Back To Ireland with The Dubs!

This will be the big one!

Join us again as we tour Ireland:
5 - 14 November 2009

Space is limited this year, so sign up early to be guaranteed lodging in band hotels. Your specially arranged tour package of the Emerald Isle includes roundtrip airfare from: JFK/SNN/DUB/JFK (*SFO, Chicago extra), plus eight (8) nights accommodations as follows (or similar):

THE SHOWS

Sunday Nov 8th Galway, Ireland
The Quays

Tuesday Nov 10th Bundoran, Ireland
The Great Northern Hotel

Wednesday Nov 11th Cavan, Ireland
Private show for US Tour Group

Thursday Nov 12th Dublin, Ireland
Whelans

THE HOTELS

• Limerick - Clarion Hotel (1 night)
• Galway - Imperial Hotel (2 Nights)
• Donegal - The Great Northern Hotel (2 Nights)
• Cavan - The Slieve Russell Hotel (1 Night)
• Dublin - Camden Court Hotel (2 Nights)

Below is the "Official Itinerary but here is Keiths plan.

The Trip

Hey guys,

We have finalized all the dates and I wanted to give you a quick update on the festivities planned.

We will start the trip by all meeting on the first night in Limerick at the hotel. By then you will already have seen some of the sites and be ready to chill out and have a few pints. There will be a big dinner where we will all get to meet and see who is on the trip. This was a huge success last time we did it as it gets everyone caught up right of the bat and from then on the focus is on having a laugh all together.

After that we head to Galway. That Saturday night is a pure and simple night on the town. Galway is one of the biggest cities in Ireland and one of the most exciting. Loads to do during the day and loads more at night. We will work out meeting places through out the city for the nights shenanigans and folks will have the choice of what to do and what not to do.

The second night in Galway its back to work for the Dubs. We have our first show of the tour at the Quays. What a brilliant and unique venue this is. You will remember this first show for a long time to come. I also want to announce for the first time that we will have a cool duo opening for us at all the shows. Anita and the Yanks are a band we met in LA and have decided to come and entertain you all with us. Anita is from irieland and the other guy is from...well, the name tells it all. As usual all you "Trippers" will be admitted to all the shows for FREE!!! This will be a big one.

Then its off to Donegal for another night off and another full dinner, By now you will all know each other and the full-on party will have begun. The following night we make getting to the gig easy. Its at the hotel! Also makes getting to the party after the show easy, its at the hotel!

The next night is in Cavan and a wonderful Hotel that was originally a old Landowners Mansion. I asked for one of these type hotels on the trip again because they are always an extremely interesting stay. We only have one night here and so we chose this as the "special" night for all of you. Bit of a surprise but I might tell ya more later...It will be fun...and another big dinner.

Then its the main reason we go on the Ireland tour. The Dublin gig. This is probably the most important show for us and although by now you will be in full "survival" mode we really need you all at the show. Bren and I are from Dublin so this is a major homecoming show and there will be loads of family members there and friends we grew up with along with a growing Irish fan base. Whelans is right in the center of town and a great vibe venue. A big night is planned !!!

The last night is a welcome night off and a chance to see Dublin (perhaps in a huge pub crawl) and to say fond farewells to each other. Obviously I may be a little prejudice but this is usually my favorite night. The Dublin pubs are like no other in the world and you can do nothing but have a great time.

Add to all of this that we are bringing Eric Rigler on the pipes for the first time and that the hotel bars are not allowed to close until we decide to go to bed and you have the makings of another legendary Irish tour with The Young Dubs.

Can't wait, see you in Limerick.

Keith and the boys.

The Official Itinerary

The Overall Package Includes:

• Live concerts with The Young Dubliners.
• Hang out with the band on nights off as we carouse the local scene.
• Full Irish Breakfast Daily.
• Four Dinners with the band and group.
• Fully escorted sightseeing as per itinerary.
• Touring By Deluxe Touring Motorcoach.
• Porterage of one suitcase per person.
• Services of Hammond Tours Escort throughout.
• Taxes and Service Charges, except gratuity to driver/guide.
• Professional Portfolio of Travel Documents.

