With the overwhelming response to Pub Culture Beercation's original Emerald Isle Beercation, we are excited to announce our newest Irish beercation, and want you to join us for...
Emerald Isle II:
The Northern Ireland Beercation
March 20-31, 2026
We are also excited to announce Emery Songer from NewsRadio 1110 KFAB Omaha and NewsRadio 1040 WHO Des Moines, will be joining this beercation!
Joining our Northern Ireland Beercation will be iHeart Radio 's Emery Songer. Emery is the Mid-Morning Host on 1040 WHO in Des Moines and 600 WMT in Cedar Rapids and Afternoon Drive Host on 1110 KFAB in Omaha!
Known for offering community-focused, entertaining, and relevant conversations for listeners to the "Emery Songer Radio Show". His listeners also respect him for providing his opinions and perspectives in an unfiltered way.
Beyond being an on-air talk-radio host, Emery enjoys animals, nature, sports, and music. He is an advocate for greyhound rescue, where he adopted his two retired racers, Palmer and PJ.
This marks his second trip with Pub Culture Beercations, and he is excited for you to join him and his wife, Keri, on our Northern Ireland Beercation!
Where's Emery Going Next With Pub Culture Beercations?
Aired on June 10, 2025, Listen as Chris Bettini from Pub Culture Beercations joins Emery Songer on air to announce their next beercation to Northern Ireland!
Click Here To Listen!
Where's Emery Going Next With Pub Culture Beercations?
Aired on September 16, 2025, Listen as Chris Bettini from Pub Culture Beercations talks with Emery Songer about their next beercation in 2026 to Northern Ireland!
Click Here To Listen!
• 11 nights in centrally located, 3 or 4-star hotels with complimentary breakfast daily.
• 1 night in Dublin, Ireland
(See add-on options for an additional night in Dublin, including visiting the Guinness Storehouse)
• 2 nights in Westport, Ireland
• 2 nights in Donegal Town, Ireland
• 1 night at Markree Castle Hotel in Co. Sligo
• 1 night in Glassagh, Ireland
• 2 nights in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
• 2 nights in Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
• 2 Group Lunches (including gratuity)
• 8 Group Dinners (including gratuity)
• Happy Hour Farewell Toast including Appetizers
• Ground transportation by private coach from Kearney’s of Cork.
(Beer, soft drinks, and water provided on the bus.)
• Visit the Kinnegar, Lough Eske, and White Hag breweries.
• Tour & Tasting at the Bushmills Distillery.
• Visit Achill Island.
• Visit some of the most iconic scenic locations and routes of Norther Ireland:
- Travel northern parts of the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Visit the Cliffs of Sleeve League
- Visit the Giant’s Causeway
• Learn the art of Irish copper pounding, making your own souvenir!
• Visit Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges.
• Historical Waking Tours in Dublin, Derry and Belfast, including the “Troubles”.
• Visit the Titanic Experience Belfast, located in the shipyard where Titanic was built.
• PLUS, MUCH, MUCH, MORE!
Rooms are available as the following:
Double Room - One Large Bed - for two people (booked together)
Double/Twin Room - Two Smaller Beds/Shared Room - for two people (booked separately)
Single Room - for one person (requires the single room supplement)
Booking DIscounts
When making your booking for our "Emerald Isle II - The Northern Ireland Beercation", March 20-31, 2026, there are three different reservation packages;
• Paid In Full Discount - This will give you the maximum savings. You not only receive the "Early Bird Discount" if booked by November 1, 2025, but also an additional $150 discount for paying in full at the time of booking. After November 1, 2025, the Paid in Full discount will be $200 off the Regular Price.
• Early Bird Discount - This discount saves you $450/person when your beercation balance is paid by November 1, 2025.
• Regular Price - this is the standard price of your beercation, and the balance is due no later than December 21, 2025, 3 months before the beercation start date.
