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Your Rugby Tour To Lithuania

Discover the best of Vilnius and Kaunas with our comprehensive blog. Explore these cities rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden gems.

Here we have listed some activities for you to enjoy in Lithuania.

KGB Museum

The KGB Museum in Vilnius, officially known as the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, offers a poignant and immersive look into Lithuania’s tumultuous past. Housed in the former KGB headquarters, the museum provides a stark portrayal of Soviet-era repression. Visitors can explore original prison cells, interrogation rooms, and execution chambers, gaining insight into the harrowing experiences of political prisoners. The exhibits feature personal stories, photographs, and artifacts that vividly recount the struggles for freedom and human rights. A visit to the KGB Museum is a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage of the Lithuanian people.

lUKISKES PRISON 2.0

Lukiškės Prison 2.0, located in the heart of Vilnius, Lithuania, offers a unique and immersive experience in a historical setting. Originally built in 1904, this prison complex housed inmates for over a century before its transformation into a cultural and entertainment venue. Visitors can explore the prison’s eerie corridors and cells while learning about its storied past. The site now hosts various events, including art exhibitions, concerts, and immersive tours, providing a fascinating juxtaposition of history and modern creativity. Lukiškės Prison 2.0 invites you to delve into its intriguing history and experience its innovative cultural revival.

 

 

Trakai Island Castle Museum

Trakai Island Castle, located just outside Vilnius, is a stunning Gothic-style fortress that sits majestically on an island in Lake Galvė. Built in the 14th century, the castle served as a strategic military stronghold and a residence for Lithuanian Grand Dukes. Today, it stands as one of Lithuania’s most iconic landmarks, attracting visitors with its picturesque setting and rich history. The castle houses a museum showcasing medieval artifacts, historic exhibits, and insights into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Surrounded by tranquil waters and lush greenery, Trakai Island Castle offers a captivating glimpse into Lithuania’s medieval past, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Kauno IX Forto Muziejus

Kauno IX Forto Muziejus (Ninth Fort Museum) in Kaunas, Lithuania, is a poignant historical site and museum. Originally built as part of the Kaunas Fortress in the late 19th century, it later served as a prison and execution site during the Soviet and Nazi occupations. Today, the museum commemorates the thousands of lives lost during World War II, offering powerful exhibits on the Holocaust and the Soviet repressions. Visitors can explore the fort’s underground tunnels, cells, and memorials, gaining a deep understanding of the fort’s tragic past. The museum’s moving displays and artifacts provide a stark reminder of the fort’s history and its impact on Lithuania and beyond.

Vilnius Old Town

Vilnius Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the historical and cultural heart of Lithuania’s capital. Characterized by its charming cobblestone streets, Baroque and Gothic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers a rich tapestry of history and modernity. Key landmarks include the majestic Vilnius Cathedral, the iconic Gediminas’ Tower, and the picturesque Pilies Street, lined with cafes, shops, and artisans. The Old Town’s labyrinthine layout invites exploration, revealing hidden courtyards, churches, and museums that tell the story of Vilnius’ diverse past. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply looking to soak in the local culture, Vilnius Old Town provides a captivating and unforgettable experience.

Gate of Dawn

The Gate of Dawn, located in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a prominent historical and religious landmark. Built in the early 16th century as part of the city’s defensive fortifications, it is the only remaining gate from the original ten. The gate houses a chapel with the revered icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, renowned for its miraculous powers. This icon, also known as Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, attracts pilgrims from across the globe. The site holds significant cultural and spiritual value, symbolizing protection and hope for the people of Vilnius.

Gediminas Castle Tower

Gediminas’ Castle Tower in Vilnius is a historic landmark that offers a glimpse into Lithuania’s medieval past. Perched atop Gediminas Hill, the tower provides panoramic views of Vilnius’ Old Town and the surrounding area. The tower is part of the Vilnius Castle Complex, which dates back to the 13th century and played a crucial role in the city’s defense. Inside the tower, visitors can explore exhibits that detail the history of the castle and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. A visit to Gediminas’ Castle Tower is an essential part of experiencing the rich heritage and stunning vistas of Vilnius.

