Day 8 and 9 Belfast and back to Dublin
After another ghostless night at the castle, we were on the road again. We travelled to Belfast, and more specifically Holywood, Bill's hometown. It was special to see where Bill grew up, we even saw his family home! We were lucky to meet two of his cousins. He had a trip down memory lane while we were there. Did you know he even delivered prescriptions for the local chemist, on his bike? Holywood is also the hometown of Rory McIlroy, for you golf fans. The town is very proud of that! Our hotel overlooked Belfast Lough, the passage of the Titanic. You could just picture the Titanic sailing by.
On Friday, we were back to Dublin for our final day. A very busy and beautiful city. We had a great day to do some last minute shopping. Our hotel was right along the parade route, so we took some pics of that and tried to imagine the band marching down the street and over the river. The buildings that line the street are very tall, and the band will sound amazing! Mary Anne and Janice went on a Viking tour to see the city's highlights. The viking tour is an amphibious vehicle...driven by yes - a viking! He talked to us all about the city's rich history, and pointed out highlights along the way. We wore viking hats too and on his command, roared like vikings, at passersby. The vehicle took us into the bay (we wore lifejackets), and there we saw the recording studio for U2! We finished up our shopping and headed back to have our final Irish dinner...so sad to be saying good bye to Ireland.
Our pretour was a great success! It will be so great for the band to do the Ireland Tour! The country is filled with history, beautiful scenery and music. It will be a memorable trip for all who endeavor.
Sunday 23 September 2012
Friday 21 September 2012
Day 7 - Oldcastle and Causey Farm
Day 7 - Oldcastle - Causey Farm
We slept like logs at the haunted castle...if ghosts were there, we didn't hear them!
We were up and off early for some horse back riding, then a visit to Causey Farm.
We took a little drive around the country side, to pass some time before our appointment with the horses.
We were enjoying the scenery of Irish farm lands and hedges and trees so close to the road they form an arch. All of a sudden we hit a VERY large pothole......quickly followed by a VERY flat tire! This immediately required teamwork, as we were in the middle of nowhere, to get the tire changed and get us back on the road. A pit crew we were not, however we worked quickly together and got the tire changed in no time! Bill O'dredi had us over to the farm...lickety split!
We each had a horse to ride. After suiting up in proper riding shotes and helmuts, we mounted our horses. MaryAnne had Trigger, Rob had Charlie and I was riding Max. These were very tame and gentle horses, with a guide, we walked down a path through the farm. Rob's horse was very hungry and stopped frequently to eat ferns and tree leaves. We even had a few trotting times! Our guide, Julia brought us safely back to the barn and we were off to Causey Farm.
Band members will visit Causey Farm in March to spend time being Irish for a day. This place is a real working farm that offers programs for teens. Matt is the farmer that runs the programs, and he immediately invited us for tea and scones, so we could chat about what we would do when we visit. There are so many fun things that you will do here! Baking traditional soda bread, that you'll enjoy once its baked sounded grand. They have a whole shed full of hurling sticks and equipment, this is a popular game here in Ireland, so a match may be possible. Matt has a Border Collie named Patches, who was super happy to go to work and demonstrate his skills hearding the sheep. A quick shout from Matt and he moved them left or right or stopped. Matt took us to a barn where you will learn about the bodhran drum and dance to traditional Irish tunes. From how he explained it, you should all catch on pretty quick, moving in organized formations...sound familiar? There are many farm animals there, sheep, cows (you'll learn how to milk), chickens, ponies. In March, there will be a very good chance that some of them may be having babies, so Matt was hopeful that some of you would be there during that time.
Then we headed out to the bog....you should all google Bog-Jumping...now this is some outdoor Irish fun! Bogs cover 60% of Ireland, so people here know a lot about them and you will find out lots of interesting facts, including learning about turf-cutting. Brave band members can even race through the bogs!
We were feeling very excited about the day we will spend there, as we said our good-byes to Matt. It will be a great, memorable day for everyone for sure!