Pricing Information
• The price per person for Pub Culture Beercations’ “Northern Ireland Beercation” March 20-31, 2026, for a total of 11-nights across Northern Ireland and North Ireland, United Kingdom, is $4729.00 ($430/day) based on double occupancy.
• Save $450.00 with the Early Bird Price of $4279.00 ($389/day) if paid in full by Saturday, November 1, 2025.
• Save an additional $150.00 for the price of $4129.00 ($374/day) if Paid in Full at time of booking.
• For Single Occupancy a $980.00 supplement will be added to the per/person price due exclusively to higher costs of single rooms. Single rooms are limited in availability.
• When committing to the Pub Culture Beercations’ “Northern Ireland Beercation” March 20-31, 2026, a $300.00 deposit per person is required to hold reservations for hotels, bus, and other scheduled events.
• Your deposit will be applied towards your total trip cost.
(Deposit is 100% refundable until Saturday, November 23, 2025. After November 23rd deposit is only refundable if your spot on the trip is filled by another participant or tour is cancelled by Pub Culture Beercations.)
• To receive the Early Bird Discount your remaining trip balance is due no later than Saturday, November 1, 2025. Full price balances are due no later than Saturday, December 21, 2025.
(After December 21st, any payments made are non-refundable. Beercationers who cancel after March 1st will only be issued a full refund if your spot on the tour is filled by another participant, or tour is cancelled by Pub Culture Beercations. Partial refunds will be only be granted in the amount Pub Culture Beercations can be refunded for tour expenses, deposits and charges already made plus the amount of included tour items that have not been paid in advance, excluding the cost of any credit card fees.)
• Returning Beercationers take advantage of our Frequent Beercationer Club discounts - $50.00 off each time you take another tour with us, up to $350.00 off after eight or more tours.
* * * Returning Beercationers must email us for your single-use FBC discount code before booking your reservation to receive your FBC Discount. * * *
Arrival in Ireland
Many of our beercationers choose to at arrive at least one day before the start of Pub Culture Beercation’s “Emerald Isle Beercation” tour to compensate for delays should they experience problems while traveling to Ireland, and to help reduce the possibility of jet lag by allowing them to get a good night’s sleep before “Day 1” of the tour.
Please note - Pub Culture Beercation participants are responsible for booking and purchasing their own flights. Also, any additional days prior to the scheduled “Day 1” are not included in your cost. Participants arriving early will be responsible for any travel arrangements, reservations, and payments for hotels and any other additional costs associated with arriving before the official start of the tour.
A “Day Zero” Early Arrival package can be added to your beercation during the initial booking or after you have booked your spots for an additional cost per person.
Booking Your Flights.
Beercationers are responsible for booking and purchasing their own flights to Ireland.
Pub Culture Beercations will monitor flights between our home base in Omaha, Nebraska (OMA) and Dublin (DUB), notifying participants of airfare deals found. However, it is ultimately up to you to choose and book your flights.
Arrival at Dublin Airport - Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath - (DUB).
If you choose to arrive on the day of, make sure your flight arrives early enough that you will get to the Maldron Hotel Kevin Street to drop your bags and make it for our first event – The Beercation Welcome Toast at Devitt's Pub at 1:00PM!
After arriving at Dublin Airport - Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath you will need to arrange transportation to the Maldron Hotel Kevin Street, check -in, and prepare for the first event of your beercation.
There is a bus from the airport that will drop you off right near the Maldron Hotel Kevin Street, contact the front desk for details.
Or you can grab a taxi or hail a ride share with Uber or Freenow.
This 4-star hotel is the perfect base to explore everything Dublin has to offer.
Your adventure starts from the moment you step outside with St. Patrick’s Cathedral right on your doorstep. The entire city’s at your fingertips with St. Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar and Guinness Storehouse all within walking distance.
Amazing nightlife, exciting restaurants, history, culture and so much more. It all starts here at Maldron Hotel Kevin Street.
