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Oxford Quins U13 Rugby Tour to Cork 2026 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏉🇮🇪

Three Days of West Cork Rugby, Adventure and Hospitality

In early May, 52 players, coaches, parents and siblings from Oxford Harlequins RFC swapped Horspath for the Wild Atlantic Way for a three-day U13 rugby tour to Cork. Two fixtures against proud West Cork clubs, an evening at Hannie Murphy’s, a swim at Abbey Pier, the West Cork Secret Adventure Centre and a day of adventure golf back at base in Clonakilty, short, sharp, packed, and absolutely the right way to introduce a youth squad to touring rugby.

The tour was designed and delivered by Irish Rugby Tours working with the Oxford Quins tour party led by Iain Dickson, with fixtures against Bantry Bay RFC on the Saturday and Muskerry RFC on the Sunday, with both clubs going out of their way to make the visiting Quins feel at home.

About Oxford Quins

A word on the touring club. Oxford Harlequins, known to most as Oxford Quins, was formed in 1996 from the merger of Oxford Marathons and Oxford Old Boys. Today it’s one of the largest youth rugby sections in Oxfordshire, with more than 420 registered junior players across boys’ age groups from U6 to U18 and girls’ from U12 to U16. The U13s are a typical Oxford Quins group: enthusiastic, well-coached, and clearly loving the game.

Day 1 — Saturday: Birmingham to Bantry Bay 🛫

The tour officially began at 05:45 in Birmingham as the touring party gathered for the Ryanair morning flight to Cork International. A short flight later, and a smooth airport transfer with Patrick Murphy, their Irish Rugby Tours guide for the trip, and Kavanagh’s Coaches, the group rolled into the Clonakilty Park Hotel mid-morning to drop bags, before the first big test of the tour: their opening fixture against Bantry Bay RFC.

Bantry Bay RFC is the focal point of rugby across the Sheep’s Head and Beara peninsulas, a club founded in 1926, with a membership of nearly 200 and teams at every age group from U6 to adult. Recent years have been a golden patch: their U16s won the Munster Club Cup and the seniors lifted their first J1 trophy in 15 years. The kind of club where a visiting U13 squad gets exactly the welcome you’d hope for.

After the match came the part the players will remember longest. A jump into the cold Atlantic at Abbey Pier (a Bantry Bay rugby ritual for visiting teams), then up to Hannie Murphy’s at the West Lodge for the post-match presentation. Pins, plaques and ties exchanged. Drinks and refreshments for everyone. Hospitality in West Cork is something else, and Bantry Bay RFC delivered.

Back to the Clonakilty Park Hotel for dinner, a debrief, and an early night – Sunday’s fixture wasn’t far away.

Day 2 — Sunday: Muskerry, then Adventure 🏉🌊

Sunday morning, breakfast, and on the bus for the second fixture of the tour against Muskerry RFC at Ellis Park in Inniscarra, twenty minutes west of Cork city. Muskerry is a Munster Junior League Division 1 club with a strong underage section running from U7 right up to U18.5, and a smart set of facilities that recently added floodlights. A textbook Munster club rugby morning.

Post-match food was served by the host club – another reason touring in Ireland is so different from playing fixtures at home. By the time the group got back to Clonakilty after lunch, the afternoon agenda had already shifted gear.

The afternoon was spent at the West Cork Secret Adventure Centre, high ropes, obstacle courses, the kind of activity that wrecks 30+ U13s in the best possible way. The hotel’s evening cinema took care of what was left of everyone’s energy. Lights out came easier than usual.

Day 3 — Monday: Adventure Golf and Home ✈️

The final morning kicked off with a swim session in the hotel pool followed by a cooked breakfast, before the squad walked across to the Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre and Adventure Golf, five minutes from the hotel and the perfect way to round off a tour with one more dose of competition.

By midday, bags were back on the bus and the group was on the way to Cork International for the afternoon flight to Stansted. Tour over.

Why West Cork Works for a U13 Tour

West Cork is one of our favourite parts of Ireland to send a youth tour. Three reasons, really.

First, the rugby. Munster Junior League clubs like Bantry Bay and Muskerry are the heartbeat of community rugby in Ireland – proper underage structures, properly competitive fixtures, and a welcome for visiting teams that turns first-time tourists into return customers.

Second, the geography. Clonakilty puts you within an hour of Bantry, Skibbereen, Inchydoney and the wider Wild Atlantic Way. You can fit two fixtures, an adventure activity, a beach and a cliff walk into three days without anyone feeling rushed.

Third, the hospitality. There’s a reason Hannie Murphy’s gets a paragraph in every tour write-up we do from this part of the country. The post-match piece – food, drinks, ties, pins, presentations, families chatting in the clubhouse, is what makes an Irish rugby tour different. West Cork does that piece better than almost anywhere.

