The Burns Sisters

THE SONGBIRDS Irish Tour 2023 October 2nd-11th, 2023

The Songbirds are Annie and Marie Burns, known as "The Burns Sisters," and Kate Purcell, who has been touring with "Cherish The Ladies." This year, we are thrilled to have the fabulous Doug Robinson joining us on guitar and vocals. We have had the pleasure of working with Doug Robinson throughout our careers and we are excited to have him with us in Ireland.

We will be picking you up at Shannon Airport on October 3rd and dropping you off at Shannon Airport on October 11th.

The Songbirds consist of The Burns Sisters, Annie and Marie Burns from Ithaca, New York, and Kate Purcell from County Clare, Ireland. Kate sings and tours with the internationally Grammy-nominated Irish music band "Cherish The Ladies." We will be joining forces once again for a musical tour of the West of Ireland. It's worth mentioning that Kate Purcell recorded Marie Burns' song "Savannah," which is how we first met her. It's a small world indeed, and what a wonderful happenstance!

During the day, our singing trio will take you on a journey to explore ancient ruins, castles, picturesque fishing villages, horse races, and much more. With Kate's deep knowledge of County Clare, she will unveil the hidden gems along the way, making this tour truly unique. In the evenings, we will settle into our rooms and gather for delightful dinners filled with music, song, local talent, and laughter. We encourage our fellow travelers to bring along their instruments, favorite poems, or songs to share. Annie and Marie have conducted numerous harmony workshops and will be thrilled to share their secrets with anyone interested in learning. Our tours are all about fostering connections, both through music and immersing ourselves in the history of The Emerald Isle.

Our tours are designed for those who seek a different experience from typical tours that involve large buses, name tags, constant rushing, and feeling disconnected from the group. In contrast, our tours feature wonderful musical sessions, visits to the best pubs and restaurants, and exploration of beautiful back roads, creating lasting memories. We also prioritize leaving our hotels at a reasonable hour, allowing time for coffee, breakfast, and perhaps a little shopping, while adhering to the check-out time—unless the group decides to leave early. We play, go out, and listen to music in the evenings.

Our group, consisting of around 20 guests, will gather at Shannon Airport on the morning of October 3rd. Travel arrangements from the US should be made individually. We recommend taking the redeye from NYC/JFK or Newark on October 2nd, and we will pick you up bright and early on October 3rd at Shannon Airport with our fabulous bus! If you need assistance planning your trip, we are happy to provide guidance. Platforms like Priceline and Kayak offer great ways to save money on flights. The total duration of the trip is 10 days, with the first day being a travel day to fly to Shannon Airport. Overnight flights are available from Newark, NJ, or JFK directly to Shannon. We sleep on the overnight flight and meet everyone at Shannon Airport refreshed and ready to go. We will pick you up, head to Ennis, or a nearby hotel to rest up, and then enjoy dinner and music that night.

Generally, we stay for two nights in each town at the finest hotels. At the end of the trip, we will drop you off at Shannon Airport.

Our luxury coaches are spacious enough to ensure comfort while being small enough to navigate the narrowest back roads. Our tours primarily focus on the traditional arts and culture of Ireland. The small group size and our flexible approach to planning allow for maximum flexibility. If you feel like taking a walk, visiting a particular store, or taking a nap, rest assured, it is all possible. We embrace Ireland's pace—fast enough to embrace incredible experiences, yet slow enough to savor the meaningful moments.

The cost for the 2023 tour is $3000 per person based on double occupancy. We will do our best to match roommates and provide accommodations for individuals with mobility needs. Please inform us in advance if you require handicap-accessible rooms. For single occupancy, there is an additional charge of $500 per person for all eight nights. (The increase in the single room fee is necessary to fully cover the costs of accommodating solo travelers.)

The fee covers all accommodations, including a full breakfast each day, five evening group meals, as well as the costs for our featured Irish musicians, poets, writers, and artists. Day passes to our featured destinations are also included. You will need personal funds for drinks, some meals, and emergencies. And, of course, shopping!

Guests' breakfasts and dinners are covered, while lunches are at your own expense. Rest assured, the breakfasts are substantial. Alcoholic beverages are not included, so settling up with the bar or waiter at dinner is recommended. To secure your spot, a $1,500 deposit is required upon confirmation of your reservation. The balance, payable to  Anne Burns, is due by July 1, 2023.

As part of the trip requirements, please ensure you have a valid passport and a Covid-19 vaccination card. It is also advisable to inform your credit card companies about your destination and the duration of your travel outside the country.

For excellent deals to Shannon Airport, consider utilizing travel services such as Priceline, Kayak, and Hopper. You are always welcome to contact Annie Burns via email for personalized assistance. She is constantly seeking the best travel deals, especially from Newark International to Shannon.

So, please join us—Annie, Marie, and Kate—for "The Songbirds Tour of Ireland"! It is important to contact us as soon as possible, as people are already signing up. To reserve your place on our Irish tour, please reach out to us at Annieburns@gmail.com or visit Theburnssisters.com. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 607-280-2513.

All the best,

The Songbirds