Arriving on Day 1 of your beercation? You can message the Maldron Hotel Kevin Street directly and for an extra cost (to be paid on your own to the hotel) you can arrange for early check-in.
A “Day Zero” Early Arrival package can be added to your beercation during the initial booking or after you have booked your spots for an additional cost per person.
Your room will be ready by 3:00pm, but you may contact the hotel and for an small additional charge they will have your room ready when you arrive.
Group Welcome Toast and Introduction to Dublin, and Ireland, from your beercation tour guide.
Meet at Devitt's Pub for our toast!
(just a 10-minute walk from the Maldron Hotel Kevin Street)
Dublin is a compact and walkable city with a rich history and vibrant culture, making it ideal for exploring on foot. We will take a private walking tour with one of the amazing guides from Dublin Tour Guide.
Their handpicked and expertly trained guides don’t just recite history; they bring it to life with insight, humour, and a deep understanding of Irish culture. Because we only do private tours, we’ve mastered the art of listening to travellers’ expressed and unexpressed needs, anticipating what will make your time in Dublin truly special.
The Quays Irish Restaurant is nestled in the middle of Dublin’s cultural quarter, Temple Bar.
Specializing in traditional Irish dishes like Irish Stew, Famous Wicklow Lamb Shank, Dublin Coddle, Cottage Pie and Slow Cooked Beef and Guinness Stew, the Quays is the perfect place for us to kick off any beercation on the Emerald Isle!
Today we board our bus from Kearney’s of Cork. This will be our bus - and our driver - for the remainder of the Northern Ireland Beercation.
Water, Soft Drinks, and Beer complimentary on the bus. (The bus also has a toilet on board.)
We will first get a bit of history about Sean’s Bar and how it came to be the oldest bar in the world, followed by an Irish Coffee Masterclass where you will learn how to make a proper Irish Coffee!
After our Masterclass we will walk 6-minute to our group lunch at Gertie Brownes Bar & Bistro. We will pre-select our choices to make serving easier for the staff and to expedite our time so we can stay on schedule.
The Wyatt is a charming 3-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Westport town, boasting a renowned welcoming atmosphere popular with visitors and locals alike.
This bustling property has 90 tastefully decorated rooms, an upmarket brasserie, a lively traditional Irish bar, as well as an award winning restaurant.
Bright and vibrant and Mayo County’s nightlife hub, Westport is a photogenic Georgian town with tree-lined streets, a riverside mall and a great vibe!
With fine restaurants and pubs, renowned for their music, it’s a hugely popular place yet has never sold its soul to tourism.
Use your PubCulture.Beer Westport Digital Map to explore more of the city. From points of interest to restaurants for dinner. Plus, don’t miss the great pubs in what many call home to Mayo County’s best nightlife!
Today we will take a day-trip to Achill Island. Ireland’s largest offshore island, Achill is connected to the mainland by a short bridge. We will make our way around the island by driving the Wild Atlantic Way route with stops along the way including sights such at Grace O’Malley’s Castle that once belonged to the “Pirate Queen of Ireland”, the beach at Keem Bay Beach and the Slievemore Deserted Village - plus some amazing scenic views on the route.
We will also make a stop in the village of Keel for a couple hours for you to have time to explore the shops, restaurants and pubs.
(Lunch is on your own)
You will have 2 hours to explore Keel and grab yourself a bite to eat if you are hungry. There are also a couple great pubs and other sites to see in Keel.
Once we return to the Wyatt Hotel you have free-time to relax or explore town until our group dinner at 7:00PM.
We are currently still working on where in town we will have our dinner. We are looking at either J.J. O'Mally's Pub & Restaurant, J.W.'s Brasserie, or the Cobbler's Bar.
After our group dinner once again use your PubCulture.Beer Westport Digital Map to explore more of the city’s well-known nightlife and great "craic n' ceól!"
