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 Covid restrictions kept us home for two years.

We’re back now and currently offer trips in April and October following a variety of itineraries. We’re always tweaking and adding new things to the itineraries, but, in general, our tours head either north or south from Dublin, or into the Scottish Highlands and Aberdeenshire from Edinburgh. We’ve also developed a new itinerary for April 2026 that will visit the gorgeous, historic, and rarely visited Scottish Borders (plus Dumfries & Galloway and Northern England)

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: Ireland, October 13 – 26, 2026

We’re excited to debut this new tour, and we know many of you have been waiting for it. The tour will cover the southern half of the Republic as we frequently do, but, for the first time, the itinerary will include the gorgeous scenery and pretty coastal villages of west Cork…it’s a region that is a little difficult to get to, but it is so worth it! We’re also going to reverse our usual route and start off the tour with three nights in County Clare before heading south to Kerry and Cork.

Specifically, the tour will spend three nights at the lovely Old Ground Hotel in the center of Ennis, County Clare; two nights at The comfy Brook Lane in Kenmare, County Kerry; two nights at the spectacularly sited Dunmore House Hotel outside of Clonakilty, County Cork; two nights at the charming Stephouse Hotel in the tiny village of Borris, County Carlow; and the final three nights at The Grafton Hotel in the center of Dublin.

Highlights include:

The spectacular scenery of the Burren’s seemingly barren limestone karst landscape, Killarney National Park’s stunning vistas, the equally stunning but rarely visited Beara Peninsula, and dramatic Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southwesterly point…as well as the beautiful coast of southwest Cork, and the surprising Loop Head peninsula in County Clare
The Michael Collins Centre, telling the fascinating story of a national hero (or traitor, depending on your politics) and his role in Ireland’s fight for independence, its bloody civil war and eventual statehood
Continued exploration of the fight for Irish freedom in Dublin at Kilmainham Gaol and Glasnevin Cemetery, which together tell the stories of many of Ireland’s heroes, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter uprising, the catalyst for Irish statehood
The brand new Shackleton Experience in Athy, which will introduce you to Ernest Shackleton, the Antarctic explorer you probably didn’t know was Irish…and to Tom Crean, the Kerryman who was arguably the most interesting and pivotal — and definitely the most courageous — participant in Shackleton’s expeditions
The usual fabulous food and sundowner pints at picturesque seaside pubs and restaurants, as well as a delightfully restored storehouse on the banks of the River Barrow
A morning chatting with award-winning chef Paul Flynn as he demonstrates a few dishes, followed by lunch at his Tannery restaurant, a frequent winner of the “Best Restaurant in Ireland” award
A visit to the re-created famine ship, The Jeannie Johnston, and the “mystery” of why she never lost a passenger.
Artists and artisans in working in remote Loop Head and along the craft trail in County Kilkenny, as well as plenty of other shopping opportunities
A “big house” and estate in County Wicklow, home of the Brabazon family since 1618 and still home to the current Lord and Lady Ardee, but now functioning as both a visitors’ attraction and a working farm…and a much smaller “big house” in the west of Ireland, whose inhabitants were both loved and loathed by the locals. This estate didn’t have a happy history, but the gardens have been restored, and the burned out house now hosts a visitor centre detailing both the contributions and cruelty of the family
Music and craic (of course), including at least two village pub seisuins

Plus lots more…watch your email or check back with this website later in the year if you’re interested in getting more information.

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, Boxing Day, Nollaig na mBan???

We’d love to bring back these beloved traditions, but the amount of regular business since Covid does not support the amount of staff needed to put on these special events properly. This is also why we no longer use our private party space and why our St. Patrick’s Day celebration no longer includes indoor service. We don’t love it, but needs must….if the situation changes, you’ll be the first to know

ST. PATRICK’S DAY – March 17th

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, including Stanley cups and coffee mugs

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

2026 Musical Lineup: 11:00 – Cloigheann 2:00 – Mrs. Doyle 5:00 – McClanahan Dancers 6:00 – Rashers

Photos by John Nation