We were then headed back to our haunted castle for one last night.......oooooo
We slept like logs at the haunted castle...if ghosts were there, we didn't hear them!
We were up and off early for some horse back riding, then a visit to Causey Farm.
We took a little drive around the country side, to pass some time before our appointment with the horses.
We were enjoying the scenery of Irish farm lands and hedges and trees so close to the road they form an arch. All of a sudden we hit a VERY large pothole......quickly followed by a VERY flat tire! This immediately required teamwork, as we were in the middle of nowhere, to get the tire changed and get us back on the road. A pit crew we were not, however we worked quickly together and got the tire changed in no time! Bill O'dredi had us over to the farm...lickety split!
We each had a horse to ride. After suiting up in proper riding shotes and helmuts, we mounted our horses. MaryAnne had Trigger, Rob had Charlie and I was riding Max. These were very tame and gentle horses, with a guide, we walked down a path through the farm. Rob's horse was very hungry and stopped frequently to eat ferns and tree leaves. We even had a few trotting times! Our guide, Julia brought us safely back to the barn and we were off to Causey Farm.
Band members will visit Causey Farm in March to spend time being Irish for a day. This place is a real working farm that offers programs for teens. Matt is the farmer that runs the programs, and he immediately invited us for tea and scones, so we could chat about what we would do when we visit. There are so many fun things that you will do here! Baking traditional soda bread, that you'll enjoy once its baked sounded grand. They have a whole shed full of hurling sticks and equipment, this is a popular game here in Ireland, so a match may be possible. Matt has a Border Collie named Patches, who was super happy to go to work and demonstrate his skills hearding the sheep. A quick shout from Matt and he moved them left or right or stopped. Matt took us to a barn where you will learn about the bodhran drum and dance to traditional Irish tunes. From how he explained it, you should all catch on pretty quick, moving in organized formations...sound familiar? There are many farm animals there, sheep, cows (you'll learn how to milk), chickens, ponies. In March, there will be a very good chance that some of them may be having babies, so Matt was hopeful that some of you would be there during that time.
Then we headed out to the bog....you should all google Bog-Jumping...now this is some outdoor Irish fun! Bogs cover 60% of Ireland, so people here know a lot about them and you will find out lots of interesting facts, including learning about turf-cutting. Brave band members can even race through the bogs!
We were feeling very excited about the day we will spend there, as we said our good-byes to Matt. It will be a great, memorable day for everyone for sure!
We were then headed back to our haunted castle for one last night.......oooooo
Wednesday 19 September 2012
Day 5 -Athlone to Old Castle
Day 5 –
So, today was the slowest day so far for us on this trip as the list of items we had to accomplish was fairly small. After waking up and having a “full Irish” breakfast we loaded the car and David drove us back to Dublin. Along the way home we stopped in at David’s office to have a quick coffee and talk some business.
David then drove us to the Airport to pick up a rental car for us to use. After we switched all our baggage to the rental we thanked David for all he did for us and said good-bye. Now for most, it would be in the car and drive away, BUT, not for us because not only were we in a car that was right-hand drive but also going on to streets that you drive on the opposite of what we are used too. Lucky for us we have Bill who was experienced to all this…except he has not been here for over ten years! Needless to say Mary Anne, Janice and myself had our eyes WIDE open making sure what side of the road Bill went on at every turn and round about.
Like riding a bike, Bill had no problem getting back into the swing of things. We got on the highway and headed towards Trim Castle. After several wrong turns, none of which were Bill’s fault (or that he would admit to) We arrived at the castle which was built in the 12th century. Although we are in Ireland this castle was also featured in the movie Braveheart. It was very interesting to hear about the history of the castle and its location but to go inside and see the various levels was really something. One of the interesting pieces they pointed out was graffiti from 1702!
We left the castle and made our way to Ross Castle located on county Meath. This castle has only 5 bedrooms and is said to be haunted! Haunted or not staying in a castle will be very exciting! We arrived and met the owners and had a wonderful home cooked Irish meal.
