WEXFORD FESTIVAL & DUBLIN

With The Magic Fountain, Deidamia, Il viaggio a Reims, Le trouvère and a concert at the Wexford Festival; Abbey Theatre and a concert in Dublin.

Local touring, Kilkenny, Waterford, Kennedy Homestead. Optional West Country post-tour.

Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi has announced the first details of the 74th Wexford Festival Opera programme (WFO 2025).

The festival will run for 16 days, from 17th October - 1st November and explores the theme of Myths & Legends.

Speaking at the announcement of the programme, WFO Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi said: “Journey through the timeless and boundless realm of myth and legend, woven into the fabric of lyric opera. This art, grand and intimate all at once, draws its power from ancient stories, fables that have echoed through centuries. From the gods and goddesses of antiquity to the larger-than-life heroes and tragic figures, the world of opera has always been a canvas for the imagination.”

ITINERARY

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21

Independent departures for overnight flights to Dublin.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22

Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, you will be met and transferred to the 5-star Westbury Hotel, a gorgeous property in the heart of the city.

This evening, we meet for a Welcome Dinner (included) in the hotel's Balfes Restaurant.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23

10.00 After breakfast (included each day) we meet our guide and embark on a private coach and walking tour of Dublin. The tour includes some of the city’s most renowned sites, such as Christ Church Cathedral and Trinity College, where the famous “Book of Kells” is on display.

Lunch is included.

19.00 Performance at Abbey or Gate (TBA).

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24

10.00 We gather in the lobby and depart for a visit of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as well as one of our favourite spots in the city, the nearby Marsh’s Library—the oldest in Ireland—built in 1701.

17.15 We meet and walk to dinner at the lauded One Pico near Trinity College and our hotel.

19.20 Transfer to the National Concert Hall for a performance (TBA; 20.00).

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25

10.00 After breakfast we check out and depart for Wexford, stopping in Kilkenny to tour the Design Centre and Kilkenny Castle.

Lunch is at leisure at the Kilkenny Design Centre.

16.00 Upon arrival in Wexford we check in at the 4-star Talbot Hotel.

19.00 Gather and make the short walk to the National Opera House for The Magic Fountain (1895), by Frederick Delius.

Conductor: Francesco Cilluffo

Director: Christopher Luscombe

Set & Costume Designer: Simon Higlett

Lighting Designer: Daniele Naldi

A lyric drama in three acts, with a libretto by the composer, The Magic Fountain was unperformed during Delius's lifetime, receiving its concert premiere in 1977 and stage premiere in 1997. Set in a mythical, exotic location, it centres around the legend of a magical fountain that grants eternal youth.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26

10.00 This morning we meet our guide in the lobby and partake in a guided walking tour of Wexford, featuring Selskar Abbey (1190), the Cornmarket, Bullring and Main Street.

16.30 Walk to the opera house for a performance of Handel's Deidamia (1741).

Conductor/Director: George Petru

Set & Costume Designer: Giorgina Germanou

Lighting Designer: Daniele Naldi

An Opera Seria in three acts, Deidamia was composed in 1740 and premiered in 1741. Handel's last Italian opera before he turned to oratorio is an unjustly neglected tragi-comic masterpiece, and the title role in particular covers the entire expressive spectrum, from flirtatious love song to heartfelt lament. Deidamia will be a co-production with Göttingen International Handel Festival who will present the work in 2026.

20.30 Dinner is included afterward at La Côte.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27

Enjoy a day at leisure to rest or take in the 11:00 AM lunchtime recital

17.00 Dinner is included at La Vista before a performance of Rossini's Il viaggio a Reims (1825) by members of the Wexford Festival Opera development academy.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28

10.00 Today we tour to Johnstown Castle, a gem of gothic revival architecture just ten minutes from Wexford, as well as Tintern Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1200. Lunch is included at The Hollow Bar. Back to Wexford by 16.00.

19.00 Walk to the opera house for this evening's concert (programme TBA).

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29

Today we tour to Waterford to see how the famous crystal is made, and we also visit the Kennedy Homestead and John F. Kennedy Arboretum.

17.00 A special Farewell Dinner is included prior to Verdi's Le trouvère (1857).

Conductor: Marcus Bosch

Director: Ben Barnes

Set Designer: Liam Doona

Costume Designer: Mattie Ullrich

Lighting Designer: Daniele Naldi

This is a rare chance to hear Verdi's French version of Il trovatore, which includes the addition of ballet music of extraordinary quality as well as adjustments to the score. The opera's intricate plot revolves around the rivalry for the love of the young Leonora between the troubadour Manrique and the Comte de Lune.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30

Morning transfers to Dublin Airport (DUB; 1 h 50 mins) for afternoon flights are included. OR, continue for our optional West Country stay (4 nights; programme TBA), with independent departures from Shannon Airport (SNN) on November 3.

Click here to register.

TOUR INCLUDES

• Top Category seats for at least 4 operas and at least 2 additional performances

• 8 nights in Deluxe accommodation (3 at 5-star The Westbury in Dublin, 5 at the 4-star Talbot Hotel in Wexford

• Full breakfast plus 8 additional meals 

• Private tours as listed

• Airport-hotel transfers 

• On-site Tour Direction

• Comprehensive Tour Guidebook

FLIGHTS

Flights are not included in tour pricing. Flights should be booked to arrive in Dublin (DUB) on October 22 2025, with departure from Dublin in the afternoon on October 30.

TRANSFERS

We provide airport/rail station—hotel transfers for arrivals and departures within 3 days of the start/end of our tour. We also provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.

MOBILITY

There is minimal walking with some stairs and cobblestones during the guided tours. As for all of our tours, we are happy to accommodate you regardless of your mobility level. Please make clear your mobility concerns at the time of registration. We provide transfers for group meals and performances that are beyond a 10 minute walk.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that all tour members purchase cancellation insurance upon registration. We can assist you with this, though you are welcome to purchase a policy at your own discretion. For more information about our travel insurance, click here.