London is one of the most popular and vibrant cities in the world. If you visit the United Kingdom, it’s impossible not to visit this amazing city full of beautiful landmarks, shopping malls, restaurants and, most importantly, people from all over the world. One of the most common problems when starting to organize a trip […]
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https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/feature-image.jpg12751920George Hookhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngGeorge Hook2020-09-01 12:11:572020-09-01 15:40:22Places to See in 2021 With Irish Rugby Tours
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/COaches-ConfRYA-Cropped-1.jpg12591728Rayhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngRay2020-08-27 13:54:002020-09-16 13:00:18Scottish Activity Centre
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BUILDING TEAMS & LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS This week sees us getting very much to the business end of the 2020 Leinster Schools Senior Cup competition. Today, Castleknock College take on Clongowes Wood College in Donnybrook. It promises to be a cracker. But at Irish Rugby Tours we are a little torn. Both Senior Cup teams have […]
Great Pubs in Dublin It’s almost that time of year. The Six Nations is just around the corner and we are getting just a little giddy. Irish Rugby Tours are expecting a lot of fans from Scotland and Wales to come visit Dublin for the big games. Many of you might be coming to have […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cover-for-blog-1.png440807George Hookhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngGeorge Hook2020-01-20 09:39:072020-01-23 11:03:547 Great Pubs for the 6 Nations in Dublin
At Irish Rugby Tours we are bonkers about rugby. Some of us had a day off recently and what did we do? Yes, that’s right, we went to watch a rugby match. We can’t get enough of it and it doesn’t matter what time of the year it is. Given that it is soon to […]
To celebrate fifty years, South Jersey Rugby Football Club wanted to do something that little bit special. Earlier this year, they jetted across the Atlantic to Ireland for what they later described as a “great planned rugby tour that was carried out…to perfection”. The tour was organised by global rugby tour specialists, Irish Rugby Tours, who bring their […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ava-e1571820257334.jpg9371636Jonathan Butlerhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngJonathan Butler2019-10-23 09:45:252019-10-23 09:45:25South Jersey Rugby celebrate fifty years with rugby tour to Ireland
Irish Rugby Tours fully expect the multitudes of Irish fans travelling east to the Rugby World Cup to enjoy their time in a new land and dive head first into the rich and colourful culture of Japan. But we are aware that after such a long haul, there may be some who feel a slight […]
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So you might not be heading all the way out to the land of the rising sun for the Rugby World Cup but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a taste of Japan as the sun goes down over Dublin of a Friday or Saturday night. Yes indeed much has changed since the first Rugby […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/UKIYO_BAR6-700x400.png325581Jonathan Butlerhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngJonathan Butler2019-09-12 11:23:332019-09-12 11:32:08NOT Going to Japan? Here’s 5 Great Japanese Restaurants in Dublin to get you in the Mood
Summer holidays are a great time to get through some rugby books. Though the men and women of the rugby world might be taking a well-deserved break from the oval ball, it doesn’t mean that we, the rugby mad fans, have to do the same. With that in mind, the gang at the offices of […]
LGBT+ Rugby Tournament comes to Dublin this weekend Ahead of the much anticipated Union Cup Rugby event in Dublin, Irish Rugby Tours had a quick chat with the organisers. Starting Friday, 45 teams from 15 countries will be in Dublin to participate in Europe’s largest and best-known LGBT+ inclusive rugby tournament. The Union Cup has […]
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Last month Strathcona Girls High School Under 18s Rugby Team spent nine glorious days on a rugby tour to Ireland. The team from Alberta are a major player in Canadian High School Rugby and we were delighted to look after them during their Irish rugby tour. “The girls had an amazing time and I’ve heard […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Strathcona-Girls-High-School-1.jpg9531920Jonathan Butlerhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngJonathan Butler2019-05-13 11:20:172019-05-13 11:20:17Canadian High School’s “amazing experience” on Rugby Tour to Ireland