Curonian Split / Kursiu Nerija National Park

Curonian Spit National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches across Lithuania and Russia. This unique, narrow strip of land, bordered by the Baltic Sea on one side and the Curonian Lagoon on the other, offers breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore expansive sand dunes, dense forests, and pristine beaches. The park is also home to rare wildlife, including migrating birds, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. With its picturesque scenery and rich natural heritage, Curonian Spit National Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility and adventure in Lithuania.

Contact us now for more information about arranging your next rugby tour to Lithuania.

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Five Coastal Rugby Touring Cities

A new year and a new touring season for clubs thinking of embarking on their mid or end of season tour.  Here at Irish Rugby Tours we acknowledge that clubs, schools and college/universities will be all on hold until the present situation ceases.

Bearing that in mind we have put together a selection of five coastal rugby touring cities.  Could one of these cities turn into a tour of a lifetime?

1. CAPE TOWN – The Mother City

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Based on the Western Cape of South Africa lies Cape Town.  It is the second-most populous city in South Africa, after Johannesburg and also the legislative capital of South Africa.  Colloquially named the Mother City, it is the largest city of the Western Cape province.

You may ask yourself why is it named so?  The reason is, Cape Town is the original city of South Africa.  It was established in 1652 as a refuelling station for ships bounds for the East (the Spice Route).

Cape town offers you the chance to explore and lose yourself from Nelson Mandela‘s prison cell on Robben Island to the top of Lions Head where the views are stunning and the sunsets are phenomenal for both locals and visitors.

As Rugby is concerned there is no shortage of clubs and schools to accommodate you with post match afterwards.  Get to know your hosts around the Braai with the meat cooking enjoying a cold beer or just a soft drink.

2. AUCKLAND – City of Sails

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Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and contains the country’s busiest international airport.  It’s not the capital city though (that’s Wellington). Located towards the top of the North Island, Auckland is a convenient jumping-off point for travels around the North Island.

More than this, however, Auckland is a lively and naturally beautiful city that offers plenty of attractions for any kind of traveler.  If you’re into good food and buzzing nightlife, you’ll find it here.  Alternatively, if you prefer the outdoors, you can swim in the sea, hike, sail, and more in Auckland.

Maori culture is very important to the country’s history and the people are very proud of it.  Cultural evenings are are great way of learning how the Maori’s have adapted to the new world and at the same time keeping their heritage alive for others to learn their history.

As New Zealand is the #1 Rugby playing country in the world there are plenty of challengers just waiting to show you why, from clubs and the high schools, no match will be soft.  Of course you have the opportunity just before kick off to accept a Haka as your opponents challenge you.

3. SYDNEY – The Harbour City

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Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbour front Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design.

Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby.   If you fancy climbing Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, this offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

With the world famous Bondi Beach on your doorstep offering golden sands, blue waters, surfing the scenery isn’t bad either.

Sydneysiders love their sport and with abundance of sport on offer you are spoilt for choice.  Firstly, Rugby in both codes, Aussie Rules, Soccer, Cricket, Basketball, Baseball and yes even Ice Hockey.  Surely you can’t miss out on this tour, what an experience.

4. LISBON – Lisboetas

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Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city.  From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge.

Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles.  Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril.

The city and its metropolitan area has a hot dry subtropical or a typical Mediterranean climate with short and very mild winters and warm summers, so even in winter it’s going to be quite good.

Rugby in Lisbon is strongly represented with a large selection of clubs all waiting for the overseas challenge.  Most clubs would be made up of the local habitants and residents who have moved to the city from England or Ireland.

5. ROME – The Eternal City

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Why Rome you ask. The city is only a 50 minute commute to the coast and that is why we have included Rome into our list.

Rome’s history spans 28 centuries.  While Roman mythology dates the founding of Rome at around 753 BC, the site has been inhabited for much longer, making it one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in Europe.

The city’s early population originated from a mix of Latins, Etruscans, and Sabines.  Eventually, the city successively became the capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.

There is so much to see in Rome, the history just oozes everywhere you look.  Did you know that modern Rome is built upon the original city?

Now for the Rugby.  There are so many clubs in Rome and they all very good.  The club scene is very strong and all the clubs have age groups to cater any touring sides.  The post match hospitality is second to none as Italian clubs love to embrace the opportunity to welcome their guests to their club.

