St Patricks Day Parade

ITINERARY

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change.

Day 1

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12TH

  • Meet at Bowling Green State University to board motorcoaches for your gateway city airports.
  • Depart the USA for your flights to Ireland. You will change planes once or twice to get to your international flight.
  • You will be allowed to check one bag (within the airline limitations) and bring a carry-on and one personal item onto the aircraft. 
  • Make sure you get plenty of sleep on the flight because we move our watches forward four hours upon landing. 
  • An incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits us in Ireland culminating with the 2025 Dublin St. Patrick’s
    Day Parade!
Day 2

THURSDAY, MARCH 13TH

  • Arrive at Dublin International Airport
  • Transfer to Killarney, Co Kerry via Blarney Castle, Co Cork
  • Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of our tower. Kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words
  • Arrive Killarney for 2 nights
  • Dinner in the hotel this evening
Day 3

FRIDAY, MARCH 14TH

  • Breakfast at your hotel
  • This morning – we will visit the Inner Ring of Kerry via Kilgarvan, Kenmare and Molls Gap, visiting Kissane’s Sheep Farm en-route.
  • Kissane Sheep Farm is a Large Mountain Sheep Farm, with many hundreds of Sheep and Baby Lambs and has been owned by the Family for almost 200 years. We are in a Special Area of Conservation and our main aim is to preserve the Farm and its sheep and baby lambs. To help the Farm survive they have opened the Farm to visitors since May of 2005 and every-day they welcome many Group Tours and Individuals & Families to come and visit the Farm and see our Sheep Dog Demonstrations & during the summer to also see the Sheep Shearing Demonstration. In the Spring time the visitors will have the opportunity to see the many baby lambs that will be born on the Farm.
  • Continuing back into Killarney, we will take a leisurely spin on the Jaunting Carts 
  • We invite you to step back in time by experiencing Ireland’s most traditional mode of transport with a Jaunting Car Tour/ horse and carriage to view Killarney’s most loved beauty hotspots. Our intimate knowledge of Killarney coupled with an in-depth expertise of our trade derives from generations of experience, allowing you to enjoy the very best that Killarney has to offer whilst learning about the history, legend and folklore of the area.
  • There will be some time at leisure to explore the National Park in the afternoon.
  • This evening we will have dinner (on own) and free time in Killarney.
Day 4

SATURDAY, MARCH 15TH

  • We check-out of our hotel and begin our journey to Dublin via Bunratty Castle and the Cliffs of Moher
  • Visit Bunratty Castle
  • Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th-century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those
  • Visit the Cliffs of Moher
  • Step on to the edge of the world and into an awe-inspiring view that dreams are made of – at the Cliffs of Moher you will encounter nature in its wildest, purest form – see the rugged cliffs facing the mighty ocean, taste the salt air, hear the birds cry, feel the ancient rocks beneath your feet, and smell the wind!
  • From the Cliffs we travel onto our Dublin based hotel for
    3 nights
  • Free time in Dublin for individual pursuits
Day 5

SUNDAY, MARCH 16TH

  • We start the day with a Panoramic Bus Tour of Dublin City, Ireland’s Capital
  • Dublin, Ireland’s capital, is one of the friendliest cities in the world. Founded in the 9th century, the city is proud of its Viking past, and its streets and buildings are a living museum of its history since then, with medieval castles and cathedrals on display alongside the architectural splendors of the 18th-century when Dublin was the most handsome Georgian city of the British Empire. On our tour today you will experience Dublin in its own unique way, from the famous highlights to it’s hidden gems.
  • Later in the day we visit the EPIC Museum.
  • The Epic Museum was Winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards 2019 & 2020. You won’t find leprechauns or pots of gold here, but you’ll discover that what it means to be Irish expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world. Discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are.
  • We have some time at leisure in Dublin before we travel up to Taylors Three Rock for an evening of Irish Music & Song and food
  • Ireland’s most loved pub and entertainment venue Taylors Three Rock involves a rip roaring evening of traditional Irish song and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality Irish food to delight your palate.
Day 6