Staying in a castle is very different from the 3 and 4 star hotels we have been so accustomed too. It was “lightly” heated so after dinner we sat by the fire place and did some reviewing of the pre-tour so far. Soon enough it was time for bed and Bill and I went to our main floor room while the ladies had to ascend the tower to their room (which by the way is said to be the most haunted room in the castle – but Bill and I did not tell them that!) We have to admit that there were some strange sounds at night but nothing that made Mary Anne and Janice scream and coming running down the spiral staircase! Oh well, maybe tomorrow!
Tuesday 18 September 2012
Day 4 Killarney, Limerick and Athlone
Day 4 takes us through a very busy day from Killarney to Limerick to Athlone.
Once we finished our breakfast we were off to take a jaunty ride (or horse and cart ) through the National Park in Killarney. John our driver and Thomas the horse took us through the gorgeous views of the 24,000 acre park where we saw mountains, beautiful landscape and Ross Castle which is also on the grounds
Our next stop was a visit with the people at the bus company. The busses are very similar
to our busses back home and we will be riding in style come next march. Everything is opposite on the bus. Driver on right at the bottom, Rob on the left.....for those of you on Bus 1!
Back in the car and we were headed to Limerick to meet with the Deputy Mayor and parade committee. We were greeted with a small recpetion of tea and scones and a a committee that just couldn't be more gracious and excited for us to attend next year. Once our meeting ended we walked to the parade route to see what awaits us next March.
Our next stop was Athlone and the Sheraton Hotel where we will be staying at the end of our tour. A very modern hotel with all the amenties... this hotel is sure to be a favouite. We settled in and headed for dinner, but our day was not done... one more meeting. Our host David took us to meet the local directors of the Ravens Drum Corp who the band will be marching with in the Athlone parade as well as performing with us. The parade will end a a little place called Seans Bar which is housed in a building the dates back to 900 A.D. We happened to meet one of the Bass Drummers Shannon. She was beside herself with excitement that we will be joining her band in a joint performance and that our drumline is bigger than her entire band.
I can't begin to tell you how excited everyone here is for the band to come to Ireland. Everyday is a new experience full of culture, beautiful scenery no matter what the weather and welcoming hosts.
Once we finished our breakfast we were off to take a jaunty ride (or horse and cart ) through the National Park in Killarney. John our driver and Thomas the horse took us through the gorgeous views of the 24,000 acre park where we saw mountains, beautiful landscape and Ross Castle which is also on the grounds
Our next stop was a visit with the people at the bus company. The busses are very similar
to our busses back home and we will be riding in style come next march. Everything is opposite on the bus. Driver on right at the bottom, Rob on the left.....for those of you on Bus 1!
Back in the car and we were headed to Limerick to meet with the Deputy Mayor and parade committee. We were greeted with a small recpetion of tea and scones and a a committee that just couldn't be more gracious and excited for us to attend next year. Once our meeting ended we walked to the parade route to see what awaits us next March.
Our next stop was Athlone and the Sheraton Hotel where we will be staying at the end of our tour. A very modern hotel with all the amenties... this hotel is sure to be a favouite. We settled in and headed for dinner, but our day was not done... one more meeting. Our host David took us to meet the local directors of the Ravens Drum Corp who the band will be marching with in the Athlone parade as well as performing with us. The parade will end a a little place called Seans Bar which is housed in a building the dates back to 900 A.D. We happened to meet one of the Bass Drummers Shannon. She was beside herself with excitement that we will be joining her band in a joint performance and that our drumline is bigger than her entire band.
I can't begin to tell you how excited everyone here is for the band to come to Ireland. Everyday is a new experience full of culture, beautiful scenery no matter what the weather and welcoming hosts.
