| Ask anyone what they think of when they think of Ireland and they will probably tell you leprechauns, shamrocks, or St. Patrick's Day. Ireland has a lot more to offer not the least of which is some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet, from rolling hills to beautiful beaches with crystal blue-green water. Ireland, part of the UK, may be separated from England by only a short stretch of water, but Ireland's attitude to life is a million miles from England. The laidback mentality, stunning scenery and, of course, Irish "Craic" all combine to make for a memorable stay in the Emerald Isle. Ireland's abundance of history, culture, wonderful scenery, lively music, nightlife and sport enable everyone to enjoy this dramatic and vibrant little island. With ancient myths and legends to uncover, amazing landscapes to explore and locals who will be more than happy to reveal its hidden gems, just go where the island of Ireland takes you and your rugby team! |  |
The Ireland national rugby union team competes annually in the Six Nations Championship (which they have won eleven times outright and shared eight times) and every four years in the Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-final stage in all but two competitions (1999 and 2007). Ireland is also one of the four unions that make up the British and Irish Lions – players eligible to play for Ireland are also eligible for the Lions. Eight former Ireland players have earned induction into the International Rugby Hall of Fame, with five of them also having earned induction into the IRB Hall of Fame. Ireland's highest ever position in the IRB World Rankings is third, which they reached in 2003 and 2006. Top level high school, university and men's and women's club teams can be found throughout the country to compete against, making Ireland an ideal destination for all levels.
From St. Stephen's Green to the National Museum, from Leinster House (Irish Parliament) to the bustling Temple Bar district, there is much more to Dublin than just the "Craic", which is a term for fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation, particularly prominent in Dublin. Literary fans will enjoy the Writers Museum and James Joyce Museum. Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, was home to Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker (Dracula) and Oscar Wilde. Today it houses The Book of Kells, a bible manuscript dating back to 800 A.D. The Guinness Brewery is always worth a visit (free samples for adults!). Dublin is also home to the top club in Ireland, the Shamrock Rovers, but wherever you go, you'll always find the "Craic" waiting for you and your rugby team!
Ireland program highlights and sights:
- Play games vs. local Irish teams
- Sightseeing in Dublin
- Visit stadiums and/or matches of pro teams like Munster or Leinster
Tour examples
Tour 7503
Dublin – Ireland
Day 1 Departure from North America
Day 2 Arrival Dublin airport and transfer to accommodation
Day 3 Morning and afternoon training session with Irish coach
Day 4 Morning training session with Irish coach, evening game
Day 5 Morning and afternoon training session with Irish pro coach
Day 6 Morning training session with Irish coach, evening game
Day 7 Sightseeing Dublin
Day 8 More sightseeing Dublin including pro team stadium visit, evening game
Day 9 Transfer to Dublin airport, return flight
Participant prices
Between US$1700-US$1800 per person March-April departure
Between US$1900-US$2000 per person June-August departure
Between CAD2300-CAD2400 per person March-April departure
Between CAD1900-CAD2000 per person June-August departure