A Rugby Tour to Ireland that “surpassed…expectations” Virginia University Women’s Rugby Football Club, a powerhouse of USA rugby, have just returned from their “incredible” rugby tour to Ireland. The tour, which Head Coach Nancy Kechner described as having “surpassed…expectations”, was organised by Ireland’s most experienced rugby tours specialists Irish Rugby Tours. On their nine-day rugby tour […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/image5-e1556798062228.jpeg401692Jonathan Butlerhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngJonathan Butler2019-05-02 12:58:122019-05-02 13:15:48Virginia University WRFC return from “Incredible” Rugby Tour to Ireland
Shorter game times, less set pieces and more fluid, free flowing rugby have meant that for many sevens has a broader appeal than the fifteen-a-side game. Purists may slate is as something of a modern gimmick; a symptom of late twentieth century impatience. But sevens, or seven-a-side rugby, has a long and proud history that […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Fiji-LAs-Vegas.jpg379700Jonathan Butlerhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngJonathan Butler2019-04-03 11:20:402019-04-03 11:20:407 things you (maybe) didn’t know about Sevens
For a small nation, Ireland punches well above its weight on the global stage. At least that’s what we keep telling ourselves. Whether its music or literature, cinema or stage, you will find little nuggets of green gold at the bottom of all of life’s many rainbows. Rugby is no different, and we thought we’d […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/lions_1388098a.jpg388620Jonathan Butlerhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngJonathan Butler2019-03-21 12:34:522019-03-21 12:40:06Three Things Irish Rugby Gave the World
At Irish Rugby Tours we know that Easter is a great time to hop on a plane and spend some time with the people you love most. That’s right – YOUR RUGBY TEAM! There is a colourful array of Easter rugby festivals and tournaments taking place right across Europe over the coming break and each […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/zeebs-cropped-for-header.png321750Jonathan Butlerhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngJonathan Butler2019-03-05 22:28:192019-03-05 22:30:11Get your Bunnies ready for an Egg Chucking Easter Rugby Festival Abroad!
There is a long and wonderful tradition of ex-rugby players opening and owning great bars and restaurants. Many leave the world of the scrum behind and dive into the world of the scrumptious. Some have been very successful indeed and here at Irish Rugby Tours we thought we’d highlight just a few of our favourites. […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BoathouseLobster.jpg11981600Jonathan Butlerhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngJonathan Butler2019-02-27 18:41:382019-02-27 18:41:38A Lobster, Hogg & Front Row Forward Walk into a Bar
In the years years since we first started taking teams to Spain, the country’s rugby landscape has changed immeasurably. The decision to host last year’s European Cup Final in Bilboa was more than a nod to how the Spanish Rugby Federation http://www.ferugby.es/ has developed the game over recent years. Those efforts have paid off. Spain […]
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Irish Rugby Tours has a long and proud history of bringing rugby tours to Portugal. Both our Lisbon base and our base at Faro in the Algarve are favourites with groups who are looking for somewhere a little off beaten track. Why choose Portugal for a rugby tour? For teams facing into lengthy spells of […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.png00Jonathan Butlerhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngJonathan Butler2019-01-14 11:09:322019-01-14 11:09:32Rugby Tours to Portugal – Building Bonds on Beaches & in Bodegas
Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited attractions in the world. It welcomes almost seven million visitors per year and will be 130 years old next year in March. Since its opening more than 250 million people have visited the tower. Completed on March 31st, 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, the tower was […]
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The Canals Similar too many other cities that sit over water such as Venice, Amsterdam has a vibrant canal system. The pretty waterways are one of the best loved attractions in Amsterdam and you can explore the idyllic routes. This is done by taking a boat tour or a water taxi that lets you hop […]
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Eating Tapas – Nationwide Go from bar to bar trying tapas as you go, while you might as well get a pint with every small meal. Eventually you will work out your favourite bars and favourite dishes. Some of the most well-known dishes include, tortillas, patatas, bravas and a large amount of chorizo-based meals. Alhambra […]
