Emerald Guitars Experience And Tour
Emerald Guitars Experience And Tour
Emerald Guitars Experience And Tour
5
Cultural ToursLiterary, Art & Music ToursFactory ToursDay Trips
Monday
09:30 - 16:00
Tuesday
09:30 - 16:00
Wednesday
09:30 - 16:00
Thursday
09:30 - 16:00
Friday
09:30 - 16:00
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Emerald Guitars Experience And Tour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
12 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jeff C
2 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The tour was meticulously planned, flawlessly executed and personally hosted by Alistair Hay, Emerald’s founder and owner and his travel agent and business partner wife, Kim. The accommodations at The Rockhill House were exquisite. The recently renovated property (think a scaled down Downton Abby) and their staff provided quality service and top notch dining experiences. The Irish Breakfasts were the best.
Daily activites included an Emerald factory tour, an interactive falconry demonstration, visits to a castle, an ancient ring walled fort, a church and a light house, a walking tour of historical London Derry and several pub stops for jam sessions and live performances. Including the live music at breakfast, lunch and dinners where ever we went we were treated to the fine musicianship of 24 different local Donegal Emerald guitar playing acts. When I asked one of Emerald’s team members how it was possible to have so much talent locally in County Donegal he said without hesitation, “It’s the Guinness”.
The other folks on the tour were a lot of fun and as Emerald guitar owners, enthusiasts and musicians we bonded together over our shared love of great music and finely crafted carbon fibre guitars. Emerald’s marketing strategy is to develop a personal connection with their customers and that sense of community was deeply felt during our time together.
Alistair and Kim along with their delightful and talented staff made us feel like part of their family and with their encouragement we quickly melded into the rhythm of the beautiful Irish country side. The unpredictable Irish weather added an additional layer of fun as brief rain showers with sunbeam interruptions gifted us with multiple rainbows….more than we’ve ever enjoyed in such a short amount of time.
I can honestly say without hesitation that the Emerald Music Tour was a trip of a lifetume!
Daily activites included an Emerald factory tour, an interactive falconry demonstration, visits to a castle, an ancient ring walled fort, a church and a light house, a walking tour of historical London Derry and several pub stops for jam sessions and live performances. Including the live music at breakfast, lunch and dinners where ever we went we were treated to the fine musicianship of 24 different local Donegal Emerald guitar playing acts. When I asked one of Emerald’s team members how it was possible to have so much talent locally in County Donegal he said without hesitation, “It’s the Guinness”.
The other folks on the tour were a lot of fun and as Emerald guitar owners, enthusiasts and musicians we bonded together over our shared love of great music and finely crafted carbon fibre guitars. Emerald’s marketing strategy is to develop a personal connection with their customers and that sense of community was deeply felt during our time together.
Alistair and Kim along with their delightful and talented staff made us feel like part of their family and with their encouragement we quickly melded into the rhythm of the beautiful Irish country side. The unpredictable Irish weather added an additional layer of fun as brief rain showers with sunbeam interruptions gifted us with multiple rainbows….more than we’ve ever enjoyed in such a short amount of time.
I can honestly say without hesitation that the Emerald Music Tour was a trip of a lifetume!
Written 29 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mo Chara,
Thank you so much for your glowing review of the 2024 Emerald Music Tour! We’re overjoyed to hear that the tour was a memorable and spectacular experience for you. Alistair, Kim, and the entire team will be thrilled to know their planning and personal touches helped make this tour a “trip of a lifetime.”
It’s wonderful to hear that Rockhill House provided an exquisite setting for your stay, from the fine dining to the classic charm of the estate itself. We’re glad the daily activities, from the Emerald factory tour to the unforgettable live performances, showcased the best of Donegal’s rich history, natural beauty, and incredible musical talent (with a little credit to the Guinness, of course!).
Thank you for sharing how the group’s camaraderie, shared passion for music, and appreciation for finely crafted guitars created such a deep sense of community. We are especially grateful to hear that the warmth of the Emerald team, alongside the stunning Irish countryside and its famous rainbows, made you feel right at home.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Donegal anytime—thank you again for being part of this incredible journey with us!
