Join us in Ireland!

2016 & 2017 Parade Planning Guideincluding standard and extended sample itineraries, St. Patrick’s Festival parade application

and directors’ site inspection itinerary for spring of 2015 or spring of 2016

Grueninger Music ToursMeridian Tower, 201 West 103rd Street, Suite 380, Indianapolis, IN 46290(800) 225-9919 • (317) 581-1122 • (317) 479-1000 faxinfo@gogmt.com

You are invited to join us in March of 2015 or 2016 on an all-inclusive Qualified Director site visit to Ireland, as anadvance planning trip to the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. This familiarization trip is sponsored by Grueninger Music Toursand Tourism Ireland.

DEPART HOME AIRPORT, DAY ZERO

DAY ONE• Arrival at Shannon Airport • Tea, coffee and scones at Durty Nelly’s, a quintessential Irish pub, located in the shadows of Bunratty Castle (dependent on arrival time we might also visit Bunratty Castle)

• Proceed directly to Killarney and check into the Brehon Hotel or similar (adjacent to Gleneagles Hotel) • Afternoon site inspection of Gleneagles Hotel (a possible option for bands) • Horse and carriage will collect the attendees and give a panoramic overview of the town of Killarney • Dinner in town at a local restaurant • Overnight at the Brehon/Gleneagles

DAY TWO• Transfer to Dublin• Stop at Midway Food Court en route to Dublin, where bands might stop for refreshments or a meal • Site visit and lunch at Citywest Hotel• Proceed to Dublin and check into the Ballsbridge Hotel for two nights – possible option for band accommodation• Dinner in local Dublin Restaurant

DAY THREE• Parade Day – reserved seating on the Grandstand • Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Dublin City • Evening dinner in Taylors Three Rock pub or similar

DAY FOUR• Departure flight from Dublin

Ireland is an outstanding destination for your band. Please come visit us in Chicago at the 2014 Midwest Clinic in Booth 812, or contact me directly for more information or to schedule your site visit.

James DiBlasio, National Events Director(800) 225-9919, ext 132(317) 218-0832Jdiblasio@gogmt.com

DEPARTURE DAY: UNITED STATES TOSHANNONDepart your home city and take an overnight flightacross the Atlantic.

DAY ONE: SHANNON ARRIVAL / CLIFFS OFMOHER / THE BURREN / DUBLIN After landing at Shannon Airport, complete customsand immigration formalities. Depart Shannon to visitthe West of Ireland and travel north through the BurrenCountry, a unique region of limestone hills renownedfor its flora and prehistoric stone monuments. Stop toview the majestic Cliffs of Moher, a rocky wall that risesnearly 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic Ocean.Continue to Dublin via the motorway. Overnight anddinner at hotel in Dublin.

DAY TWO: DUBLIN’S FAIR CITYThis morning meet with your English-speaking step-onguide and enjoy a panoramic tour of Dublin, discovering the north side of the River Liffey. This areaoffers striking monuments such as the GPO (GeneralPost Office) on the city main thoroughfare, O’ConnellStreet, the Custom House along the quays, as well asPhoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. Thesouth side appears more sophisticated with its vastGeorgian squares such as Merrion Square (where OscarWilde’s House can still be found), the homes with theircolorful doors, Grafton Street with its quality shops. Notso far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare Street, youwill see the house of Bram Stoker, the author ofDracula. This part of the city is also dominated by thestudents of Trinity College, where the famous Book ofKells is permanently exhibited in its library. Visit the Book of Kells, Trinity College. TrinityCollege was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I on grounds confiscated from an Augustinian priory. It isthe oldest University in Ireland. Most of the buildings offthe main square were built during the Georgian period. In the Old Library building is one of Ireland’s most illustriousilluminated books, the 9th-centuryBook of Kells. Before viewing thefamous book visitors pass throughan excellent exhibition based on thebook of Kells and other importantbooks written in monasteriesaround Ireland from the 9th century. St. Patrick’s Cathedral. St. Patrick’s is the NationalCathedral of Ireland and is built on the site whereSt. Patrick preached. There was a small church on the site which was still in existence when the Anglo-Normans arrived. This church was replaced with a stone

church in 1191 and was further remodeled in 1225 tothe same design as Salisbury Cathedral. St. Patrick’s is Gothic in style and its splendid interior isadorned with funeral monuments such as The BoyleFamily Memorial and the grave of Jonathan Swift, theIrish essayist and satirist. Swift was Dean of theuniversity until his death in 1745. The massive westtowers house a large peal of bells whose ringing tonesare so much part of the character of Dublin.Overnight at your hotel.