Today we have a late check-out as well as time to enjoy a bit more time in Westport before we make our way to Donegal Town and the Central Hotel for two nights.
You have time to do some shopping, explore the town a little more, or grab a bite to eat for lunch if you are hungry before we depart for Donegal Town.
You will be able to leave your luggage with reception until we depart this afternoon.
Donegal Town is pretty, small, and easily explored. Occupying a photogenic spot at the mouth of the Denegal Bay and a backdrop of the Blue Stack Mountains, and an awesome well-preserved castle it is an excellent base for exploring the popular coastlines nearby!
After we get checked into our hotel you will have free time to explore Donegal Town and wander the small but vibrant city that was once the stomping ground of the O'Donnells, the chieftains who ruled the northwest of Ireland from the 15th to the 17th centuries.
Use your PubCulture.Beer Donegal Town Digital Map to explore points of interest, pubs, and other city sights.
We are currently still working on where in town we will have our dinner tonight.
After dinner enjoy the pubs of this small, but fun town!
Like their father and his father before him, the Hanna Hat Factory creates timeless headwear pieces and accessories, enjoyed the world over, in their Donegal Town workshop.
Constantly inspired by that heritage and the breath-taking landscape which Donegal is immersed in they hold dear the community, customers, original designs, innovation, natural fabrics, and high-quality standards that go into every Hanna Hat piece they create in their small factory.
We will take a behind-the-scenes Workshop Tour and witness skilled makers in action. From cutting to stitching, you’ll see the heritage, heart, and craftsmanship that go into every design.It's this artisan heritage that has helped Hannah Hats remain Ireland's last operating commercial headwear workshop.
After our tour of the Hanah Hat Factory you will have time to visit their store and have free time to grab yourself some lunch in town before we board our bus to see the amazing cliffs of Slieve League.
Located in County Donegal, the Slieve League Cliffs are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, nearly three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience for visitors. The view from the top over the Atlantic Ocean is truly breathtaking, especially at sunset.
With a group dinner both nights in town, we are still working on where we will have dinner tonight.
The rest of your evening is free to enjoy your last night in Donegal Town. and the livley pubs in the small town.
You will have a couple hours to wander Sligo Town and grab yourself some lunch before we depart and continue on to Markree Castle for a night of relaxation.
Tonight we spend the night in Markree Castle, a 17th Century authentic Irish castle located in the beautiful County Sligo on the route of the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way.
Markree Castle is a place to be inspired, to reflect, to recharge and reconnect. One of the largest privately-owned castles in Ireland, it stands on a secluded 500-acre estate in the scenic north-west of Ireland.
On arrival, you are instantly transported back in time. From the imposing Gatehouse to the spectacular ‘port la coeur’, you’ll find a world of historic splendour underpinned by the finest modern comforts. With rich décor, indulgent dining, picturesque views and magnificent bedrooms, tonight we relax and enjoy all Markree has to offer
Wander through the castle, enjoying the blazing fire in the Grand Hall, period features and furnishings, and the breath-taking inter-linked dining rooms creating that authentic, old-world charm. The 500-acre grounds are also all yours to explore with mature trees, meticulously manicured gardens, and even the River Unshin flowing through the castle estate.
Please note this event is optional and not included in your standard beercation price.
Afternoon Tea at Markree Castle is sure to be a treat to remember!
Afternoon Tea will be served in the castles light-filled elegant dining rooms, overlooking the manicured lawn and rose gardens of the 500-acre estate.
Soak up the Castle atmosphere as you enjoy a delicious assortment of sandwiches, pastries and cakes freshly prepared by our chef Lee Mastin and his team.
Prices: €37.50pp
When you sleep like Irish "royalty" you should dine as one, too. Tonight we have a 3-course group dinner in the castle ballroom.
Afterwards relax with the group and visit the castles bar for after dinner drinks or wander the grounds for a relaxing Irish “Middle Ages” evening… or maybe do some ghost hunting... because ALL castles have ghosts, right?