Sláinte!
Jacqui
Written 30 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom K
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Couples
As other folks on the tour said….this was a trip of a lifetime! From beginning to end, the tour was meticulously planned/thought out by our wonderful hosts, Alistair and Kim Hay. We were emersed in the people, music, and culture of Ireland and felt like part of the family. Everyone we met was so genuine and eager to share. Since we were there for a common purpose, we bonded quickly and lasting friendships were made. I encourage you to visit emeraldguitars.com and view the highlight videos of the music tours. We visited castles, a fort, a lighthouse, and several pubs complete with live music at every turn, even during breakfasts and dinners at Rockhill House, our home base. The musicians were quite amazing and played a variety of genres from rock to traditional Irish tunes. Nightly jams in the piano room at Rockhill house were so much fun and inspiring. Kev and Dan, who work at Emerald, are super talented musicians, joined in too. Top notch accommodations and excellent meals made this a wonderful place to call home.
The factory tour was most amazing and Alistair shared so much of the process, history, and inspirations that built Emerald to what it is today. Everyone we met at Emerald was so friendly and open, I felt like I had known them for a long time. We were shown the entire manufacturing process plus had the opportunity to try out any model in their new music room.
The factory tour was most amazing and Alistair shared so much of the process, history, and inspirations that built Emerald to what it is today. Everyone we met at Emerald was so friendly and open, I felt like I had known them for a long time. We were shown the entire manufacturing process plus had the opportunity to try out any model in their new music room.
Written 13 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mo Chara
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review of your Emerald Guitars Tour! We’re so glad to hear that you both had a truly memorable experience that you can call a trip of a lifetime. Alistair and Kim will be thrilled to know that their meticulous planning and warm hospitality helped make you feel like part of the Emerald family.
It’s fantastic that you felt immersed in the rich culture, music, and genuine spirit of Ireland, allowing you to forge lasting friendships with fellow travelers. The variety of activities, from exploring castles and lighthouses to enjoying live music at every meal, truly showcases the magic of Donegal.
We’re especially pleased that you enjoyed the factory tour and got to learn about the history and craftsmanship behind Emerald Guitars. The opportunity to try out different models in the music room adds a unique touch that we love to share with our guests.
Thank you for encouraging others to explore our highlight videos on emeraldguitars.com!
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in the future.
Sláinte!
Jacqui
Written 30 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dean D
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Couples
We have so many great memories from this tour. Extraordinarily music and expertly curated events filled each day. The owners and staff from Emerald Guitars gave us an Irish welcome we’ll always remember. What an experience.
Written 25 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mo Chara,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that the Emerald Guitars Tour left you with so many cherished memories. It’s fantastic to know that the expertly curated events and extraordinary music each day made a lasting impression.
Alistair, Kim, and the entire Emerald Guitars team will be delighted to hear that their warm Irish welcome was a highlight of your visit. Thank you again for your kind words, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Donegal for more magical moments!
Sláinte!
Jacqui
Written 30 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pat M
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Solo
What an incredible tour! This was my first trip to Ireland and I can't think of any better way to see it! From the time we all first gathered for the trip I knew we were in for something special! Alistair and Kim couldn't have been better hosts and instantly made us feel welcome. The staff at Emerald was also great and went out of their way to make us feel welcome and part of the family. The accommodations were top notch and felt very homey and the food was amazing! The events were all carefully planned out and what really made them extra special was that most stops included amazing musicians playing mostly Irish music. I have been home over two weeks now and have been asked several times what the highlight of the trip was and I can honestly say I can't think of just one - the whole trip was one big highlight! If you have even the slightest inkling of making this trip - do it!! You will thank yourself afterwards!
Written 1 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mo Chara,
Thank you for such a heartfelt review! We’re thrilled that your first visit to Ireland was such a memorable experience and that the Emerald Music Tour was everything you hoped for—and more! Alistair, Kim, and the entire Emerald team will be overjoyed to know that you felt welcomed and part of the Emerald family from day one.
