Emerald Music Tour – May 2025

What a Week!

There are some experiences that are hard to describe to anyone who wasn’t there— where amazing music, incredible scenery, and blossoming new friendships blend together into something unforgettable. The May 2025 Emerald Music Tour was just that: a journey through Donegal filled with spontaneous performances, deep connections, and the kind of memories you carry with you long after leaving.

Sunday – Arrivals & new beginnings

The week began with our arrival at Rockhill House Estate, a beautifully restored Georgian manor that would be our home base. Set among acres of woodland, grassy fields and gardens against the rolling hills of Letterkenny, its historic charm and beauty are the perfect location for the week to come.

After check-in and refreshments, some of the guests picked up their Emerald Guitar for the week — a chance to try something new and get hands-on time with a model they’ve wanted to try out in the daily jam sessions and more.

That evening, we gathered in the glorious surrounds of the ballroom for a sumptuous three-course dinner, soundtracked by the soulful melodies of Leanne & Dan.  Later, the music continued upstairs in the piano room, where the songs and jams carried on into the early hours.  “It’s a week where people go from strangers to friends… and often family,” 

Monday – Factory Tour, Guitar History and the home of Emerald Guitars

We kicked off Monday with breakfast serenaded by Joleen McLaughlin on harp — joined for a few impromptu tunes by our special guest on the tour, Muriel Anderson, who would go on to contribute beautiful harp guitar pieces throughout the week.

Then it was off to the Emerald Guitars factory, where Alistair unveiled something truly special in the Gallery: the Ultra Guitar, the very first Emerald guitar ever let out of his hands — now returned home after years on the road and in the studio with Steve Vai. Guests were treated to a special factory tour from Alistair where they explored the factory floor, met the team, and took turns trying out the whole of the Emerald range in the Players Suite. 

That afternoon brought a special performance in the Emerald Cottage, from Ramon, Ciaran and Mark. Their blend of vocals, guitar and traditional Irish flute and whistle was a perfect introduction to many classic Irish folk songs, jigs and reels, delighting the audience in the intimate setting.

With a range of musical styles covered throughout the week’s performances, the evening back at Rockhill saw a rousing set from Mark Black and Johnny Gallagher as they blasted out their blend of blues, rock and folk originals and classics after dinner. “Donegal gives us the perfect stage, but it’s the people who make it unforgettable.”

Tuesday – Historic Settings & Hearty Music

Tuesday began with falconry on the lawns before we headed into Glenveagh National Park. The castle grounds were alive with music — Jordan O’Keefe in the garden, Alban & Una in the courtyard, and Tanya McCole lakeside. It felt like stepping into a living soundtrack as the walls echoed with music amongst the idyllic settings of the country’s 2nd largest national park. Those who took the walk up to the castle meandered along the lough into the spectacular manicured gardens before finding the trio of musical treats among the grounds.

Later, in the ruins of a church in the Poisoned Glen, Theresa and Isobel performed against a breathtaking, ancient backdrop. Sharing traditional myths and legends of the local area between blasts of fiddle tunes and old Gaelic songs. We couldn’t let our guests come all the way to Donegal without also sampling some of our fine local Whiskey, a trip to the Crolly distillery made sure that everyone was well acquainted with the fine local spirit before relaxing at Leo’s tavern for the evening.

Leo’s Tavern, the birthplace of some of Ireland’s greatest musical exports, Enya and Clannad, was the perfect place to unwind with some more fine music. This time the dueling guitars of Irish Singer-songwriter Paul Casey and again our own Daniel Millar weaved beautiful melodies around Paul’s repertoire before Without Willow took to the stage to bring their soothing harmonies. Muriel Anderson even got the crowd rolling with a few Sea Shantys to finish off!

Wednesday – Nature’s Grand Stage

From the majestic setting of Assaranca Waterfall to the Glengesh Pass, Wednesday showcased the wild beauty of Donegal. Local stars Onóir performed at the top of the pass, with the beauty of the Donegal highlands at every side and their harmonies soaring above the hills.

Lunch at the Rusty Mackerel delivered not just food but perhaps the perfect pint of Guinness, another must have for any good Irish holiday! We visited the towering cliffs of Slieve League where John Doherty put the icing on the cake with his performance at the cliffs edge, over looking the might of the Atlantic ocean as the crowd basked in the sun. 

We capped the day with a warm, rollicking session at Biddy’s O’Barnes, the perfect Irish pub experience, A traditional Irish session in the corner, local seafood on the menu, more great Guinness and plenty of guests even took the opportunity to join in after they had their fill of food and drink.

Thursday – Ancient Echoes & Celebration

For our last day, we travelled to the rugged landscape of the Inishowen peninsula for a chilled out day, taking in some fine musical treats in the outdoor settings of two of the area’s landmarks. 

Fort Dunree saw music from Matthew Crampsie, the sun shone on as we heard soul, country and pop classics while exploring the cliffside fort and then after wound our way through the spectacular Mamore Gap, a spot dear to Alistair and Kim — it’s where he proposed to Kim nearly 30 years ago.

At Nancy’s Barn, guests enjoyed world-class chowder. We’re not bluffing; they literally won best seafood chowder in the world! Before heading to the mystical Grianán of Aileach, an ancient circular hill fort, dating back millennia as a place of pilgrimage and celebration for ancient Celtic celebrations. The Henry Girls filled the ancient stone ring with music as the sun dipped low.

Back at Rockhill, we held our gala dinner, followed by a high-energy performance from the Trad Trio — Mark, Paddy, and Katriona. 

Upstairs, the now-traditional final jam session lasted well into the night, this time spilling out into different rooms with everyone getting involved in sharing their music one last time.  As Kim put it, “You can’t script moments like that. That was the magic of this tour.”

Friday – Fond Farewells

Friday morning came too soon. Over breakfast, music once again filled the halls. Guests said their goodbyes, trading stories, contact info, and hugs. Some left early, some lingered, but all left with music in their hearts and memories to treasure for a lifetime.

“To see that look of ‘this was something I never expected’ — it just makes you want to keep doing it.” 

The Emerald Music Tour isn’t just about guitars or gigs — it’s about connection, emotion, and shared joy. We came together for a week, but the memories — and the friendships — will last much longer. Special thanks to all the musicians, staff and above all, guests who made this an amazing week for all. 

Thanks to the guests who had their cameras at hand to help document the week also and for Dana whose stunning watercolours helped immortalise each of the settings through his art.

Want to join us next time?
The next Emerald Music Tour will take place in September 2025. Spaces are limited. Visit tours.emeraldguitars.com to find out more and book your place on this unforgettable journey or contact Kim for more information at kim@tripsavvytravelagent.com

*HiFi Duet is not currently available with the following models – Virtuo, Balor Bass Guitars, Chimaera, Kestrel, Solace, X20 Nylon, X10 Slimline and Synergy Range