The National Museum of Edinburgh The newly refurbished galleries in Edinburgh Old Town has 8,000 new objects – items unseen since the opening back in 1866. The Museum is a mish mash of objects made in Scotland. Also included are discoveries brought back from Scottish explorers and scientists including Charles Darwin, who studied in Edinburgh. […]
Matosinhos Beach Matosinhos Beach sits to the North of Porto and is made up of a long strip of golden sand that is flanked by a promenade. Locals flock here, especially in the summer months and you will find lifeguards on duty. This means that there’s a good choice for families with young children who […]
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The Vatican City The Vatican City is actually its own state within Italy and is the smallest in the world. When you’re here then you should definitely consider one of the most important religious spots in the world. Located inside its square are powerhouses such as the Piazza San Pietro and St Peter’s Basilica. You […]
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Don’t let people put you off with tales of how expensive London is. There’s an incredible array of things to do throughout the city without spending a penny. I have selected fifteen free things to do and see while you are here in the capital. Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy Sir John Soane […]
Kick jet lag in to touch with these tips before jetting off on the summer holiday of a lifetime which is one of the best feelings in the world. Spending the first few days battling jet lag not so much. Also known as ‘desynchronosis’ and ‘flight fatigue’, jet lag is a temporary disorder that causes […]
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River Corrib Cruise Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a cruise onboard the luxurious all-weather 157 passenger boat, the Corrib Princess. The Corrib Princess sails from Woodquay in the heart of Galway city. The journey takes passengers along the majestic River Corrib and onto Lough Corrib, Ireland’s largest lake. It provides visitors with unsurpassed views and […]
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The Peace Bridge Finally built in 2011 the Peace Bridge opened on the 25th June. The reason for the bridge was to bring the two communities closer and to live in peace. Not your standard straight bridge but a bridge with several bends and seats to rest. It is also the newest of the three […]
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Adare Manor – Afternoon Tea This is a magical setting for an indulgent and unforgettable dining experience, afternoon tea at Adare Manor an absolute delight. The Gallery at Adare Manor is the perfect marriage of grand scale and exquisite detail. As a result people are flocking to the manor. Surrounded by magnificent stained glass and […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Adare-Manor.jpg400800Rayhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngRay2018-07-23 08:30:122018-08-16 22:58:00Limerick – The Treaty County
Hook Lighthouse Explore the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. Voted one of Ireland’s favourite attractions, Hook Lighthouse in Wexford is truly one of a kind. Purpose built 800 years ago by the Knight William Marshal. Take a step back in time for a guided tour hearing tales of medieval times and life as a […]
Guinness Storehouse The Guinness Storehouse is the Home of Guinness, where you will discover what goes into the making of each and every pint. Learn about the incredible brand history stretching over 250 years. Ireland’s number one International Visitor Attraction unfolds its tale across seven floors. Shaped around a giant pint, which, if filled would […]
Cork English Food Market The English Market has been serving the population of Cork City since 1788. During its life it has survived revolution, war, depression, famine and the boom period. But it has always remained as the hub of the city for its inhabitants to meet and gather. In recent years the market has […]
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Titanic Experience Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, exploring the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way. Make your way through the 9 interactive galleries of the Titanic Experience, explore the symbolism of this iconic building with the Discovery Tour. Walk the decks of the last remaining White Star vessel SS Nomadic […]