So why not contact us now to plan ahead to your Rugby Tour of a lifetime.

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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 of them have their own unique characteristics and surprises.

Irish Rugby Tours offers tours to great venues in fabulous cities right across Europe. These festivals book out quickly. So if you’re thinking of taking your team abroad, here are few suggestions for you. Let us know, when you need our help.

Portugal Rugby Festival – Lisbon

Portugal Rugby Festival in sunny Lisbon takes place this year from April 13th – 14th. It is a whirlwind cracking weekend of rugby fun across fifty pitches and gives you and your team the opportunity to meet rugby fans from other parts of Europe. It is a trip you are unlikely to forget in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Players at last year’s event in Lisbon

Find out more & feel free get in touch

Find out more about rugby in Portugal

Tournoi de Cornouaille – Brittany

It’s selling out fast but there are still a few places left at this year’s Tournoi de Cornouaille in Quimper in Brittany. The tournament itself takes place over two days at Easter. Included in this great value package are hot lunches, player snacks and an end of festival party for those who took part. And it’s all happening right in the heart of the beautiful town of Quimper.

Find out more & feel free to get in touch

The beautiful town of Quimper has some excellent local restaurants.

Ghent Rugby Festival – Ghent

When you think of rugby, Belgium may not be the first place that springs to mind yet they have a strong tradition of playing the game in their part of the world. Indeed one of rugby’s longest running festivals takes place in the beautiful city of Ghent. The Ghent Easter Rugby Festival is now in its 31st year and each year it gets bigger and better with more teams, more food stalls and more entertainment. Ghent itself is a stunning city to walk around and enjoy some much needed downtime.  

Find out more & feel free to get in touch

Hilversum Rugby Festival – Amsterdam

If there were prizes going for inclusivity and family friendliness then surely this delightful festival one at Hilversum would be up there. This one day event takes place at Hilversum Rugby Club, a thirty-five minute drive from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and just forty minutes from central Amsterdam.

A wonderful one day festival that encourages rugby from children as young as eight up to sixteen, the festival will, this year, take place on April 21st.

After a hard day on the pitch, Amsterdam is the perfect city to visit to wind down. Its canals, cobbled streets and exceptional galleries are true jewels of Europe as are the people themselves.

Find out more & feel free to get in touch

Half-time talk at Hilversum.

International SQY Festival – Paris

If you fancy springtime in Paris then maybe the International SQY Rugby Festival is the very trip you have been looking for. This year’s event takes place on 19th – 21st April 2019 and includes an awards ceremony and gala dinner for team managers. The tour also includes a transfer to Paris for a boat trip down the Seine and there is the chance of taking in some Top 14 rugby while there.

It is a a fully immersive rugby weekend for ages 10 -14 and might just be the very trip that builds dreams of being an international star!

Find out more & feel free to get in touch

 

 

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Pulsating Portugal

Matosinhos Beach

Matosinhos Beach - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating Portugal 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 can bathe here with peace of mind.

Beach activities include soccer and volleyball and you will also find lots of opportunities for water sports.

Watch out for the waves you can even go surfing here when it’s good.

Lisbon Oceanarium

Lisbon Oceanarium - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalLisbon Oceanarium is one of the best places to come in the city if you are travelling with children.

The project is dedicated to educating the public on marine conservation.

You will find four separate ecosystems that are divided geographically to represent the Antarctic, Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.

Just some of the species you will find here include sharks, rays, sea otters, and penguins.

Silves Castle

Castelo de Silves - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalLocated in Xelb, Silves Castle used to be the capital of the Moorish Algarve.

The castle would have stood here to protect the region from intruders although it was later captured by Crusaders.

The architecture here is notable as the building is made from red sandstone.

Don’t miss the Medieval festival that is held here every August.

Evora

Roman Temple At Evora - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalSet in the province of Alentejo is Evora known for its Roman history after the Romans settled here in 57 BC.

As a result, you will find the ruins of a Roman temple here. It’s thought to have been built between the second and third centuries.

After the invasion of Evora by the Romans, it was recaptured by Christian armies, which explains the presence of the Se. A cathedral consecrated in 1204 and built in the Romanesque, baroque, and gothic styles.