Day 1
November 5 Thursday

USA to Ireland: Depart USA for overnight flight to Ireland. Dinner and in-flight entertainment is served shortly after take-off.

Day 2
November 6 Friday

Shannon-Bunratty-Cliffs of Moher-Limerick: Upon arrival at Shannon Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional Irish Driver/guide and Hammond Tours Staff. After boarding our Elegantly appointed Irish Coach, we travel to Bunratty Castle for a photo opportunity and stretch. We travel via Lahinch, home to the Lahinch Golf Course. Lahinch comes from the Irish name for Peninsula as it has water on three sides. Originally it was developed as an ideal respite for the legendary, ''Black Watch Regiment'' of the British Army. Today it is considered one of the finest links courses in the world. We then witness The Majestic Cliffs of Moher, which rises up 700 feet from the rugged Atlantic Ocean. This amazing sight will forever be etched in your mind after today. We then enjoy a panoramic tour of Limerick which includes St. Johns Castle, the infamous Treaty Stone and the boyhood home of the now famous author Frank McCourt of ''Angela's Ashes'' fame. Our journey continues to our Limerick Hotel for overnight. Overnight Clarion Hotel Limerick. Welcome Dinner at our Hotel!

Day 3
November 7 Saturday

Limerick-Galway: After breakfast we bid farewell to Limerick Town and head north. We continue through Ireland's rugged Burren Landscape to youthful bustling Galway City. In the 1400's, there began in Galway the rule of the 'Tribes', as the leading fourteen families were called. Their names were Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, Darcy, Deane, Font, French, Joyce, Kirwan, Lynch, Martin, Morris, and Skerritt. Time today to browse ''Shop Street'' as well as the lively pubs that dot the city. Overnight at the Imperial Hotel.

Day 4
November 8 Sunday. First show Tonight!

Aran Islands: After a full Irish Breakfast we enjoy an optional tour of The Aran Islands. Inis M—r is the largest of the three Aran Islands and is the most developed in terms of tourist facilities. There are about 900 inhabitants on Inis M—r making it by far the most populated of the islands. The main village on the island is Kilronan, which has a quite large harbour that accommodates a vast amount of tourist travel to the island. There are minibuses as well as horse and carts to take people around. Those not taking the tour have a free day to explore Galway city We return to Galway where we have plenty of time for browsing or shopping. Overnight at The Imperial Hotel.

Day 5
November 9 Monday

Galway-Sligo-Donegal: After a Full Irish Breakfast we depart Galway and head north. Our first stop is Sligo, home of William Butler Yeats. After touring his burial spot at Drumcliffe we continue north to Donegal. The town is set in a valley girdled by Barnesmore Mountains and Donegal Bay and overlooking the town can be seen the remains of several earthen forts. Today, Donegal Town is the center of activity for South County Donegal. The town center, known as ''The Diamond'' is where the Killybegs, Ballyshannon and Ballybofey Roads converge and it is here that you are likely to meet almost anybody; usually with a smile on their face and a few ready words. We enjoy dinner and overnight at The Great Northern Hotel.

Day 6
November 10 Tuesday 2nd Show

Donegal: Today after breakfast this morning we depart for a full day's visit to Derry City (Londonderry) (All inside admissions are optional). . The second largest city in Northern Ireland, Derry stands above the estuary of the River Foyle. Divided into two parts, Cityside and Waterside, Cityside Derry includes at its core the only intact medieval walled city in Ireland and the British Isles. Enjoy a walking tour along the great 17th-century walls. About a mile around and 18 feet thick, the walls today, are unbroken and complete. The four original gates of the wall still stand in welcome. History is everywhere! The Tower Museum tells the story of Derry's history, from its geological formation millions of years ago, right up to the present day. The Museum of Free Derry in the Bogside encapsulates the city's living history of the Troubles. Equally as impressive are the wall Murals that dominate the skyline of the Bogside. The murals are poignant reminders of key events in Derry's more recent history. You can even visit the Bogside Artist's studio to learn the stories behind these murals. Another must-see is the magnificent neo-Gothic Guildhall, home to one of the largest and most striking collections of stained glass windows in Ireland. Take a step back in time when you visit the charming Craft Village located in the heart of the city centre. The Craft Village is a portrayal of life in Derry from 16th-19th century and successfully combines retail, workshop and residential units in a unique setting. The Craft Village provides an exciting alternative to shopping as we know it today. Wander at your leisure through the workshops, watch skilled craftspeople at work or relax and enjoy a well earned rest in the coffee shop or licensed restaurant. Remember sterling, not euro! We return to Donegal for dinner and overnight at The Great Northern Hotel. (You may also decide to stay put and explore Donegal Town)

Day 7
November 11 Wednesday. Private show for Tour Group.