We will be stopping along the way for about two hours so you can stretch your legs and grab some lunch before we continue on our way to our stop for the night in Northwestern Ireland.
Learn the traditional art of Irish Copper Pounding taught to us by Neil Ferry, local artist. You will be able to take your piece home with you as a special souvenir of the trip.
Tonight we will have a group dinner at our hotel, including traditoinal Irish music.
Free time to enjoy this quite, largely Irish-speaking part of the country in small traditional pubs where most tourists have never made the journey to explore.
Kinnegar Brewing. There is nothing small about this part of Ireland. Not the dramatic landscape. Not the vibrancy of its music and arts scene. And now, not the beers.
Perched against the backdrop of the stunning North Atlantic coastline and the wild countryside of Rathmullan and its surrounds, Kinnegar Brewing brings together the brewing traditions of Europe to its east and North America to its west; not surprising given the time founders Rick LeVert and Libby Carton spent living in both the United States and in Germany.
We will have a tour and tasting followed by a group lunch.
After we have checked into our hotel the remainder of your evening is free to explore Derry.
As we have now crossed into the United Kingdom from the Republic of Ireland not only have we switched countries but also currency going from Euros to Pounds.
Derry is Northern Ireland's second largest cityand continues to flourish as an artistic and cultural hub. There is lots of history to take in here - from the Siege of Derry to the Battle of Bogside to Bloody Sunday!
Use your PubCulture.Beer DIgital Derry Map to find points of interest, restaurants for dinner tonight, and plenty of Derry's friendly pubs!
Today we will learn about Derry's history. Focusing largely around Derry's Walled City, we will learn about much of Derry's past, including the famous Sunday, Bloody Sunday that was a turning point in the history of the Troubles.
After our tour you have free time to explore more of Derry. From shopping to walking more of the historic city walls, to relaxing in a pub, enjoy one a Saturday afternoon in this famous Northern Ireland city until our final group dinner later this evening.
We are working on finalizing the location for our group dinner on our second night in Derry.
The remainder of your evening is free to enjoy Derry on a Saturday night! Use your PubCulture.Beer Digital Derry Map to find great pubs and live music tonight.
After our tour and tasting you will have time to visit the gift shop and grab yourself lunch, before we continue on our journey to Belfast,Northern Ireland and our final two nights of the Northern Ireland Beercation.
After our full day of exploring the Northern Ireland coast and sites you have some time to relax before we have our final group dinner of the tour.
Our coach driver, Stephen, has given me some options and I am awaiting confirmation they can accommodate our group.
The rest of your night is free to explore Belfast and the pubs around our hotel. Use your PubCulture.Beer Digital Belfast Map to find some of the most famous in the area.
Our guide, who was active during the Troubles, will share both sides of the story as we drive along and see the locations and sites as well as hear the stories of this recent history of Belfast.
Free Time after our tour for you to grab lunch and start to pack for our departure tomorrow.
Our final event. Raise a glass reminiscing over the past 11-days with your new beercation friends...
Pub Snacks Included.
The rest of your evening is free to pack and prepare for our return home.
(Departure time may slightly change depending on available return flights and which airport you are departing from. You may choose to depart from Belfast International Airport (BSF) or Dublin Airport (DUB).
Keep in mind if you choose to depart from Belfast International Airport you will go through US Customs and Boarder Control when you land back in the United States. If you choose to return from Dublin Airport you will go through US Customs and Boarder Control while at Dublin Airport.
If you choose to depart from Belfast International Airport, instead of our private coach, separate transportation will be arranged to the airport. Please, try not to book your return flight before 10:00am.
If you choose to depart from Dublin, please try not to book your return departure from Dublin Airport before 12:30pm as we the drive to Dublin from Belfast will be about 2½ hours from Belfast to Dublin and it is highly suggested to be at the airport 3 hours before departure because of the additional step.