About Irish Rugby Tours

Irish Rugby Tours has been arranging school, youth, club, college, senior and supporters’ rugby tours for more than 20 years. We are fully ITAA-licensed, Irish Aviation Authority licensed (TA0760), and members of the Sustainable Tourism Network.

Every tour is built around the touring squad, fixtures pitched at the right level, accommodation that fits the group (whether you’re 12 players or 152), age-appropriate activities alongside the rugby, and on-the-ground support from arrival to departure. For mini and U13 groups in particular, we know how much the parents’ programme matters and we design tours that travel well for the whole family.

Plan Your Club’s Cork Tour

Thinking about a U13 tour to Ireland?

West Cork is one of our most popular destinations for mini and youth rugby tours from the UK. Short flights from Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Stansted to Cork, family-friendly accommodation in Clonakilty, fixtures arranged against the right Munster Junior clubs, and a full activity programme for the whole touring party.

Talk to us: Contact Irish Rugby Tours · info@irishrugbytours.com · +353 1 685 6277

Learn more: Rugby Tours to Cork · Mini Rugby Tours · School & Youth Rugby Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

How long was the Oxford Quins tour?

Three days – Saturday to Monday – including two match days, an adventure afternoon, an adventure-golf morning and a swim session at the hotel.

Who did the squad play?

Bantry Bay RFC on the Saturday in West Cork, then Muskerry RFC on the Sunday at Ellis Park in Inniscarra. Both are Munster Junior League clubs with strong underage sections.

Where did the squad stay?

Clonakilty Park Hotel – a family-friendly resort with a swimming pool and adventure centre on site, in the heart of West Cork. See our Cork tour destination page for more options.

Can our club book a similar tour?

Of course, West Cork is one of our most popular regions for mini and U13/U14 tours from the UK. Get in touch and we’ll build a programme around your club, dates and budget.

How does travel from the UK work?

Most UK youth tours to Cork fly Ryanair direct from Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester or Stansted, door-to-door in under three hours, with the team coach waiting on arrival.

18th May 2026/by Lucy O'Flaherty

News

Lovely Derry On The Foyle

The Peace Bridge

Finally built in 2011 the Peace Bridge opened on the 25^th 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 bridges in the city.

Free Derry Wall

The Free Derry Wall is a historical landmark in the Bogside neighbourhood of Derry.

In January 1969 a local activist, who might have been Liam Hillen. Allegedly painted graffiti on a gable wall at the end of a housing terrace stating, “You are now entering Free Derry”.

In August 1969, the “Free Derry” wall was painted white and the “You are now entering Free Derry” was painted instead.

The area in front of the wall became known as Free Derry Corner by the inhabitants.

Saint Columb’s Cathedral

In the walled city of Derry is the mother church of the Church of Ireland, Diocese of Derry and Raphoe and the parish church of Templemore.

This Church is in memory to Saint Columba, an Irish monk who established a christian settlement in the area.

St. Columb’s has in its possession many documents dating back from the Siege of Derry.

The Cathedral has in its possession many portraits of William of Orange and the original keys of the city.

Londonderry Apprentice Boys Lodge

The hall was opened in 1877, dedicated to the memory of the thirteen apprentice boys who closed the city gates in 1688 against Catholic forces.

The hall is an architecturally important building within the walled city.

It now houses the headquarters of the association, with its office and debating chamber it also houses a social club and a museum.

The Tower Museum

The Tower Museum is a museum on local history in Derry.

The museum is located in Union Hall Place, within a historic tower just inside the city walls, near the Guildhall.

It presents the history of Derry and also has an exhibit on a local shipwreck from the Spanish Armada.

The museum opened in 1992 and has won a number of awards. It also covers the political conflict that has affected the history of the city.

Derry City Walls

Enjoy a fascinating guided tour along the walls of the city and listen to the old and the new history of Derry.

Derry has become a cosmopolitan and vibrant city. You will hear some of the most interesting stories regarding the troubles and the political struggles.

The guides tell their stories of the city with such pride and passion because as they say this is my home, my city and I love her.

Siege Museum

The Siege of Londonderry in 1689 is one of the landmark events in British and Irish history.

An event of such importance that its outcome has shaped and continues to shape the history of both Britain and Ireland.

105 days 30,000 Protestant people held the walled city of Londonderry in the face of the Catholic King James II. They held it until the relief fleet broke across the River Foyle and the Jacobite forces commenced their retreat on August 1st, 1689.

Inside the museum is a fascinating history of those days. Well worth a visit to get a feel of what it was like for both sides of the community at that period of time.

Londonderry Guildhall

Derry’s original 17th-century Guildhall was located in the Diamond area of the Walled City. Its name reflected the status of Londonderry as being founded by the City & Guilds of London.

The Building has been subjected to fire and terror attacks over the years but still remains a focal point in the city.

Originally named Victoria Hall this was discovered due to the fact it was engraved on some foundation stones found during restoration works.

It was badly damaged by fire in Easter 1908 with only the clock tower surviving the fire intact.

The whole building was re-built and renovated after the fire and re-opened in 1912.