Day 3 - Killarney
After a hearty Full Irish breakfast it was time to leave Cork and head off to Killarney. David, our local expert decided that we had a little bit of time to get there so took the scenic route through an area called the Black Valley. This area is so-named because it was the last area in all of Ireland to get electricity. This happened as recently ago as the 70's (1970's that is). It was certainly scenic as we wound our way up the mountain and down through the valley on roads that even the local mountain sheep avoided! These roads are really narrow and when you meet another car coming towards you - One of you has to back up and move into the ditch so that the other can scrape by. This long and winding road in what is a real seculuded area of Ireland was broken up with a quick stop at a lovely look-out spot called "Ladies View". So naturally we let the ladies out, mainly to recover from the constant 90 mile per hour hairpin bends and rest a moment before leaving the Black Valley.
Upon arriving in Killarney we checked out the Scott's Hotel and discovered that it is right downtown Killarney. A one minute walk from the hotel will see band members enjoying the shopping of Rural Ireland as well as a more modern plaza. Bill actually went shopping as he had a mishap with one his shoes and ended up at the outlet stores to purchase a new set (picked out and approved by MaryAnne and Janice). Then it was back to business and a meeting with the owner of the coach company (Tommy Manning) as well as a guide (Michael) who will be with us throughout the entire trip and the Co-ordinator of the Killarney events (Connor). We did a walk-through of the parade route and where we will stop to perform a stand still for the Mayor and Council of Killarney. We all enjoyed the culture in Killarney and the fun that awaits the band. Everyone we have met so far are looking forward to the bands arrival.
Upon arriving in Killarney we checked out the Scott's Hotel and discovered that it is right downtown Killarney. A one minute walk from the hotel will see band members enjoying the shopping of Rural Ireland as well as a more modern plaza. Bill actually went shopping as he had a mishap with one his shoes and ended up at the outlet stores to purchase a new set (picked out and approved by MaryAnne and Janice). Then it was back to business and a meeting with the owner of the coach company (Tommy Manning) as well as a guide (Michael) who will be with us throughout the entire trip and the Co-ordinator of the Killarney events (Connor). We did a walk-through of the parade route and where we will stop to perform a stand still for the Mayor and Council of Killarney. We all enjoyed the culture in Killarney and the fun that awaits the band. Everyone we have met so far are looking forward to the bands arrival.
Saturday 15 September 2012
Day 2 - Cobh
Hello Everyone,
We travelled to Cobh (pronounced Cove) today and the scenery along the way was very beautiful. There was green farmland, sheep and cows. The hills looked like patchwork. We had fun trying to snap photos while the car was running...there was no stopping for pictures!
Rob is even travelling in the back seat!!
Cobh is a small village on the shore of the Irish Sea. There are lots of hills and houses. Little old fashioned shops line the streets. They are very close to the road, just the sidewalk length away. They are very colourful, with all sorts of different colours on the doors and windows.
The band will parade through the town. There is a steep hill on the parade route. They told us that last years band had trouble getting up the hill, but Rob says will no problem for our band members!...we may need to find a hill to practice! Not sure how the chaps will do haha!
The band members will meet the mayor and do a performance right at the seashore. A gorgeous backdrop!
The village is rich in Titanic history, 123 of its passengers boarded the ship there. 44 survived. Even the original pier that they waited on is still there and has been preserved in its original state. The building where passengers bought there tickets still sits at the shore.The band members will love exploring through the town, and there are lots of nice shops too!
I loved thinking about how great all of you band members will look parading through this colourful village!
We moved on to another hotel tonight in Cork (Rochestown Park) and had a quiet evening, after our busy day. We will be back on the road tomorrow morning, travelling to Killarney, can't wait to see all that is waiting for us tomorrow!
Mrs K
Arrived in Ireland!