It’s fantastic to hear that the carefully planned events and the live music at each stop created an authentic and unforgettable journey through Irish culture. We’re also glad that the accommodations felt like a home away from home and that the food added to the enjoyment of each day.
Thank you for encouraging others to join us—there’s truly nothing quite like exploring Ireland with music, community, and the warmth of the Emerald family. We hope these memories stay with you for years to come, and we’d be thrilled to welcome you back anytime!
Sláinte!
Jacqui
Written 30 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hayward C
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Solo
I'm sure there are other musical tours to Ireland, but this tour met all my expectations. I had ordered an Emerald guitar, so of course the factory tour and the exposure to all the various models and comments from other Emerald guitar owners confirmed the value of my purchase. But beyond that, the detail and thoughtfulness put in by Alistair and Kim, the tour coordinators and the support from the staff was exceptional. We literally had amazing music from morning to night, at every meal and in between. The variety and talent of the local musicians was top notch. We toured beautiful settings throughout Donegal, with performances at every turn, inside and out. There were so many highlights for me, but a lifetime dream to sit in with local musicians in an Irish pub was wonderfully fulfilled on this trip. The staff were with us all the time and very engaging. They even surprised me by presenting me the guitar I had ordered in front of our tour group. One great part of the tour I had not considered beforehand was that we stayed all 5 nights in the same beautiful estate hotel. This meant we did not need to pack and unpack each day at a different hotel. Our hotel sated to feel a little like home. To top it off, the people on the tour were the best. Since we had something in common, we connected very quickly and enjoyed sharing all the music and beautiful Irish countryside together. I believe real friendships were made. Even if you are not a guitar player, but just love music and would like to visit Ireland, this tour would be well worth it.
Written 23 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review!
We’re delighted to hear that the Emerald Guitars Tour of Donegal exceeded your expectations, not only by affirming your guitar purchase but also by delivering an unforgettable musical journey. Alistair, Kim, and the entire team will be thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the continuous music, the incredible local talent, and the chance to play in an authentic Irish pub—fulfilling a lifelong dream!
It’s wonderful to know that staying at the same beautiful estate each night added to the comfort of the experience, giving you a true sense of home while surrounded by the charm of Donegal.
The friendships made and shared experiences are what make these tours so special, and we’re glad you connected so deeply with fellow music lovers.
Thank you for recommending this tour not just for guitarists but for anyone who appreciates music and the beauty of Ireland.
We hope to welcome you back on another Emerald adventure!
Sláinte!
Jacqui
Written 30 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TedNTracy
Santiago de Puriscal, Costa Rica3 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
This experience was so interesting and different. I am no longer sure what I was expecting, but our experience exceeded whatever we were thinking beforehand. We had so many opportunities to see and listen to wonderful live music. From traditional music of the Emerald Isle to modern and many groups with the flavor of both. We think there were some 25 or so individual acts to keep the music flowing. As for an opportunity to see Ireland, the tour included many out of the way spots you would not likely get to visit with another Ireland tour. And live music at every location that really made every place we visited special. As for our hosts, they could not have been better to us and our accommodations were top notch all the way. We would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Written 23 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mo Chara,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that the Emerald Guitars Tour offered you such a unique and immersive way to see Ireland. It’s wonderful that the variety of live music—ranging from traditional Irish tunes to modern interpretations—brought every moment to life.
We’re also glad you enjoyed the off-the-beaten-path destinations; these special locations really allow for a deeper connection to Ireland’s beauty and history. Our team, from the hosts to our dedicated staff, is delighted to know their efforts made you feel so well cared for, and that the accommodations met all your expectations.
Thank you again for your kind words, and we’d love nothing more than to welcome you back on another unforgettable journey with us! Sláinte!
Jacqui
Written 30 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John C
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Family
We signed up for a tour with Emerald Guitar with high expectations and we were so delighted and our expectations were exceeded! Alistair and Kim Hay opened their doors and their hearts to us! We were allowed to see the process of making the worlds best guitar and that was only the beginning... every turn was like being in a museum!! Such care in even the smallest details!!
Written 25 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mo Chara,
Thank you for sharing such a warm heartfelt review!