MONDAY, MARCH 17TH

  • 9:00 am: Depart your hotel to stage for the St Patricks’ Day Parade
  • Noon: St. Patrick’s Parade Begins
  • The 2025 Festival Parade will weave its way through the heart of the capital city in a flourish of color and flair. Ireland’s finest street-theatre companies will swirl by with fantastical pageantry and raucous performances. Bands from Ireland will be joined by music ensembles from around the world and deliver uplifting rhythms for the spectacular procession.
  • Late Afternoon: Celbridge Parade Begins
  • The community of Celbridge hosts an annual St. Patrick’s Parade, which has is recent years become the envy of community parades around Ireland. With it’s proximity to Dublin City, this town has become the second parade for many bands and artists to continue their celebrations after the Dublin City Parade has finished!
  • After the Celbridge Parade we return to our hotel or have the option to spend some free time in Dublin and the Temple Bar area.

Parade Route

The Parade is 2.5 kilometres long ; from Parnell Square on the city’s Northside down O’Connell Street, over the River Liffey via O’Connell Bridge into Westmoreland Street, past Trinity College at College Green and on to Dame Street. It then turns left at Christchurch Cathedral into Lord Edward Street, Nicholas Street and Patrick Street before finally finishing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.






Day 7

TUESDAY, MARCH 18TH

  • The flight times will determine the times for the transfer departures from the hotel.
  • The hotel is a 30-minute drive to the airport
  • Fly back to your gateway city airport and transfer via motorcoach to Bowling Green State University.

Slán Abhaile 

Safe Home



Please note that the itinerary is subject to change.

INCLUSIONS & PRICING

INCLUSIONS

Price Includes:

  • Roundtrip transportation from Bowling Green State University to gateway city airports (Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit and/or Cincinnati airports
  • Roundtrip economy air transportation from Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit and/or Cincinnati to Ireland. Actual airline(s) and flight schedules and assignments TBD
        – Fuel surcharges, taxes and fees subject to change until ticketed
  • One checked suitcase within size & weight restrictions (see specific airline regulations usually weighing less than 50 pounds, and it must be no larger than 62 linear inches (add Length + Width + Depth). Bag fees are subject to change
  • Luxury motorcoach transportation in Ireland with driver/guides (49-52 seats per coach)
  • Five Nights Hotel Accommodations (3 or 4 star hotels) based on sharing triple rooms with private bath & shower facilities,
        – Two nights in the Killarney area
        – Three nights in the Dublin area
  • Five Full Irish breakfasts in the hotel (bag breakfast on Day 8 for early departures)
  • Light lunch on Day 6
  • Two dinners including one special dinner:
        – Traditional Irish Night in Taylors Three Rock with Irish music, song & dance on Day 5 
  • Admissions to: Blarney Castle, Kissane’s Sheep Farm, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, and EPIC Museum     
  • A jaunting cart ride in Killarney
  • Hire of equipment truck for the band’s instruments
  • All local taxes and service charges.
  • Drivers and Irish Tour Guide gratuities
  • Bowling Green State Travel App
  • Services of a Grueninger Music Tours travel director in Ireland

What Is Not Included:

  • Meals and attractions not listed “as included” from previous pages
  • All breakfast include juices, tea and coffee. Contracted dinners include tea and coffee but unless otherwise stated do not include bottled water, juices or soft drinks.
  • Lunches, other than Day 6 (en-route to Celbridge)
  • Airline luggage fees
  • Airline paid seat assignments/upgrades
  • GMT travel director gratuity
  • Hotel porterage
  • Private hotel security dedicated to the group at the hotel
  • Travel Insurance
  • Covid test in Ireland to re-enter the United States, not currently applicable
  • Items of personal nature, such as souvenirs, etc.
  • Any items not listed as “included”
PRICING

Estimated Price: $3,549 per student (triple occupancy, 3 students sharing a room)

$400 – Deposit due upon Registration
$600 – Deposit #2 due September 20, 2024
$600 – Deposit #3 due October 18, 2024
$650 – Deposit #4 due November 15, 2024
$650 – Deposit #5 due December 12, 2024
$749 – Final Payment due January 12, 2025
  • Pricing based on Currency Exchange Rate of € 1 Euro = $1.05 USD Exchange rate is subject to change
  • Pricing based 46 – 50 passengers per motorcoach
  • Pricing based on a minimum of 300 paid students in the band group. A change outside these number of participants or passengers per motorcoach will affect the per person tour price. 
  • All services and prices are subject to availability at time of booking.

