Here at Emerald, making music has always been at the heart of what we do. Co. Donegal, Ireland, is regularly voted in the top ten places to visit in the world because of its stunning scenery, rich history and warm and welcoming people. We are surrounded by some of the finest music and musicians that Ireland has to offer. For many years we have wanted to share the unique experience we have to offer with members of the extended Emerald family from all over the world. 

In May of 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting 45+ guests on our first ever Emerald Music Tour of Donegal. Over 5 days and nights we treated our guests to an amazing array of live music, with a variety of acts and locations, from Irish traditional music in cozy pubs, singers, fiddlers and pipers in the grounds of Irish castles, celtic grooves in an ancient hill fort, harpists at breakfast and more.

We had such an overwhelming response to the initial music tour in may that we have decided to run another tour in September 2024. Read on to discover what we got up to and what to expect for September’s tour!

Rockhill house

The historic Rockhill House Estate Hotel provided the base for the week, providing guests a luxury stay in a hotel situated in 100 acres of lush countryside featuring ancient woodlands, walled gardens and fountains around the historic Georgian country house.

As we arrived at Rockhill house, the glorious surroundings of the estate presented themselves as the coach took us through the woodland drive, emerging to find the main house on one side and sweeping lawns on the other leading out to the beautiful countryside and the Donegal hills beyond.  Each area of this historic Georgian property has been meticulously renovated in keeping with its original intended style and the bedrooms reflect the magnificent luxury of its former owners while providing modern facilities and upgrades along with on-site spa facilities.  

Emerald guitars factory tour

On the first day of our tour, we arrived at Emerald HQ for the grand opening of our new factory and showroom. The newly developed guitar gallery and players suite featuring a range of our 25 models on display was officially opened with Alistair and his father cutting the ribbon. Alistair gave a personal tour of our facilities where we design and craft every one of our Emerald instruments along with a visit to the new gallery and players suite where guests had the chance to try out any of our 25 models on display. We even took the opportunity to have some of the guests collect their custom guitars in person for that week’s Emerald Shipping Video!

Live music in stunning locations

‘To make and inspire music’ is the motto that we carry with us and is at the heart of everything here at Emerald Guitars. The Emerald music tour was a great opportunity to take our guests on a unique journey across our homeland. We brought together a selection of the finest musicians from across Donegal and beyond to entertain and inspire our guests in some of the most incredible settings.  The live music began on arrival at Rockhill on Sunday evening and lasted throughout the tour with several performances daily along the route.

Our very own Kev and Davy kicked things off on the first evening, treating the guests to songs and an impromptu guitar clinic while Cian and Trudy O’Donnell delved into their repertoire of traditional Irish tunes and songs during dinner. Emerald favorites Ger O’Donnell and Trevor sexton delighted the audience in the Emerald cottage with their songs and stories, proving to be just one of the many highlights across the tour.  

We visited more than a few local historic landmarks with a range of quality musicians at each place to entertain in a variety of styles. Glenveagh castle estate featured a range of musical acts set amongst the grounds to provide the backdrop whilst exploring the luxury of the estate. From the ancient Grianan of Aileach hill fort (Circa 1700 BC) overlooking the Inishowen peninsula, we were treated to the energetic blend of rhythms and melodies provided by Kíla, one of Ireland’s most exciting live acts who had feet tapping and people dancing to their vibrant energy. In St. Augustine’s church on Derry’s historic city walls, PORTS gave an unforgettable performance of their blend of folk, indie and rock leaving the audience with a memory they will never forget.   

Fanad head lighthouse, voted one of the most beautiful in the world provided jaw dropping beauty as we listened to Sailor bill on the helipad whilst overlooking the rugged cliffs dropping to the wild atlantic ocean.

It wasn’t all castles and historic monuments however, some of our performances were held in the quaint surroundings of Irish pubs, with turf fires and traditional music and song providing a cozy atmosphere to relax and enjoy the craic!

Over the week we had a number of jam sessions and open mics where we encouraged our musically inclined guests to get involved and join in on their instruments or lead us in songs. These led to some unforgettable times, sharing new songs and collaborating on old favorites! Every guest was given the opportunity to borrow any of our wide range of Instruments for the week and put them to good use along the way.

More activities!

This was by no means just a trip for guitar enthusiasts! 

A host of other activities were provided to keep everyone entertained, a falconry demonstration at rockhill, an afternoon of spa treatments, Irish whiskey tastings from the nearby Crolly distillery and a stop off in the craft village in derry gave everyone the chance to pick up more locally made gifts and souvenirs, ranging from handmade jewelry, Donegal tweed hats, Aran jumpers and more.

Gala Dinner

On the final evening at rockhill before the guests departed the next morning, we met for a final farewell in the ballroom. The guests dressed in their finest attire and were treated to a champagne reception before dinner whilst Jack warnock and friends set the mood with a selection of Irish music before the ‘Virtuo Virtuoso’s’ (Davy K, Mark Black and Johnny Gallagher) sent everyone off in style.

An unforgettable week was had by all with many memories and friendships made to last a lifetime. 

You can find more information and book a place for September’s tour at the link below or If you have any questions about the tour please email Kim Hay at kim@tripsavvytravelagent.com