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What A Year It has been an incredible season for our groups touring to Ireland and Europe. The experiences they have experienced and enjoyed are always the best memories from touring. My own sides that I have coached even now a decade afterwards always chat about the tours and remember the fun and enjoyment of […]
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Budapest It was decided that Irish Rugby Tours would add some new destinations for its list of countries to explore. So Hungary and Slovakia were chosen and off we went to Budapest our first port of call. When we arrived we found how handy it was to collect our rented car as it was only […]
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Dublin Castle Dublin Castle off Dame Street, was until 1922 the seat of the United Kingdom government’s administration in Ireland, and is now a major Irish government complex. A guided tour is highly recommended in order to get a comprehensive tour and a wonderful, memorable and invaluable experience, from guides on a Irish Rugby Tours […]
Imperial War Museum The Imperial War Museum in London, a popular destination for our London Rugby Tours. With many collections which include archives of personal and official documents, photographs, film and video material. Other collections include examples of military vehicles and aircraft, equipment, and other artefacts. If you are interested in any type of history […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/London_Skyline3.jpg6831024Rayhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngRay2017-11-06 11:46:542019-01-15 17:26:12Ray’s Top 10 Free Things To Do in London
Sweeney Todd & Other Demons Walking Tour The tail of Sweeney Todd has enthralled people ever since he has slashed his way onto the pages of London folklore in the 19th century. The tour is not only about Sweeney Todd, it’s also about all the other murderous characters from that period. Well worth going on […]
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The World Rugby Classic Once Again comes to Bermuda in 2017. One has to wonder “Why Bermuda?” Well it has to be for Bermuda Rugby – The Bermuda World Rugby Classic. 3,000 plus miles from the coast of England, 650 miles from the United States, a dot of some 22 sq.miles in the Atlantic, the […]
Lovely London isn’t the cheapest city you could choose for a city break (in fact it was recently found to be one of the most expensive) – but it’s London. Like New York and Paris it’s just one of those cities where you just need to accept that it’ll be a pricey one, but worth […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/London-on-a-Budget-1024x390.jpg3901024George Hookhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngGeorge Hook2016-05-13 15:50:472017-12-03 16:06:51Ten Things For Under A Tenner In… London Rugby Tours
Xavier High School Rugby Tour Ireland 2016 For almost 30 years now I have been conducting tours of Ireland & the UK for many different clients in both the corporate and leisure markets. The funny thing is that you never really forget the people you work with even though the times and dates tend to […]
Abu Dhabi Harlequins – U14’s + Parents Visit to Ireland March 2016 Q: Why would a group of ex-pat kids and their parents from all over the world want to leave hot sunshine to come to Ireland in the month or March? A: For the welcome, for the scenery, for the pubs, for the rugby […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Would-you-really-leave-the-heat-for-an-Irish-Rugby-Tour-2.jpg5181004George Hookhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngGeorge Hook2016-03-25 21:10:122020-09-16 08:39:51Would you really leave the heat for an Irish Rugby Tour
One of the Finest Front Row Combinations to Play International Rugby in recent times have joined the Team here at Irish Rugby Tours. Our Good Friends – Fabio Ongaro and Toto Perugini have come on board with us here to develop further our Links with Italian Rugby. Irish Rugby Tours probably have some of the […]
Irish Rugby Tours are delighted to announce Paul Emerick as our USA Rugby Ambassador. Paul is a true professional in every aspect and we are over the moon to have him as part of our Team here at Irish Rugby Tours. Paul was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa and played his university rugby with the University […]
Saturday nights Pro12 semi final at the RDS restored my faith in the game of rugby union. As Brian O’Driscoll lay slumped in a heap in the middle of the pitch after smashing his head in a tackle, I questioned whether the Leinster medical staff would do the right thing. Would the great centre stagger […]
https://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Concussion.png9511425George Hookhttps://www.irishrugbytours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/irt-logo.pngGeorge Hook2014-05-27 15:25:542018-08-17 13:39:18Concussion – where do we stand?