All prices are based on current availability of transportation and accommodations. At this time, nothing is being held, only quoted. All prices are based on current transportation fuel charges and taxes/fees. Any changes to fuel or taxes/fees which are beyond our control will be passed on.

Travel documents
Official Identification is required to depart the United States and to enter into Europe (and return)

Passports
All travelers will need a valid US Passport through the return date of the trip. Please check the following website for all other information: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport–1738.html or http://www.usps.com/passport/

Also, children of divorced parents need to file proper documentation to leave the country w/both parents’ consent.

INDIVIDUAL CANCELLATION SCHEDULE

INDIVIDUAL CANCELLATION SCHEDULE

Grueninger is required to pay all suppliers well in advance of your tour date. All suppliers have their own cancellation policies, which apply to your booking. Should a cancellation become necessary, please inform Grueninger immediately in writing and request a written confirmation of your cancellation. Upon, receipt, Grueninger will follow industry procedures for any applicable refunds as outlined in the supplier’s terms and subject to their review. If you are entitled to a refund, please note that the supplier is responsible for the amount and timing of the refund, not Grueninger. Generally, flight tickets, hotel accommodations and other items provided for the traveler cannot be refunded if they are partially used. Grueninger is not responsible for a supplier’s failure to pay a refund.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Bowling Green State University and Grueninger Music Tours (emails should be sent to [email protected]).

In the event an individual must cancel the following schedule will apply using the estimated individual package cost and any non-recoverable costs set forth by Grueninger for the purpose of acquiring vendor services:

In the event an individual cancellation is received from initial deposit to September 12, 2024, the individual will be charged 20% of the total trip cost in addition to any loss of airline seat value and/or any non-refundable costs set forth by GMT for the purpose of acquiring vendor services for the individual.

In the event an individual cancellation is received September 13, 2024 – November 12, 2024, the individual will be charged 50% of the total trip cost, in addition to any loss of airline seat value and/or any non-refundable costs set forth by GMT for the purpose of acquiring vendor services for the individual.

In the event an individual cancellation is received November 13, 2024 – December 12, 2024, the individual will be charged 75% of the total trip cost, in addition to any loss of airline seat value and/or any non-refundable costs set forth by GMT for the purpose of acquiring vendor services for the individual.

In the event an individual cancellation is received December 13, 2024 – January 12, 2025, the individual will be charged 85% of the total trip cost, in addition to any loss of airline seat value and/or any non-refundable costs set forth by GMT for the purpose of acquiring vendor services for the individual.

There is no refund for an individual cancellation after January 12, 2025. Note: GMT must receive written notice of all cancellations and changes. Emails should be sent to [email protected]

HOTELS

Killarney Area Hotel – TBD

Dublin Area Hotel – TBD



TRAVEL INSURANCE

Grueninger Music Tours strongly recommends that participants purchase a travel protection plan. Travel protection safeguards your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. Your travel protection plan should cover at a minimum, cancellation, cancel for any reason, curtailment, medical, emergency travel and personal accidents, and damage or loss to personal belongings.

Travel Insurance Option:
Grueninger Music Tours partners with Travel Insured International.

  • Travel Insured Student Plan can be purchased (restrictions apply). Plan details found here.
  • This plan must be purchased through Travel Insured International within 14 days of your initial payment.
  • Below is a link that will allow you to purchase the the upgraded plan for your trip. You will need to enter the cost of your full trip cost, the trips dates and some other basic information. For questions on the plan, coverage or procedures, please contact the Group Desk at Travel Insured 844-440-8113.

https://www.travelinsured.com/group.signup?group=157779&guid=5f9c32844b2f4cdd8df4c5f319a13507

NOTE:  Grueninger Music Tours is not qualified to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of travel protection plans. Grueninger cannot evaluate the adequacy of the prospective insured’s existing insurance coverage. If you have any questions about your travel protection, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker.