Departures from Belfast International Airport earlier than 10:00am or 12:30pm from Dublin Airport will require you to take public transportation or order your own taxi to the airport, at your own cost.
• Pub Culture Beercations will provide ground transportation, lodging, guide(s) and arrangements for all activities listed as “included” in the “The Northern Ireland Beercation” itinerary. (last updated 08|8|2025)
(If any changes need to be made to the itinerary, participants will be notified of said changes. Any changes made to the itinerary will be of comparable or better quality.)
• Meals and beverages (including alcohol) as outlined in the detailed itinerary are included in your beercation costs.
The cost of meals and beverages (including alcohol) outside those listed in the detailed itinerary will be the participants’ responsibility.
• The price per person for Pub Culture Beercations “Emerald Isle II – The Northern Ireland Beercation”, March 20-31, 2026, for a total of 11-nights across Ireland is $4729.00, based on double occupancy.
(Complete pricing information is described in detail on the beercation booking page under each package option. Click any “Book Now” button to view details.)
• Cancelation by participants after Saturday, December 21, 2025, will result in forfeit of tour fees already paid. consideration for a partial refund can be made in extraordinary circumstances that can be proven.
• If for any reason the tour is cancelled by Pub Culture Beercations, a full refund will be made to the contracting participant.
• Payments accepted by credit card or ACH bank transfer.
(Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express accepted)
• Minimum trip size to operate is 16 persons with a maximum of 32 persons.
• Participants must be of legal drinking age in country(s) your pub culture beercations trip visits. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Pub Culture Beercations’ Emerald Isle II – The Northern Ireland Beercation, March 20-31, 2026, has a moderate to active participation rating. participants need to be able to walk/be continually on their feet for at least 30 minutes at a time and keep up with the tour’s scheduled pace. this means you must be able to keep up with the group and our scheduled activities, for example, but not limited to walking and/or biking city tours, brewery and distillery tours, and historical sites such as castles, museums, and more.
(No refunds will be given for parts of itinerary missed due to personal physical limitations or illness during the beercation.)
• Travel insurance is recommended. See information during check-out.
• Pub Culture Beercations, nor NewsRadio 1110 KFAB, NewsRadio 1040 WHO, or Emery Songer are not responsible for any injuries or illnesses participants may encounter while on the “Emerald Isle II – The Northern Ireland Beercation”, March 20-31, 2026.
(No Refunds will be given for activities missed due to illness or injury during the tour. Exceptions may be made under special circumstances, and only if Pub Culture Beercations did not pay for the scheduled activity in advance.)
• Pub Culture Beercation participants are responsible for booking and purchasing their own flights.
• Pub Culture Beercations is not responsible for any delay’s participants may encounter traveling to the meet-up destination.
Any delays encountered could result in trip participants’ responsibility to catch up with the rest of the tour group at their own expense.
(No refunds will be given for parts of trip missed due to travel delays.)
• Please note, any additional days prior to the scheduled “Day 1” or after “Departure Day” of “Emerald Isle II – The Northern Ireland Beercation”, March 20-31, 2026, are not included in the total trip cost.
• Participants are responsible for making any arrangements and payments for hotels or other events before, or after the included group itinerary. In some cases, Pub Culture Beercations may offer an “Early Arrival Add-On” that include the extra night hotel stay and activities for an additional charge.
Not Included On Your Beercation:
• Round-Trip Airfare
• Any meals (including beverages and beers) outside of those listed
on the Emerald Isle II – The Northern Ireland Beercation itinerary are at your own cost.
• Costs for add-ons, excursions or activities listed as “optional” in the Emerald Isle II – The Northern Ireland Beercation itinerary or on the beercation booking page.
• Costs for excursions or activities you choose during scheduled “free-time” on the Emerald Isle II – The Northern Ireland Beercation itinerary.
• Travel Insurance (recommended).
• Souvenirs or other optional purchases.