North Bay Rugby Growth Continues with help from Irish and Lion Rugby Legend – Ollie Campbell. North Bay Rugby Club has made major moves since their play-off loss in April 2012. Through cultivating relationships with local colleges, the team has added 9 new recruits, 5 of which came from their own U19 programs. With the […]
Tour Blog – Friday 11th April At 3.45 am the tour party gathered, the 25 players and 12 adults aka Big Kids heading to Bristol for the weekend. Its 3.45 am and they are all here on time, normally half of them cannot make training at 6.30 pm said Head Coach Gerry Harrington aka Head […]
Tony Smeeth has been a long time friend and companion with us all here at Irish Rugby Tours. Since our inception in 1998 Tony has coached, given training sessions and clinics to nearly every one of the Tours coming from into Ireland. We are delighted that he is still heavily involved in the long term […]
What to See in London in 72 Hours | 3-Day Itinerary of London
London is one of the most popular and vibrant cities in the world. If you visit the United Kingdom, it’s impossible not to visit this amazing city full of beautiful landmarks, shopping malls, restaurants and, most importantly, people from all over the world. One of the most common problems when starting to organize a trip […]
Places to See in 2021 With Irish Rugby Tours
Scottish Activity Centre
Activities In Wales
Leinster Schools Senior Cup Semi-Finalists & Irish Rugby Tours Training Camps
BUILDING TEAMS & LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS This week sees us getting very much to the business end of the 2020 Leinster Schools Senior Cup competition. Today, Castleknock College take on Clongowes Wood College in Donnybrook. It promises to be a cracker. But at Irish Rugby Tours we are a little torn. Both Senior Cup teams have […]
7 Great Pubs for the 6 Nations in Dublin
Great Pubs in Dublin It’s almost that time of year. The Six Nations is just around the corner and we are getting just a little giddy. Irish Rugby Tours are expecting a lot of fans from Scotland and Wales to come visit Dublin for the big games. Many of you might be coming to have […]
Christmas Presents for Rugby Fans
At Irish Rugby Tours we are bonkers about rugby. Some of us had a day off recently and what did we do? Yes, that’s right, we went to watch a rugby match. We can’t get enough of it and it doesn’t matter what time of the year it is. Given that it is soon to […]
South Jersey Rugby celebrate fifty years with rugby tour to Ireland
To celebrate fifty years, South Jersey Rugby Football Club wanted to do something that little bit special. Earlier this year, they jetted across the Atlantic to Ireland for what they later described as a “great planned rugby tour that was carried out…to perfection”. The tour was organised by global rugby tour specialists, Irish Rugby Tours, who bring their […]
Irish Pubs in Japan
Irish Rugby Tours fully expect the multitudes of Irish fans travelling east to the Rugby World Cup to enjoy their time in a new land and dive head first into the rich and colourful culture of Japan. But we are aware that after such a long haul, there may be some who feel a slight […]
NOT Going to Japan? Here’s 5 Great Japanese Restaurants in Dublin to get you in the Mood
So you might not be heading all the way out to the land of the rising sun for the Rugby World Cup but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a taste of Japan as the sun goes down over Dublin of a Friday or Saturday night. Yes indeed much has changed since the first Rugby […]
5 Super Summer Rugby Books
Summer holidays are a great time to get through some rugby books. Though the men and women of the rugby world might be taking a well-deserved break from the oval ball, it doesn’t mean that we, the rugby mad fans, have to do the same. With that in mind, the gang at the offices of […]
Irish Rugby Tours chats to Union Cup Rugby ahead of Dublin Tournament
LGBT+ Rugby Tournament comes to Dublin this weekend Ahead of the much anticipated Union Cup Rugby event in Dublin, Irish Rugby Tours had a quick chat with the organisers. Starting Friday, 45 teams from 15 countries will be in Dublin to participate in Europe’s largest and best-known LGBT+ inclusive rugby tournament. The Union Cup has […]
Canadian High School’s “amazing experience” on Rugby Tour to Ireland
Last month Strathcona Girls High School Under 18s Rugby Team spent nine glorious days on a rugby tour to Ireland. The team from Alberta are a major player in Canadian High School Rugby and we were delighted to look after them during their Irish rugby tour. “The girls had an amazing time and I’ve heard […]