DAY THREE: ST. PATRICK’S DAYAs the one national holiday that is celebrated in morecountries around the world than any other, St. Patrick'sDay is the day when everyone wants to be Irish. The city center streets are closed to traffic as 500,000people dressed head to toe in green line the streets. Inthe distance you can hear the hum of music and thesound of 3,000 pairs of feet … it’s St. Patrick’s Dayand time for the worldfamous St. Patrick’sFestival Parade! For two hours you willparticipate in an awesome display of creative talent as thenational St. Patrick’sFestival Parade snakes its way through the citycenter. International andIrish marching bands joinperformers, dancers andstreet theatre companiesto present a wonderfullyentertaining parade. The parade is a piece of moving theatre, completewith its own creative director. Colorful costumes, flamboyant performances and outstanding musicaltalent will be on display. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to savor theatmosphere of St. Patrick's Day.Tonight enjoy dinner and entertainment at TaylorsThree Rock (or similar). No trip to Ireland is completewithout visiting a good Irish pub and listening totraditional music. Prepare to enjoy an authentic tasteof the past.

DAY FOUR: DUBLIN TO UNITED STATESEnjoy one last Irish breakfast before departing for theairport to catch your return flights home.

Standard Itinerary /Dublin Plus features:

• The Cliffs of Moher

• Burren region

• Limerick option

• Book of Kells

• Trinity College

• Dublin Castle

• Howth & MalahideCastle option

• Irish Night DinnerCelebration

Popular with collegiate groups,looking for shorter stays.Allows for extended free time in Dublin City.

DEPARTURE DAY: UNITED STATES TOSHANNON / DUBLINDepart your home city and take an overnight flightacross the Atlantic.

DAY ONE: BLARNEY CASTLE / KILLARNEYArrive at Dublin (or Shannon) Airport. Meet your coachdriver/guide and depart for County Cork. Visit BlarneyCastle and Blarney Woollen Mills. Attractingvisitors from all over the world, Blarney Castle is fivemiles from Cork City and is one of Ireland’s oldest andmost historic castles. Built in 1446, the castle is famousfor the Blarney stone – the “Stone of Eloquence” –which is traditionally believed to have the power tobestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it.Continue to your hotel in Killarney or area and check infor three nights. Enjoy a welcome dinner (included).

DAY TWO: CLIFFS OF MOHER /THE BURREN / BUNRATTY CASTLE &MEDIEVAL BANQUETAfter breakfast at the hotel, take the Shannon Car Ferryand travel to the Atlantic coast to visit the Cliffs ofMoher. Standing 750 feet above the ground at theirhighest point and 5 miles long, the Cliffs boast one ofthe most amazing views in Ireland.Continue through the Burren Region. The Burren is a unique place that lies in the northwest corner ofCounty Clare. It is composed of limestone pavementsthat have eroded to a distinctive pattern. The Burrenalso contains dozens of megalithic tombs and Celticcrosses as well as a ruined Cistercian Abbey datingback to the 12th century. Visit Bunratty Castle, one of the most complete andauthentic medieval castles in Ireland. Within thegrounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park,where 19th-century life is vividly recreated in a “living”village and rural setting. This evening enjoy dinner and entertainment (included)at the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet.Entertainment is provided by the superb BunrattySingers and is a fitting compliment to the four-coursemeal. Guests are invited to enjoy an unforgettableevening in the splendor of this magnificent castle.

DAY THREE: KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARKAfter a full Irish breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some freetime in Killarney National Park. Walk to TorcWaterfall, located on the Ring of Kerry. The waterfallpresents a wonderful cascade, 60 feet in height andsurrounded by wooden banks. Enjoy a boat trip onthe Lakes of Killarney. Travel by boat acrossKillarney’s Lower Lake to the ruins of Ross Castle, builtin the 15th century on the shore of the Lake by

O’Donoghue Mor. The castle is said to haunted by theowner to this day!Enjoy a Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney NationalPark and discover areas of the National Park that youmight not otherwise visit. The scenery is stunning andyour may stop as often as you wish to facilitate yourtaking photographs. The balance of the afternoon is atleisure in Killarney for personal shopping or sightseeing. Return to your hotel for dinner.