We’re delighted to hear that the Emerald Guitars Tour exceeded your highest expectations. Alistair and Kim will be touched to know that their warm hospitality and passion for what they do made such a lasting impression.
It’s wonderful that witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship behind each guitar was a highlight for you, and that every part of the tour felt like a journey through a living museum. We’re thrilled that the attention to detail resonated so deeply, making this experience truly unforgettable.
Thank you once again, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more incredible moments with Emerald Guitars!
Sláinte!
Jacqui
Written 30 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jacqui R
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Solo
A great factory tour - extraordinary guitars!
Jackie, my tour guide, was very welcoming and knowledgeable A great factory tour - extraordinary guitars!, and the craftsmen working on the guitars were very gracious answering questions and showing me how they did their work. Dan was also amazing walking me through the various Emerald guitars and pick-up options. I am a true novice, but they made me welcome and comfortable asking basic questions. To top to it all off, I was able to met and chat with Alistair Hay briefly. Great folks. Amazing guitars. A really worthwhile stop.
Linda
Jackie, my tour guide, was very welcoming and knowledgeable A great factory tour - extraordinary guitars!, and the craftsmen working on the guitars were very gracious answering questions and showing me how they did their work. Dan was also amazing walking me through the various Emerald guitars and pick-up options. I am a true novice, but they made me welcome and comfortable asking basic questions. To top to it all off, I was able to met and chat with Alistair Hay briefly. Great folks. Amazing guitars. A really worthwhile stop.
Linda
Written 30 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was a delight to meet you Linda and guide you around our new Galley and Factory tour - and it was an absolute pleasure to be able to assist you in getting to know the various Emerald guitars and pick-up options - It's also was wonderful to hear you really enjoyed the opportunity to play the Emerald guitars and have Dan share his musical knowledge with you -
Till Next Time
Jacqui .
Written 30 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LK
Columbia, SC1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Couples
Stunning September Emerald Tour of Emerald Guitars and Spectacular Donegal. Could not ask for a better tour and program to please string players, non-playing spouses and lovers of music, history and natural beauty all in one. From the bus driver to the musicians, to Alistair and Kim to the Rockhill House in Letterkenny and all the folks at Emerald this was nothing short of a trip of a lifetime. My wife and I will plan to sign up for the next one even it’s all the same. Donegals sites were unbelievable. The pubs and the people warm and friendlier than can be imagined.
If you are a guitar enthusiast alone and have even a passing interest in carbon fiber guitars of the future, just a visit to / tour of the factory will likely make you a carbon fiber die-hard. Wonderful opportunity to see things you e never seen before as a guitar player and to try many new things out.
Best trip and tour so far in a lifetime. Hats off to Emerald and everyone involved! Or should I say Sláinte?
If you are a guitar enthusiast alone and have even a passing interest in carbon fiber guitars of the future, just a visit to / tour of the factory will likely make you a carbon fiber die-hard. Wonderful opportunity to see things you e never seen before as a guitar player and to try many new things out.
Best trip and tour so far in a lifetime. Hats off to Emerald and everyone involved! Or should I say Sláinte?
Written 23 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a glowing review of the Emerald Guitars September Tour and the beauty of Donegal!
We’re thrilled that the experience was everything you’d hoped for and more, from the captivating sites and warm-hearted people of Donegal to the unique immersion in music, history, and craftsmanship at the Emerald Guitars factory.
It’s especially rewarding to know the tour was equally enjoyable for both guitar enthusiasts and their non-playing companions.
Our team at Emerald , from the bus driver and musicians to Alistair, Kim, and everyone at Rockhill House, will be delighted to hear that their efforts helped make this a trip of a lifetime for you both.
We’re already looking forward to welcoming you on the next tour—familiar faces like yours truly bring the spirit of these events to life. Until then, thank you once again for your kind words and, indeed.
Sláinte to many more unforgettable musical adventures with Emerald Guitars!
Jacqui
Written 30 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen D
3 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
Best tour ever. Jackie (I think that was her name) took us through the entire factory. We talked with all the people who were working they answered husbands questions and explained each process thoroughly.
Written 7 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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