Virginia University WRFC return from “Incredible” Rugby Tour to Ireland
A Rugby Tour to Ireland that “surpassed…expectations” Virginia University Women’s Rugby Football Club, a powerhouse of USA rugby, have just returned from their “incredible” rugby tour to Ireland. The tour, which Head Coach Nancy Kechner described as having “surpassed…expectations”, was organised by Ireland’s most experienced rugby tours specialists Irish Rugby Tours. On their nine-day rugby tour […]
7 things you (maybe) didn’t know about Sevens
Shorter game times, less set pieces and more fluid, free flowing rugby have meant that for many sevens has a broader appeal than the fifteen-a-side game. Purists may slate is as something of a modern gimmick; a symptom of late twentieth century impatience. But sevens, or seven-a-side rugby, has a long and proud history that […]
Three Things Irish Rugby Gave the World
For a small nation, Ireland punches well above its weight on the global stage. At least that’s what we keep telling ourselves. Whether its music or literature, cinema or stage, you will find little nuggets of green gold at the bottom of all of life’s many rainbows. Rugby is no different, and we thought we’d […]
Get your Bunnies ready for an Egg Chucking Easter Rugby Festival Abroad!
At Irish Rugby Tours we know that Easter is a great time to hop on a plane and spend some time with the people you love most. That’s right – YOUR RUGBY TEAM! There is a colourful array of Easter rugby festivals and tournaments taking place right across Europe over the coming break and each […]
A Lobster, Hogg & Front Row Forward Walk into a Bar
There is a long and wonderful tradition of ex-rugby players opening and owning great bars and restaurants. Many leave the world of the scrum behind and dive into the world of the scrumptious. Some have been very successful indeed and here at Irish Rugby Tours we thought we’d highlight just a few of our favourites. […]
Scrummy Spain a Great Place for Rugby
In the years years since we first started taking teams to Spain, the country’s rugby landscape has changed immeasurably. The decision to host last year’s European Cup Final in Bilboa was more than a nod to how the Spanish Rugby Federation http://www.ferugby.es/ has developed the game over recent years. Those efforts have paid off. Spain […]
Rugby Tours to Portugal – Building Bonds on Beaches & in Bodegas
Irish Rugby Tours has a long and proud history of bringing rugby tours to Portugal. Both our Lisbon base and our base at Faro in the Algarve are favourites with groups who are looking for somewhere a little off beaten track. Why choose Portugal for a rugby tour? For teams facing into lengthy spells of […]
Paris City Of Lights
Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited attractions in the world. It welcomes almost seven million visitors per year and will be 130 years old next year in March. Since its opening more than 250 million people have visited the tower. Completed on March 31st, 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, the tower was […]
Hospitable Holland
The Canals Similar too many other cities that sit over water such as Venice, Amsterdam has a vibrant canal system. The pretty waterways are one of the best loved attractions in Amsterdam and you can explore the idyllic routes. This is done by taking a boat tour or a water taxi that lets you hop […]
Spectacular Spain
Eating Tapas – Nationwide Go from bar to bar trying tapas as you go, while you might as well get a pint with every small meal. Eventually you will work out your favourite bars and favourite dishes. Some of the most well-known dishes include, tortillas, patatas, bravas and a large amount of chorizo-based meals. Alhambra […]
Electric Edinburgh
The National Museum of Edinburgh The newly refurbished galleries in Edinburgh Old Town has 8,000 new objects – items unseen since the opening back in 1866. The Museum is a mish mash of objects made in Scotland. Also included are discoveries brought back from Scottish explorers and scientists including Charles Darwin, who studied in Edinburgh. […]
Pulsating Portugal
Matosinhos Beach Matosinhos Beach sits to the North of Porto and is made up of a long strip of golden sand that is flanked by a promenade. Locals flock here, especially in the summer months and you will find lifeguards on duty. This means that there’s a good choice for families with young children who […]