DAY FOUR: DUBLIN CITY/ TRINITY COLLEGE /BOOK OF KELLSThis is a very long day and it will require an earlydeparture from Killarney. Transfer time to Dublin isover 5 hours. It may be mid-afternoon before the grouparrives in Dublin for a panoramic tour. Enjoy a full Irish breakfast at the hotel before departingfor Dublin. This afternoon meet with a local English-speaking step-on guide for a panoramic tour ofDublin City. Visit Trinity College and The Book of Kells. AtTrinity College in the Old Library building is one ofIreland’s most illustrious illuminated books, the 9th-century Book of Kells. Check into your Dublin hotel, with dinner (included) atthe hotel.

DAY FIVE: ST. PATRICK’S DAYIt’s St. Patrick’s Day and time for the world famous St. Patrick’s Festival Parade! After a full Irishbreakfast at the hotel, transfer to the parade stagingarea.For two hours you will participate in an awesome display of creative talent as the St. Patrick’s FestivalParade snakes its way through the city center.International and Irish marching bands join performers,dancers and street theatre companies to present awonderfully entertaining parade. Colorful costumes,flamboyant performances and outstanding musicaltalent will be on display. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to savor theatmosphere of St. Patrick's Day.Tonight enjoy dinner and entertainment at TaylorsThree Rock (or similar).

DAY SEVEN: RETURN TO UNITED STATESCheck out of the hotel after a full Irish breakfast.Transfer to the airport (Shannon or Dublin). Don’t forgetto pick up those last minute gifts at the airport beforegoing through Immigration in the Ireland airport.Fly back to the United States with great memories andexperiences from the St. Patrick’s Day festivities and thebeautiful country of Ireland!

Extended Itinerary /Exploring Ireland features:

• The Cliffs of Moher

• Blarney Castle

• Burren region

• County Cork

• Bunratty Castle

• Medieval Banquet

• Killarney National Park

• Book of Kells

• Trinity College

• Dublin Castle

• Howth & MalahideCastle option

• Irish Night DinnerCelebration

Popular with high school groups,looking for a full experience of allthe Emerald Isle has to offer.

Allows groups to extend offer forshadow Family & Friends tours.

SAMPLE STANDARD ITINERARY SAMPLE EXTENDED ITINERARY

DEPARTURE DAY: UNITED STATES TOSHANNONDepart your home city and take an overnight flightacross the Atlantic.

DAY ONE: SHANNON ARRIVAL / CLIFFS OFMOHER / THE BURREN / DUBLIN After landing at Shannon Airport, complete customsand immigration formalities. Depart Shannon to visitthe West of Ireland and travel north through the BurrenCountry, a unique region of limestone hills renownedfor its flora and prehistoric stone monuments. Stop toview the majestic Cliffs of Moher, a rocky wall that risesnearly 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic Ocean.Continue to Dublin via the motorway. Overnight anddinner at hotel in Dublin.

DAY TWO: DUBLIN’S FAIR CITYThis morning meet with your English-speaking step-onguide and enjoy a panoramic tour of Dublin, discovering the north side of the River Liffey. This areaoffers striking monuments such as the GPO (GeneralPost Office) on the city main thoroughfare, O’ConnellStreet, the Custom House along the quays, as well asPhoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. Thesouth side appears more sophisticated with its vastGeorgian squares such as Merrion Square (where OscarWilde’s House can still be found), the homes with theircolorful doors, Grafton Street with its quality shops. Notso far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare Street, youwill see the house of Bram Stoker, the author ofDracula. This part of the city is also dominated by thestudents of Trinity College, where the famous Book ofKells is permanently exhibited in its library. Visit the Book of Kells, Trinity College. TrinityCollege was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I on grounds confiscated from an Augustinian priory. It isthe oldest University in Ireland. Most of the buildings offthe main square were built during the Georgian period. In the Old Library building is one of Ireland’s most illustriousilluminated books, the 9th-centuryBook of Kells. Before viewing thefamous book visitors pass throughan excellent exhibition based on thebook of Kells and other importantbooks written in monasteriesaround Ireland from the 9th century. St. Patrick’s Cathedral. St. Patrick’s is the NationalCathedral of Ireland and is built on the site whereSt. Patrick preached. There was a small church on the site which was still in existence when the Anglo-Normans arrived. This church was replaced with a stone

church in 1191 and was further remodeled in 1225 tothe same design as Salisbury Cathedral. St. Patrick’s is Gothic in style and its splendid interior isadorned with funeral monuments such as The BoyleFamily Memorial and the grave of Jonathan Swift, theIrish essayist and satirist. Swift was Dean of theuniversity until his death in 1745. The massive westtowers house a large peal of bells whose ringing tonesare so much part of the character of Dublin.Overnight at your hotel.

