Sir Richard Rodney Bennett’s The Mines of Sulphu is a gothic thriller, gripping both musically and dramatically. Tutti in maschera, by Carlo Pedrotti, is characteristic of the mid-nineteenth century Italian commedia lirica style, and the exquisite, archetypal Russian folk tale of Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden) delights with Rimsky-Korsakov’s lush melodies.

The days spent savoring the Festival’s operatic and ancillary events are the week’s musical highlights and the Wexford weekend is preceded by explorations of early Celtic and more recent Irish history as part of the program based for the first two nights in one of County Wicklow’s most prestigious country hotels, Tinakilly House. After, the party transfers to The Shelbourne, Dublin to complete the Irish experience with a theater evening and visits to the Dublin Irish Writers’ Museum and Trinity College. En route there will be the unique opportunity to experience a World Heritage Site, the Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange, dating from 3200 B.C. and an extraordinary example of Ireland’s rich mystical and mythological roots.

Tuesday October 14
Depart USA or Canada or reserve a pre-tour night or two in Dublin through Act 1.

Wednesday October 15
Meet Desirée for a group transfer from Dublin airport to Tinakilly House near the village of Rathnew, Co. Wicklow. (Note that the airport meeting time will be coordinated depending on arrivals.) We will stop at Powerscourt Demesne near the pretty village of Enniskerry for lunch in the Terrace Café and a gentle walk in the beautiful formal gardens. In the early afternoon, the drive continues to Tinakilly House Hotel, arriving for a mid-afternoon check-in to junior suites with a sea view. Meet Desirée in the evening for a welcome dinner in the hotel’s noted dining room.

Thursday October 16
After a full Irish breakfast (included daily), Desirée will start the day with a visit to the ancient monastic site of Glendalough, including a guided tour and time to wander independently in this serene and spiritual place. The party then takes a short drive to the confluence of the rivers Avonmore and Avonberg where Thomas Moore is reputed to have composed his poem The Meeting of the Waters. Next stop is Avondale Forest Park and Avondale House, the home of Ireland’s most illustrious politician, Charles Stewart Parnell. Curator Jean Costelloe will welcome the party with afternoon tea and a viewing of the house, now a museum in Parnell’s memory. In the early evening, Desirée will preview the Wexford Festival’s three operas and the rest of the evening is independent. Taxis can be arranged for those who wish to have a pub supper in the village or you may choose to dine again at Tinakilly House.

Friday October 17
After breakfast, depart for Kilkenny – the ancient city with a vibrant outlook and recently honored as a European Great Town 2008. This medieval city of historical buildings and design galleries boasts the magnificent Kilkenny Castle. A timed group tour will be arranged, followed by a visit to the Kilkenny Design Centre. A boxed lunch of delicious Kilkenny Centre fare will be provided for the drive along the lovely stretch of road to Wexford. By 4.00pm check in at the newly rebuilt and refurbished Whites Hotel, ideally located in the center of town, and relax before the opening performance of The Mines of Sulphur, first performed at Sadler’s Wells, London in 1965. Post-performance snacks and drinks are available nightly at Whites.

Saturday October 18
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and an independent day exploring Wexford’s quaint streets, fine churches and art galleries. Alternatively you may choose to attend one or two of the wonderful festival recitals and concerts that take place at various venues in town. Meet for dinner at The Sky and The Ground, Heavens Above restaurant and walk to the theater for tonight’s opening performance of Tutti in maschera.

Sunday October 19
This second full day in Wexford may be for further relaxed independent exploration or more daytime performances. A private tour to Waterford and the crystal factory can be arranged, allowing time to return for relaxation before the final opera Snegurochka - The Snow Maiden. Gather back at Whites for post-performance refreshments and a toast to Wexford Festival Opera.

Monday October 20
Depart for Dublin at approximately 9.30am. We will take advantage of this travel day to initially by-pass Dublin and spend time at the remarkable 3,200 B.C. Newgrange Passage Tomb, an unforgettable experience. A cafeteria lunch will be available to be followed by a private tour. Continue on to Dublin to arrive at The Shelbourne Hotel by about 4.00pm. The evening is independent for optional theater performances.

Tuesday October 21
Today will include The Old Library at Trinity College viewing The Book of Kells, the Long Room with Turning Light into Darkness exhibition and the Dublin Writer’s Museum in Parnell Square. From there you may wish to walk to the James Joyce Centre for a light lunch or perhaps join a literary walking tour with an actor. The evening arrangements will include a theater performance and farewell dinner in The Saddle Room at The Shelbourne.

Wednesday October 22
Independent departures or extension.

The above program is subject to minor changes as further information becomes available. Details of Wexford recitals and concerts should be available very soon and will be mailed or emailed.

Please note that Wexford Festival Opera dress is formal.