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!