After a 6 hour overnight flight we arrive in Dublin at 9:30 AM and were met by our Irish tour agent. We loaded the car and had to get used to the driver being on the right hand side we left to view the St. Patrick"s Day parade. Seeing the parade route jammed with traffic and trying to visualise empty with and estimated 500,000 parade watchers on the side is always mind bending! The parade is approximately 2.5 KM long (1.5 hours in length due to the speed of the parade)
Following viewing the route we meet with a very enthusiastic St. Patrick's Day committee representative we were given more the many details behind the parade that many people never know about. We spoke of timing, marshaling area, TV, grand stand and judging areas. (this parade has multiple judging areas!) There is no doubt this parade is going to be extremely exciting and the the Irish love this parade! In addition, we spoke of a possible "unique" performance opportunity the day before the parade - more to come at the September 30th meeting.
Following this meeting we drove around some more in Dublin checking out the local area. We then made our way to the of Celbridge which is a small town outside Dublin. This parade will take place in the afternoon after the Dublin parade. This will be a unique event as the band will start by playing for young patient of the local hospital who can not leave their rooms due to mobility issues. We reviewed the route through the town and again this will be a unique parade due to how the parade will operate.
After the two meeting, reviewing two parade routes and a quick local car tour we arrived at the hotel. We all grabbed a quick nap before dinner and then visited the local groery store right beside the hotel. Following a recap of the day and reviewing our note it was off to bed...needless to say sleep came very quickly!!
Saturday we are up at 6:30 AM!! Off to County Cork!
Following viewing the route we meet with a very enthusiastic St. Patrick's Day committee representative we were given more the many details behind the parade that many people never know about. We spoke of timing, marshaling area, TV, grand stand and judging areas. (this parade has multiple judging areas!) There is no doubt this parade is going to be extremely exciting and the the Irish love this parade! In addition, we spoke of a possible "unique" performance opportunity the day before the parade - more to come at the September 30th meeting.
Following this meeting we drove around some more in Dublin checking out the local area. We then made our way to the of Celbridge which is a small town outside Dublin. This parade will take place in the afternoon after the Dublin parade. This will be a unique event as the band will start by playing for young patient of the local hospital who can not leave their rooms due to mobility issues. We reviewed the route through the town and again this will be a unique parade due to how the parade will operate.
After the two meeting, reviewing two parade routes and a quick local car tour we arrived at the hotel. We all grabbed a quick nap before dinner and then visited the local groery store right beside the hotel. Following a recap of the day and reviewing our note it was off to bed...needless to say sleep came very quickly!!
Saturday we are up at 6:30 AM!! Off to County Cork!
Thursday 13 September 2012
Ireland - Pre-Tour
This evening Mary Anne, Janice, Bill and myself depart for Ireland to be in the pre-tour for the 2013 St. Patrick's Day trip. The overnight flight is six hours long which will have is arriving in Dublin at approximately 10 in the morning. We will be met by our Irish tourist agent, David, who will immediately whisk us off to review the parade route in Dublin and meet with the St. Patrick's Day Festival committee.
On this pre-tour we have many things to check out and reviewwhich include all the hotels the band would be staying in, all the performance venues, the bus company, the sightseeing stops and special activities we have planned. In the first four days alone we will be checking out four hotels and five performance venues Which pretty much means we will circumnavigating the entire country in the first four days alone! Following the world wind excursionthe following days will allow us to check out some sightseeing venues as well as extracurricular activities for the members.
Our goal during this pre-tour is to blog nightly on the days events and give some information of what we have seen ( maybe even the odd picture) of course everything will be covered in greater detail at the Sunday, September 30 meeting at 1:30 PM.
In the meantime, if you have any questions you would like us to find out what we're there just leave a comment on the blog page and will do our best to get you the answers.
I personally am very excited for the BTTB to be returning to Ireland after 24 years. I know that the band will leave a lasting impression just as we did so many years ago! As always it means that we must prepare well in advance with their music and marching practices as well as members practicing at home on their own. As mentioned numerous times before we will be performing and competing against bands from the United States across Europe and Ireland and this is our chance to show all of them what Canada's best band can do!
I strongly believe this will be a very memorable tour for all band members and supporters and I look forward when in approximately 6 months the Burlington Teen Tour Bandwill touch down in Ireland!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)