Type of Group: Ireland Group & Event Travel
Locations: Donegal | Westport | Galway
Author: Kristen Coco
Who This Is For: Corporate/Association Trip Planner | Repeat Group Traveler | First-Time Group Travel Prospect | Music Band with a Cult Following
On Tour With Devri: Highlights of Ireland Kristen Recap
This July, our Business Development Manager, Kristen, embarked on her first Cara Group Travel tour alongside Boston-based Irish band, Devri, and 85 of their devoted fans and followers. Traveling from Donegal to Derry, Westport, and finally Galway, Kristen experienced the best of Ireland’s music, culture, and hospitality. Read on to learn about her favorite moments and key takeaways from the trip.
Top place you visited
I really enjoyed learning about the history of Derry/Londonderry. Our walking tour guide shared so many personal stories and firsthand connections to the Troubles, which made the history feel especially impactful. I’m also a huge fan of Derry Girls, so getting to visit the city and see the famous mural was definitely a highlight. We also got to meet the mayor of Derry which was so cool! And a special shoutout to Lizzie O’Farrell’s Pub, which hosted one of Devri’s performances. It was such a fun spot and a great place to experience the local atmosphere!
Favorite moments from the trip
There were so many great moments to choose from. Every Devri performance was incredible, and it was especially fun to see just how much music is woven into everyday life in Ireland. The last performance at The Beacon in Galway felt like a big celebration of the entire trip. Outside of the Devri performances, one of my favorite music sessions happened at Matt Molloy’s Pub in Westport. It was absolutely packed and everyone was fully focused on the band. Even better, Matt Molloy himself was there playing, which made the experience feel even more special.
I also absolutely loved the drive from Donegal down the Wild Atlantic Way to Westport. There was so much stunning countryside to take in along the way. Our stop at Atlantic Sheepdogs in Sligo for a sheepdog demonstration was hands down a fan favorite for the whole group.
Something that surprised you while visiting
We happened to be in Ireland the week leading up to the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the biggest event of the year for Gaelic football fans. The match was County Mayo versus County Kerry, and because we were traveling through Mayo, we got a firsthand look at how much the game meant to the local community. Mayo hadn’t won the championship in 75 years, while Kerry had claimed the title 40 times. Everywhere we went, green and red flags, Mayo’s colors, hung proudly from homes and businesses. IÂ loved learning more about the sport, especially the fact that players aren’t paid and instead compete for the pride of representing their county. And the best part? Mayo took home the big win!
I had such an amazing experience on this trip and fell even more in love with Ireland, its people, and its culture. More than anything, it was the Devri crew and the wonderful people on this trip who made the week so memorable. We’re already planning a visit to southwest Ireland in 2028, and I can’t wait to go back!
Interested in joining Devri’s 2028 Tour? Join the waiting list! Devri 2028 Tour of Ireland | Cara Group Travel
Are You Interested in Bringing Your Group to Ireland?
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