Impressionable Tantalising Ancient Lovable Young Italy
The Vatican City The Vatican City is actually its own state within Italy and is the smallest in the world. When you’re here then you should definitely consider one of the most important religious spots in the world. Located inside its square are powerhouses such as the Piazza San Pietro and St Peter’s Basilica. You […]
Londons’ Fantastic Freebies
Don’t let people put you off with tales of how expensive London is. There’s an incredible array of things to do throughout the city without spending a penny. I have selected fifteen free things to do and see while you are here in the capital. Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy Sir John Soane […]
Kick Jet Lag In To Touch
Kick jet lag in to touch with these tips before jetting off on the summer holiday of a lifetime which is one of the best feelings in the world. Spending the first few days battling jet lag not so much. Also known as ‘desynchronosis’ and ‘flight fatigue’, jet lag is a temporary disorder that causes […]
Tribal County Galway
River Corrib Cruise Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a cruise onboard the luxurious all-weather 157 passenger boat, the Corrib Princess. The Corrib Princess sails from Woodquay in the heart of Galway city. The journey takes passengers along the majestic River Corrib and onto Lough Corrib, Ireland’s largest lake. It provides visitors with unsurpassed views and […]
Lovely Derry On The Foyle
The Peace Bridge Finally built in 2011 the Peace Bridge opened on the 25th June. The reason for the bridge was to bring the two communities closer and to live in peace. Not your standard straight bridge but a bridge with several bends and seats to rest. It is also the newest of the three […]
Limerick – The Treaty County
Adare Manor – Afternoon Tea This is a magical setting for an indulgent and unforgettable dining experience, afternoon tea at Adare Manor an absolute delight. The Gallery at Adare Manor is the perfect marriage of grand scale and exquisite detail. As a result people are flocking to the manor. Surrounded by magnificent stained glass and […]
Wexford-The Sunny South East’s 10 Attractions
Hook Lighthouse Explore the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. Voted one of Ireland’s favourite attractions, Hook Lighthouse in Wexford is truly one of a kind. Purpose built 800 years ago by the Knight William Marshal. Take a step back in time for a guided tour hearing tales of medieval times and life as a […]
Dublin – Ireland’s Capital
Guinness Storehouse The Guinness Storehouse is the Home of Guinness, where you will discover what goes into the making of each and every pint. Learn about the incredible brand history stretching over 250 years. Ireland’s number one International Visitor Attraction unfolds its tale across seven floors. Shaped around a giant pint, which, if filled would […]
Rebel County Cork
Cork English Food Market The English Market has been serving the population of Cork City since 1788. During its life it has survived revolution, war, depression, famine and the boom period. But it has always remained as the hub of the city for its inhabitants to meet and gather. In recent years the market has […]
10 Things To Do In Belfast
Titanic Experience Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, exploring the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way. Make your way through the 9 interactive galleries of the Titanic Experience, explore the symbolism of this iconic building with the Discovery Tour. Walk the decks of the last remaining White Star vessel SS Nomadic […]
Irish Rugby Tours A Feast Of Touring
What A Year It has been an incredible season for our groups touring to Ireland and Europe. The experiences they have experienced and enjoyed are always the best memories from touring. My own sides that I have coached even now a decade afterwards always chat about the tours and remember the fun and enjoyment of […]
Forty Eight Hours In Budapest And Bratislava
Budapest It was decided that Irish Rugby Tours would add some new destinations for its list of countries to explore. So Hungary and Slovakia were chosen and off we went to Budapest our first port of call. When we arrived we found how handy it was to collect our rented car as it was only […]
Important, Impressive, Inspiring and Incredible Irish locations