DAY THREE: ST. PATRICK’S DAYAs the one national holiday that is celebrated in morecountries around the world than any other, St. Patrick'sDay is the day when everyone wants to be Irish. The city center streets are closed to traffic as 500,000people dressed head to toe in green line the streets. Inthe distance you can hear the hum of music and thesound of 3,000 pairs of feet … it’s St. Patrick’s Dayand time for the worldfamous St. Patrick’sFestival Parade! For two hours you willparticipate in an awesome display of creative talent as thenational St. Patrick’sFestival Parade snakes its way through the citycenter. International andIrish marching bands joinperformers, dancers andstreet theatre companiesto present a wonderfullyentertaining parade. The parade is a piece of moving theatre, completewith its own creative director. Colorful costumes, flamboyant performances and outstanding musicaltalent will be on display. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to savor theatmosphere of St. Patrick's Day.Tonight enjoy dinner and entertainment at TaylorsThree Rock (or similar). No trip to Ireland is completewithout visiting a good Irish pub and listening totraditional music. Prepare to enjoy an authentic tasteof the past.

DAY FOUR: DUBLIN TO UNITED STATESEnjoy one last Irish breakfast before departing for theairport to catch your return flights home.

Standard Itinerary /Dublin Plus features:

• The Cliffs of Moher

• Burren region

• Limerick option

• Book of Kells

• Trinity College

• Dublin Castle

• Howth & MalahideCastle option

• Irish Night DinnerCelebration

Popular with collegiate groups,looking for shorter stays.Allows for extended free time in Dublin City.

DEPARTURE DAY: UNITED STATES TOSHANNON / DUBLINDepart your home city and take an overnight flightacross the Atlantic.

DAY ONE: BLARNEY CASTLE / KILLARNEYArrive at Dublin (or Shannon) Airport. Meet your coachdriver/guide and depart for County Cork. Visit BlarneyCastle and Blarney Woollen Mills. Attractingvisitors from all over the world, Blarney Castle is fivemiles from Cork City and is one of Ireland’s oldest andmost historic castles. Built in 1446, the castle is famousfor the Blarney stone – the “Stone of Eloquence” –which is traditionally believed to have the power tobestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it.Continue to your hotel in Killarney or area and check infor three nights. Enjoy a welcome dinner (included).

DAY TWO: CLIFFS OF MOHER /THE BURREN / BUNRATTY CASTLE &MEDIEVAL BANQUETAfter breakfast at the hotel, take the Shannon Car Ferryand travel to the Atlantic coast to visit the Cliffs ofMoher. Standing 750 feet above the ground at theirhighest point and 5 miles long, the Cliffs boast one ofthe most amazing views in Ireland.Continue through the Burren Region. The Burren is a unique place that lies in the northwest corner ofCounty Clare. It is composed of limestone pavementsthat have eroded to a distinctive pattern. The Burrenalso contains dozens of megalithic tombs and Celticcrosses as well as a ruined Cistercian Abbey datingback to the 12th century. Visit Bunratty Castle, one of the most complete andauthentic medieval castles in Ireland. Within thegrounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park,where 19th-century life is vividly recreated in a “living”village and rural setting. This evening enjoy dinner and entertainment (included)at the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet.Entertainment is provided by the superb BunrattySingers and is a fitting compliment to the four-coursemeal. Guests are invited to enjoy an unforgettableevening in the splendor of this magnificent castle.

DAY THREE: KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARKAfter a full Irish breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some freetime in Killarney National Park. Walk to TorcWaterfall, located on the Ring of Kerry. The waterfallpresents a wonderful cascade, 60 feet in height andsurrounded by wooden banks. Enjoy a boat trip onthe Lakes of Killarney. Travel by boat acrossKillarney’s Lower Lake to the ruins of Ross Castle, builtin the 15th century on the shore of the Lake by

O’Donoghue Mor. The castle is said to haunted by theowner to this day!Enjoy a Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney NationalPark and discover areas of the National Park that youmight not otherwise visit. The scenery is stunning andyour may stop as often as you wish to facilitate yourtaking photographs. The balance of the afternoon is atleisure in Killarney for personal shopping or sightseeing. Return to your hotel for dinner.

