Wexford Festival Opera

For over fifty years the small Irish fishing port of Wexford has been a place of annual

pilgrimage for opera lovers from all over the world. The Festival has been described as ‘a wonderful children's party for adults’, so enjoyable are the musical events and their settings, augmented by the warm hospitality of the people of W exford.

Our seven day visit to Ireland encompasses three opera performances and a lunchtime recital in Wexford, plus theatre in Dublin. Walks in the Wicklow mountains and along a deserted white sand beach are complemented by visits to an early monastic site, the magnificent formal gardens at Powerscourt and the James Joyce museum in Sandycove Martello Tower.

Wonderfully comfortable 4 star country house hotels and a 5 star Georgian townhouse in the heart of historic Dublin are ideal bases from which to explore. At lunchtime we enjoy Guinness and smoked salmon sandwiches or delicious home made soups in traditional Irish pubs after our walks.

This year, on the 58th anniversary of the festival, and in the state-of-the-art, completely rebuilt Theatre Royal, we attend performances of the following operas:

‘MARIA PADILLA’ by Gaetano Donizetti

A melodrama in three acts to a libretto by Gaetano Rossi and Donizetti after François Ancelot's play. First performed in the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, in 1841. Sung in Italian

‘THE GHOSTS OF VERSAILLES’ by John Corigliano

Grand opera buffa in two acts to a libretto by William M. Hoffman after Beaumarchais' play La Mère Coupable (1792). First performed in the Metropolitan Opera, New York, in 1991.

European premiere in a newly revised version by the composer. A co-production with theOpera Theatre of St. Louis. Sung in English

A comedy double-bill:

‘UNE ÉDUCATION MANQUEÉ’ (An Incomplete Education) by Chabrier (1879)

‘LA CAMBIALE DI MATRIMONIO’ (The Marriage Contract) by Rossini (1810)

Please note that the Wexford Opera Festival events described in the itinerary are subject to change (exceptionally) by the organisers. Actual performances or their order may therefore vary from those described in the itinerary.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1

L, D included

From Dublin airport we drive south and visit the 18C Powerscourt Gardens, a delightful blend of Italianate terraces, lakes and formal gardens. We stay in one of the oldest coaching inns in the country, where an Irish whiskey by the log fire is a welcome prelude to dinner, perhaps Wicklow lamb.

DAY 2

B, L, D included

A half hour’s drive west into the Wicklow mountains lies Gleann da Locha, ‘the valley of the two lakes’, one of the most significant early Christian sites in Ireland, founded by St. Kevin in the 6C. After exploring the 110 foot high Round Tower which served as a lookout against Viking attacks, we walk above the lakes, enjoying waterfalls and ancient woodland ablaze with autumn colours. Those who wish may take the opportunity to shop in the village for fine Irish tweed and Arran knitware before a traditional pub lunch. Our hotel for the next three nights is a delightful late Georgian country house, set in extensive grounds just outside Wexford. An early dinner precedes the first opera performance - as Ireland’s premier social event, each evening has a real sense of occasion (and evening dress is de rigeur).

DAY 3

B, L, D included

This morning's walk is a 4 mile stretch of glorious white sand beach leading to the thatched whitewashed cottages of the fishing village of Kilmore Quay. In the harbour we look for Atlantic grey seals swimming near the fishing boats after a seafood lunch in a well known local pub. A peaceful afternoon back in the comfort of our hotel prepares us for a candle-lit dinner before the second opera performance. On our return from the performance, puddings, cheese and wine are served by the fire.

DAY 4

B, L, D included

After optionally birdwatching on the Wexford Slobs reserve, we explore Wexford town on foot, noting the Viking fishbone street pattern and the evocative ruins of the 12C Selskar Abbey (King Henry II is said to have done penance here for the murder of Thomas à Becket in 1170). We attend a recital in St. Iberius’ church before returning to the hotel for a restful afternoon. Our final opera performance again showcases voices of outstanding calibre early in their international careers.

DAY 5

B, L, D included

En route north to Dublin we visit the Martello Tower housing the James Joyce Museum - the opening scene of ‘Ulysses’ is set on the gun platform. A memorable lunch in one of Ireland's most celebrated fish restaurants is followed by an introductory walk to our hotel, an ideally located and welcoming 5 star Georgian townhouse. Our evening's entertainment is the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, a couple of hours of actors presenting the city's literary legends and, naturally, imbibing!

DAY 6

B, D included

A free day to discover Dublin - the possibilities include Dublin Castle, Trinity College and the famed mediaeval Book of Kells, the Chester Beatty Library with its unrivalled collection of Islamic, Chinese and Indian art, the Celtic gold displays of the National Museum, or a tour of the Guinness Hop Store. We reconvene for dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant and a performance in one of the city's excellent theatres.

DAY 7

B included

More time to explore Dublin before individual airport transfers as required.

Price includes:

All accommodation for Days 1 through 7 on a twin shared basis

All meals with wine and beer at lunches and dinners, other than those excepted in the daily notation

All land transportation in a private vehicle as described except during free periods

All entrance and sightseeing fees except during free periods

Tickets for 3 evenings of opera performances and 1 recital in Wexford, plus 1 theatre performance and the Literary Pub Crawl in Dublin

Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff

Visa and Health Requirements

Visitors from the EU and the US currently require a valid passport, but not a visa, for entry to Ireland. If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Embassy of Ireland.

At present there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to Ireland. Residents of countries in the EU can only claim free (emergency) medical treatment in Ireland by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is issued in the UK by the Department of Health. You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the FCO.

Insurance

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If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.