Sao Jorge Castle

Sao Jorge Castle - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalSitting on a hill in Lisbon is the Castelo de Sao Jorge. The castle dominates the city skyline and looks over the Baixa district.

The castle has been renovated several times since the 12th century when first built under King Afonso Henriques.

Much of the castle is now open to the public and you can wander along the ancient ramparts as well as take in the ornate tower.

Standing on the ramparts you will get some of the best views of Lisbon that stretch all the way down to the water.

Furnas Lake

Lake Furnas - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalOne of the top spots in Azores is Furnas Lake which is a crater lake known for its blue waters tinged with green. Roam around and find the mud volcanoes and hot springs.

If you like brooding volcanic landscapes, then this is not to be missed.

In addition, you can go hiking past the calderas or take to the waters and go canoeing. This allows you to get up close to the amazing multi-hued waters.

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

Jeronimos Monastery - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalLocated in Lisbon, the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is one of one of the most important buildings in all of Portugal.

The church and the adjoining monastery are built in the Manueline style. Much of the interior is ornately decorated, particularly the section known as the South Portal.

There are also monuments here such as the tomb of Vasco de Gama and the famous Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes.

Museum Calouste Gulbenkian

Museum Calouste Gulbenkian - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalOne of the most famous museums in Lisbon is the Museum Calouste Gulbenkian.

The museum has 6,000 artefacts that used to belong to Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian. Gulbenkian was an Armenian national living in Portugal who donated his art collection to the museum before he died.

As a result, you can expect to find an incredible collection that will take you back 4,000 years. All kinds of pieces such as Oriental, Classical and European art are on display for your pleasure.

Some notable pieces include Roman medallions, paintings by Rembrandt and Turner and furniture that would have belonged to Louis XV and XVI.

Bom Jesus do Monte

Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalBom Jesus do Monte is said to be the grandest of all the religious buildings in Portugal and sits on a slope amidst lush woodlands.

It is six kms outside of Braga and is still a spot of pilgrimage for devotees across the country.

It is made up of a grand stairway and the church of Bom Jesus and you will find a range of smaller chapels here. Also, to be found are fountains and intricate carved scenes from the Bible.

Pilgrims here climb the long staircase made of granite and takes you past the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Palacio Nacional de Sintra

Palacio Nacional de Sintra - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalThe National Palace of Sintra sits on its scenic central square. You will know it as soon as you see it thanks to the massive round chimneys that sprout from the top.

The palace dates from the 14th century and has the claim to fame of being the oldest palace that still stands in Portugal.

It spans several ornately decorated floors, each of which have a different theme. One of the signature features is the Sala dos Brasoes which is the main hall topped with a sparkly dome.

Also make sure you check out the 72 coats of arms on display here if you enjoy your heraldry.

Torre de Belem

Torre de Belém - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalLocated in the Belem district in Lisbon is this iconic tower which was built in 1521.

The aim of the fortification was to guard against an invasion via the River Tagus. The building is considered a master class in how to build a successful fortress.

The tower is designed in the Manueline style and is covered with a picturesque facade.

Make sure not to miss the maritime touches carved into the stone such as ropes and an armillary sphere.

It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site which tells you everything you need to know about its beauty.

Ribeira District

Ribeira District - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalIf you visit Porto then make sure to come to the old quarter of the city which is also known as the Ribeira District.

The area looks out over the scenic River Douro and it is known for its dining and nightlife scene.

The main road of the Ribeira District is called Cais da Ribeira and you will find bars, restaurants, cafes, and pretty monuments like fountains.

If you want to party into the small hours, then this is the place to do it. If you happen to be here for the Festival of St. John on June 23 even better.

This is a large celebration that involves revellers hitting each other on the head using toy hammers made of plastic.

Algarve Beaches

Algarve Beaches - Irish Rugby Tours, Pulsating PortugalDo you know that some of the world’s best and most beautiful beaches are to be found in the Algarve?

There are so many lovely interesting sandy beaches in the Algarve that you will find amongst them a good selection.

Along its 200-kilometre coastline, these beaches vary from the small sheltered coves to broad endless stretches of sea washed sand. The entire coast enjoys a Mediterranean-style microclimate temperatures that vary from 15º C in winter through to 30º C in summer.

Hardly surprising then that the region is a favourite for sun-seekers coming from the most diverse locations.

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