DAY FOUR: DUBLIN CITY/ TRINITY COLLEGE /BOOK OF KELLSThis is a very long day and it will require an earlydeparture from Killarney. Transfer time to Dublin isover 5 hours. It may be mid-afternoon before the grouparrives in Dublin for a panoramic tour. Enjoy a full Irish breakfast at the hotel before departingfor Dublin. This afternoon meet with a local English-speaking step-on guide for a panoramic tour ofDublin City. Visit Trinity College and The Book of Kells. AtTrinity College in the Old Library building is one ofIreland’s most illustrious illuminated books, the 9th-century Book of Kells. Check into your Dublin hotel, with dinner (included) atthe hotel.

DAY FIVE: ST. PATRICK’S DAYIt’s St. Patrick’s Day and time for the world famous St. Patrick’s Festival Parade! After a full Irishbreakfast at the hotel, transfer to the parade stagingarea.For two hours you will participate in an awesome display of creative talent as the St. Patrick’s FestivalParade snakes its way through the city center.International and Irish marching bands join performers,dancers and street theatre companies to present awonderfully entertaining parade. Colorful costumes,flamboyant performances and outstanding musicaltalent will be on display. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to savor theatmosphere of St. Patrick's Day.Tonight enjoy dinner and entertainment at TaylorsThree Rock (or similar).

DAY SEVEN: RETURN TO UNITED STATESCheck out of the hotel after a full Irish breakfast.Transfer to the airport (Shannon or Dublin). Don’t forgetto pick up those last minute gifts at the airport beforegoing through Immigration in the Ireland airport.Fly back to the United States with great memories andexperiences from the St. Patrick’s Day festivities and thebeautiful country of Ireland!

Extended Itinerary /Exploring Ireland features:

• The Cliffs of Moher

• Blarney Castle

• Burren region

• County Cork

• Bunratty Castle

• Medieval Banquet

• Killarney National Park

• Book of Kells

• Trinity College

• Dublin Castle

• Howth & MalahideCastle option

• Irish Night DinnerCelebration

Popular with high school groups,looking for a full experience of allthe Emerald Isle has to offer.

Allows groups to extend offer forshadow Family & Friends tours.

SAMPLE STANDARD ITINERARY SAMPLE EXTENDED ITINERARY

Join us in Ireland!

2016 & 2017 Parade Planning Guideincluding standard and extended sample itineraries, St. Patrick’s Festival parade application

and directors’ site inspection itinerary for spring of 2015 or spring of 2016

Grueninger Music ToursMeridian Tower, 201 West 103rd Street, Suite 380, Indianapolis, IN 46290(800) 225-9919 • (317) 581-1122 • (317) 479-1000 faxinfo@gogmt.com

You are invited to join us in March of 2015 or 2016 on an all-inclusive Qualified Director site visit to Ireland, as anadvance planning trip to the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. This familiarization trip is sponsored by Grueninger Music Toursand Tourism Ireland.

DEPART HOME AIRPORT, DAY ZERO

DAY ONE• Arrival at Shannon Airport • Tea, coffee and scones at Durty Nelly’s, a quintessential Irish pub, located in the shadows of Bunratty Castle (dependent on arrival time we might also visit Bunratty Castle)

• Proceed directly to Killarney and check into the Brehon Hotel or similar (adjacent to Gleneagles Hotel) • Afternoon site inspection of Gleneagles Hotel (a possible option for bands) • Horse and carriage will collect the attendees and give a panoramic overview of the town of Killarney • Dinner in town at a local restaurant • Overnight at the Brehon/Gleneagles

DAY TWO• Transfer to Dublin• Stop at Midway Food Court en route to Dublin, where bands might stop for refreshments or a meal • Site visit and lunch at Citywest Hotel• Proceed to Dublin and check into the Ballsbridge Hotel for two nights – possible option for band accommodation• Dinner in local Dublin Restaurant

DAY THREE• Parade Day – reserved seating on the Grandstand • Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Dublin City • Evening dinner in Taylors Three Rock pub or similar

DAY FOUR• Departure flight from Dublin

Ireland is an outstanding destination for your band. Please come visit us in Chicago at the 2014 Midwest Clinic in Booth 812, or contact me directly for more information or to schedule your site visit.

James DiBlasio, National Events Director(800) 225-9919, ext 132(317) 218-0832Jdiblasio@gogmt.com