Declining travel protection plan coverage could result in the loss of your travel cost and/or require more money to correct the situation. You also acknowledge that without this coverage, there may be no way to recoup any losses, costs or expenses incurred. If a participant chooses to travel without adequate travel protection, Grueninger will not be liable for any of your losses howsoever arising, which would have been covered by adequate travel protection.

FAQ

How do I pay GMT?

GMT will create a dedicated web site registration and payment portal available July 15, 2024. You will be able to pay by credit card, Electronic check or by mailing in a check to their office. Any missed or late payments beyond that are subject to the GMT’s policies.  There are fees associated with paying by credit card or ACH’s (smallest fee):

Credit Card Fees: 3.9% of payment + 30 cents/transaction for Visa/Mastercard or 4.9% of payment + 30 cents/transaction for AMEX

Electronic Bank Acct:  1% of payment + 30 cents/transaction

Can I just wait and pay it all later when I’m sure?

Unfortunately, not.  A deposit is due upon registration for the trip.  The trip payment plan will be posted on the site. You may register for the trip at any point but availability is limited and will be based on date of registration.

If I change my mind and decide not to participate, or can’t go, do I get a refund?

A timeline will be provided so travelers will know what percentage of a refund is possible at a certain date. Travel insurance with “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage is highly recommended. We will make a third-party travel insurance provider available for you but you may also purchase travel protection through any vendor of your choice.

What other meals in Ireland am I responsible for?

All breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners are included.  You are responsible for the other meals (5 lunches + 4 dinners not included).  A majority of airlines include meals on the flights to/from Ireland but there are a few airlines that still charge for meals. You obviously, can bring snacks aboard the flight but need to be concerned about bringing food/snacks into Ireland and especially back to the United States.

Are flights included in the price?

Yes, but the flight itineraries will not be available until January 2025. With approval from the university, you may fly separately from the group.  GMT can offer a “land-only” rate upon request.

Will all students fly to and from Ireland on the same plane?

No.  There will be several flights through various connecting cities.  Motorcoach transportation from the university to the departure airports (and return) is included in the cost of your trip.

Do I have to ride the motorcoach from the university or can I meet the group at the departure airport?

Yes, you can meet the group at the gateway airport (Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, Cleveland or Cincinnati) and you are responsible for all costs associated with getting to the gateway airport.  No return transportation to the university will be offered on March 18th if you don’t take the transportation on March 12th.

Can I meet the group in Ireland and not fly with the band?

Yes, GMT can provide a “land only” rate and you will be responsible for your transportation to Ireland (and return). There are no one-way options.  If you are meeting the group in Ireland, you will need to meet the band at the Dublin International Airport on March 13th by 7:00am at the latest.  Or you can meet the group at the hotel in Killarney (about 3.5 hours by car).

Can I use miles for my flight?

Yes, you would purchase the land-only rate then meet the group in Ireland.

Does is cost to check luggage under the plane?

Typically, it does not cost to check luggage as long as you follow their rules such as bag size, weight and the number of bags.  You will be able to contact the airline for more specific information when the flights become available in January.

Will we have any help getting passports?

You are required to obtain your own passport for the trip.  For details, visit  https://travel.state.gov

If I forget and wait too long to get the passport, is there a way I can go on the trip anyway?

Unfortunately, not.

What about spending-money in Ireland?

They use the EURO as currency.  There will ample opportunity at airports to exchange currency as well as an explanation to the students on how to do this. Currently 1 Euro exchanges for US $1.07.

What about debit/credit card purchases?

Major credit and debit cards work in Europe the same as the U.S.  Be sure your bank knows you will be traveling before leaving.  Many travelers use Apple Wallet or similar.

Will there be a package for my family members or friends to join us in Ireland?

Yes, we will be creating a Family & Friends package exclusively for the band patrons.  This will include air, hotel, ground transportation and special events with the band.  This package will shadow the band throughout Ireland.

Who can travel as part of the Family and Friends group?

Anyone other than students and staff.

Is it required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to go on the trip?

Though the trip is too far in the future to know for sure, but as of January 1, 2023, for all COVID19 travel restrictions have been lifted for travel to Ireland and back to the United States for US Citizens.  However, travel requirements are constantly changing and will be monitored and will be communicated as needed.  For more information, please visit travel.state.gov.

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QUESTIONS?
Contact: [email protected]