Ireland Tour 2010
After a wonderful tour to Ireland in 2006, the band has decided to return next year. We will visit some friends and hopefully make some new ones. This is the itinerary, however some of the details have yet to be planned.
We will be leaving from the bandroom on Friday the 27th of August by coach, and heading down to Fishguard, where we will board the ferry to Rosslare. Upon landing, we will make our way to Clonmel, County Tipperary, where we will be staying at the Hearns Hotel. Apparently they serve an excellent Guinness there, so we will be partaking of a half or two.
On Saturday we will be travelling to Cobh, also in County Cork, where after lunch we will be giving an 
open air concert. This will be in the bandstand opposite the former ‘White Star Line’ offices, from where RMS Titanic left on its fateful debut sailing. Let’s hope that the band don’t go down quite as well!
We will then be making our way to Mitchelstown, where a food fare is taking place on that weekend. We will be playing some ‘Big Band’ music in Lower Cork Street, and we hope that the ‘Bavarian Knights’ Oompah band will play later, during the feasting. Sounds yummy!
After the return trip to Clonmel, we will be dancing the night away at O’Keefes music bar, which is attached to the hotel, although some might find it slightly more relaxing in the bar – or even bed!
On Sunday we travel to Tipperary to meet up with our old friends in the C.J.Kickham Brass and Reed Band. After conducting a possible master class in the afternoon, we will perform a joint concert with them in the evening, the proceeds of which will go to a nominated charity appeal. They have then invited us to their now famous Sausage, Chips and Guinness night in the local. We will then return to our hotel for a late night beverage and bed.
Monday’s itinerary is still being planned (watch this space), but it includes ‘High Jinks on the High Seas’ when we return to Wales that evening on the ferry. Mind you, we don’t want anyone going overboard, so to speak! Perhaps Jeff King will come along and once again entertain us with a dazzling display of rhythm and dance! We will see.
There are still a few places available on the tour, which will cost about £220 each (depending on numbers). This includes all travel and Bed and Breakfast (full Irish). If you are interested in coming along, whether you are musical or not, please email for more details.
2nd December update
The cost of the tour has now been reduced to around £200, after some hard bargaining with the ferry company, by our Tour Meister Steve Haycox!
