps and towns around it, including “Britain’s Top Treasure,” the Vindolanda Tablets, the oldest surviving handwritten documents in the country
The stunning scenery of the Lake District Fells and a visit to Wordworth’s Dove Cottage in the pretty village of Grasmere
The equally stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, complete with a visit to a 13th century pub, a sheepdog demo, a stop at the charmingly homespun James Herriot Museum, and, of course, a brewery stop for some of the hand-pulled ales the county is famous for
A stay in the bustling medieval city of York and a tour of it’s soaring Minster
An afternoon exploring the re-created communities at the outdoor Beamish Museum
The busy but scenic border town of Melrose, with cute shops, pubs and cafes, plus the extensive 12th century ruins of Scotland’s first Cistercian monastery (and the final resting place for the heart of Robert the Bruce). It’s also the birthplace of rugby sevens and frequently hosts tournaments
More stunning scenery along the Berwick coast, plus a fun stop at a very boutique gin distillery
Roslyn Chapel, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the ancient close buried beneath it, plus free time to explore the pubs, shops, and other sites in the beautiful city of Edinburgh

Plus lots of great beer, music, food and craic! Full details will be available toward the end of the year, including pricing and application form. Watch this website, or, better yet, join our email list and be one of the first to receive info on this and future tours.

Holiday Closings

Fourth of July: CLOSED

Memorial Day and Labor Day: CLOSED

Thanksgiving: CLOSED

Christmas Eve: Last orders at 7:30; CLOSED when it falls on a Sunday or Monday

Christmas Day: CLOSED

New Year’s Eve: Last orders at 8:30; CLOSED when it falls on a Sunday or Monday

New Year’s Day: CLOSED

ADDITIONAL CLOSURES MAY OCCUR. CALL THE RESTAURANT FOR UP-TO-DATE INFO

Stout Fest 2024? – Date TBA, 3:00-8:00 pm

Fingers crossed we’ll have enough staff to bring back the popular event with live music, a limited beer-centric menu, and all 12 taps devoted to the best stouts on the market

Boxing Day – December 26th, 2024?

Here’s hoping we’ll be able to celebrate the Irish way! If our staffing has improved enough to host this popular event, we’ll be offering a traditional Irish breakfast and live music served up 10 am – 2 pm….fingers crossed!

Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas) – TBA for 2024

Whew…You made Christmas happen for friends and family, and now it’s time for your own celebration! The Irish Rover revives a long-standing tradition of Nollaig na mBan — or Women’s Christmas — with a party just for you. Live Irish music by female musicians, drink specials, and a great excuse for a GNO!

ST. PATRICK’S DAY – March 17th, 2024

Tent Party 11 am – 9 pm….Cover Charge $10/person (cash only)

Under 21 MUST be accompanied by parent.

OUDOOR ONLY EVENT. There will be NO SEATING IN THE RESTAURANT OR BAR.

Tables inside and outside of the heated tent will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Food & drink (including beer, liquor, wine, soda and water) can be ordered and paid for at the bar. Food will be in carryout containers, and you will be texted when it is ready for pick up. A 20% gratuity will be added to all inside orders.

Beer, sodas, water, tee shirts, and brown soda bread can also be purchased at the outdoor beer truck. Beer Truck sales are CASH ONLY

NO OUTSIDE FOOD & DRINK

Reservations, call-ahead seating and online orders are NOT available on St. Patrick’s Day.

2024 Musical Lineup: 11:00 – Cloigheann 2:00 – Mrs. Doyle 5:00 – McClanahan Dancers 6:00 – Rashers

Photos by John Nation