Furthermore during the troubles, the building was subjected to terror attacks.

Creggan Country Park

Enjoy a day out at Creggan Country Park for a wide range of outdoor activities, from orienteering to kayaking.

The instructors will be able to go through all the basics with you if you are a beginner or novice, you’re in safe hands.

For those who would like a bit more action, paint balling is available, all the boys will love that.

Bring an old-fashioned picnic with you and enjoy the delightful countryside around you.

29th July 2018/by Raymond O'Grady

News

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 or immerse yourself in the historic slipways as you uncover the true legend of Titanic, in the city where it all began.

Giants Causeway

Come to one of Ireland’s biggest landmarks The Giant’s Causeway.

Located in County Antrim on the north coast of Northern Ireland, about three miles northeast of Bushmills village.

Here you will read all about Irish mythology and its legends.

The Giant’s Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption.

Bushmills Whiskey

In the small village of Bushmills, settled on the banks of the river you’ll find the oldest working distillery in Ireland.

A place where family and friends have worked for generations is a small Northern Irish village. Here for over 400 years it has kept to its own philosophy. By hand crafting small batches is the way to produce beautifully smooth tasting Irish whiskey.

Experience a guided tour around the distillery and listen to how this famous Irish Whiskey is made from the very beginning to the bottling stage. There’s also the opportunity to purchase some of its products.

Belfast City Hall

The site now occupied by Belfast City Hall was once the home of the White Linen Hall. This was an important international Linen Exchange.

The street that runs from the back door of Belfast City Hall through the middle of the linen quarter is Linen Hall Street.

Construction of the building started in 1898 and was completed in 1906.

There are 15 amazing rooms to look through on this tour with amazing history for you to read and take in.

The people of the city and its visitors are welcomed to sit on the lawns and watch Belfast City at work.

Botanic Gardens

The gardens opened in 1828 as the private Royal Belfast Botanical Gardens.

Continued as a private park for many years, only opening to members of the public on Sundays prior to 1895.

It then became a public park in 1895 when the Belfast Corporation bought the gardens from the Belfast Botanical and Horticultural Society.

The gardens are now owned by Belfast City Council. It has two main exhibits the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine House. Here you will find many species of flower and trees from around the world.

Concerts have been performed in the gardens notably U2 who played here in 1997 their first concert in Belfast since 1987.

Ulster Museum

You could spend hours browsing this state-of-the-art museum, but if you’re pressed for time don’t miss the Armada Room.

The museum is filled with artefacts retrieved from the 1588 wreck of the Spanish galleon Giron. It also holds the Egyptian Room, with Takabuti, a 2500-year-old Egyptian mummy unwrapped in Belfast in 1835.

Everyone is interested in history and a visit to this museum will give you an idea of what life was like in each ancient world.

Crumlin Road Gaol

This Prison was partly based on another prison in London, it was one of the most advanced prisons of it’s day.

The prison was designed to hold between 500 to 550, one prisoner per cell but in the early 1970s that rose to 3 prisoners per cell.

During its 150 year history the prison has had many prisoners pass through its doors. Some of the more well known prisoners included Eamon De Valera, Martin McGuinness, Michael Stone and Bobby Sands.

The prison closed its doors in 1996 and was left empty for many years. In 2012 the prison reopened as a tourist attraction and recreates the history this prison once held.

Carrickfergus Castle

This castle was built by the Normans. Owned by the Scots, Irish, English, French and remains as one of the best preserved medieval castles in Northern Ireland.

Built by John de Courcy in 1177 as his headquarters, after he conquered eastern Ulster in 1177 and ruled as a petty king until 1204. He was ousted by another Norman adventurer, Hugh de Lacy.

It has had many uses over the years, first to house prisoners of war then became a prison. For a hundred years it served as an armoury. During WW1 it was a garrison and ordnance store then during WW11 it became an air raid shelter.

Ulster Folk And Transport Museum

The Ulster folk and transport Museum is situated about 11 kilometres east of the city. It comprises of two separate museums, the Folk Museum and the Transport Museum.

The Folk Museum endeavours to illustrate the way of life and traditions of the people in Northern Ireland, past and present. While the Transport Museum explores and exhibits methods of transport by land, sea and air, past and present.

In 1958, the Folk Museum was created to preserve a rural way of life in danger of disappearing in Northern Ireland.

The present site was acquired in 1961. With the museum opening to the public for the first time three years later in 1964. In 1967, the Folk Museum merged with the Belfast Transport Museum, to form the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

Stormont Castle

Stormont Castle is a mansion on the Stormont Estate. It is used as the main meeting place of the Northern Ireland Executive it’s not classed as a castle in real terms.

Between 1921 and 1972, it served as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.

It also served as the location of the Cabinet Room of the Government of Northern Ireland from 1921 to 1972.

Before devolution it served as the Belfast headquarters of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, during the Troubles.

25th June 2018/by Raymond O'Grady