Donegal-Cavan: Today we leave beautiful Donegal and make our way Enniskillen. This pretty spot has got to be one of the nicest towns in Northern Ireland. It location is set on the shores of Lough Erne. Enniskillen is full of history. The Watergate dates back to the 1600's. We will also pass by Foothill Park and Coles Monument. Coles Monument is to Cole who was one of Wellingtons Generals at Waterloo. He is Standing looking out towards Florencecourt, his home, some 10 miles away. The Inniskilling's, Dragoons and Fusiliers fought along side one another at Waterloo. It was in 1790's that the Fermanagh Militia was established, to defend against a French Invasion of Ireland. At this time the town grew outside the Island, on what is now known as Old Henry Street. People settled here because the Army was not allowing the Protestants onto the Island when fleeing from threat of Napoleonic Invasion, because the Island was full. We continue south along Lough Erne to County Cavan. There are 12 recorded portal tomb sites in Cavan, mostly in the Burren. Derived from the Irish name 'Cabhann', a hollow, Cavan was once part of the ancient kingdom of Breifne. Numerous stone circles and megalithic tombs in the county are remnants of Cavan's rich archaeological heritage. We make our way to the Slieve Russell Hotel. The Slieve Russell hotel provides luxury hotel accommodation in a tranquil setting. Set in 300 acres, including 50 acres of lakes, the Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club with Ciœin Spa & Wellness Centre offers a unique experience in relaxation and leisure. Dinner and overnight at The Slieve Russell.

Day 8
November 12 Thursday BIG SHOW IN DUBLIN

Cavan-Dublin: Our journey continues today as we head south. We stop at the Hill of Slane, which has historical Christian significance. This place was hugely significant long before St. Patrick ever set foot in Ireland. A mound on the western end of the peak, which lies hidden from the view of visitors by lots of trees, has a very ancient significance, linked to Newgrange by mythology. From this beautiful hill, a vast prospect of Ireland is afforded on a clear day. Eastwards can easily be seen the mounds of Newgrange and Knowth, with the town of Drogheda and the Irish Sea beyond, while the view northwards extends as far as Slieve Gullion (well into Northern Ireland), southwards as far as the Sugarloaf Mountain in Wicklow, and westwards to the midlands of Ireland. It is onto Drogheda. Drogheda is associated with an extraordinary number of significant events in the history of Ireland - The Battle of the Boyne, St Oliver Plunkett, Poynings Law, Cromwell's Siege and the surrender of the Irish Chieftains to the English King. There's time for a short walk and lunch and then we're off to Dublin! Overnight the Camden Court Hotel.

Day 9
November 13 Friday

Dublin: After a hearty breakfast we have a full panoramic tour of this fascinating port city. We will pass by all of the major sites including Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Jail, Trinity College where the famous Book of Kells are housed. We see where writer Jonathan Swift (Gulliver's Travels) gave his famous sermons at St. Patrick's Cathedral.. After the tour the rest of the day is yours, to explore this infinitely varied thousand-year old city as you will; possibilities range from St. Michan's church to the Brazen Head, from St. Stephen's Green to Temple Bar, from the Guinness Brewery to Jameson's Distillery... Afternoon and evening are on your own. Dinner is on your own. Overnight Camden Court Hotel. Dinner is on your own.

Day 10
November 14 Saturday

Dublin-USA: After breakfast we are transferred to nearby Dublin Airport. In the off chance that you missed shopping opportunities, Dublin has a large Duty-Free Shop that you can visit once you are checked in for your flight. In the traditional Irish way we wish you ''Safe Home.''