Dublin Castle Dublin Castle off Dame Street, was until 1922 the seat of the United Kingdom government’s administration in Ireland, and is now a major Irish government complex. A guided tour is highly recommended in order to get a comprehensive tour and a wonderful, memorable and invaluable experience, from guides on a Irish Rugby Tours […]
Ray’s Top 10 Free Things To Do in London
Imperial War Museum The Imperial War Museum in London, a popular destination for our London Rugby Tours. With many collections which include archives of personal and official documents, photographs, film and video material. Other collections include examples of military vehicles and aircraft, equipment, and other artefacts. If you are interested in any type of history […]
Ray’s 10 things to do in London for £10 and under
Sweeney Todd & Other Demons Walking Tour The tail of Sweeney Todd has enthralled people ever since he has slashed his way onto the pages of London folklore in the 19th century. The tour is not only about Sweeney Todd, it’s also about all the other murderous characters from that period. Well worth going on […]
Rugby World Classic Bermuda 4th – 11th November 2017
The World Rugby Classic Once Again comes to Bermuda in 2017. One has to wonder “Why Bermuda?” Well it has to be for Bermuda Rugby – The Bermuda World Rugby Classic. 3,000 plus miles from the coast of England, 650 miles from the United States, a dot of some 22 sq.miles in the Atlantic, the […]
Ten Things For Under A Tenner In… London Rugby Tours
Lovely London isn’t the cheapest city you could choose for a city break (in fact it was recently found to be one of the most expensive) – but it’s London. Like New York and Paris it’s just one of those cities where you just need to accept that it’ll be a pricey one, but worth […]
Rugby Tours to Ireland Alive & Kicking
Xavier High School Rugby Tour Ireland 2016 For almost 30 years now I have been conducting tours of Ireland & the UK for many different clients in both the corporate and leisure markets. The funny thing is that you never really forget the people you work with even though the times and dates tend to […]
Would you really leave the heat for an Irish Rugby Tour
Abu Dhabi Harlequins – U14’s + Parents Visit to Ireland March 2016 Q: Why would a group of ex-pat kids and their parents from all over the world want to leave hot sunshine to come to Ireland in the month or March? A: For the welcome, for the scenery, for the pubs, for the rugby […]
Italy Rugby Legends Join Irish Rugby Tours
One of the Finest Front Row Combinations to Play International Rugby in recent times have joined the Team here at Irish Rugby Tours. Our Good Friends – Fabio Ongaro and Toto Perugini have come on board with us here to develop further our Links with Italian Rugby. Irish Rugby Tours probably have some of the […]
Paul Emerick – Irish Rugby Tours USA Rugby Ambassador
Irish Rugby Tours are delighted to announce Paul Emerick as our USA Rugby Ambassador. Paul is a true professional in every aspect and we are over the moon to have him as part of our Team here at Irish Rugby Tours. Paul was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa and played his university rugby with the University […]
Concussion – where do we stand?
Saturday nights Pro12 semi final at the RDS restored my faith in the game of rugby union. As Brian O’Driscoll lay slumped in a heap in the middle of the pitch after smashing his head in a tackle, I questioned whether the Leinster medical staff would do the right thing. Would the great centre stagger […]
North Bay Rugby (USA) Growth Continues…
North Bay Rugby Growth Continues with help from Irish and Lion Rugby Legend – Ollie Campbell. North Bay Rugby Club has made major moves since their play-off loss in April 2012. Through cultivating relationships with local colleges, the team has added 9 new recruits, 5 of which came from their own U19 programs. With the […]
Dolphin RFC U16s – Successful Rugby Tour to Bristol
Tour Blog – Friday 11th April At 3.45 am the tour party gathered, the 25 players and 12 adults aka Big Kids heading to Bristol for the weekend. Its 3.45 am and they are all here on time, normally half of them cannot make training at 6.30 pm said Head Coach Gerry Harrington aka Head […]
Tony Smeeth – One of Irish Rugby Tours Coaching Staff
Tony Smeeth has been a long time friend and companion with us all here at Irish Rugby Tours. Since our inception in 1998 Tony has coached, given training sessions and clinics to nearly every one of the Tours coming from into Ireland. We are delighted that he is still heavily involved in the long term […]