They say the best way to experience a country is to experience it with a local.Irish born and raised Damien McCarron promises a “trip of a lifetime” to all who join him in a journey back home to Ireland this November. Damien and his Denver based band, The Indulgers (Damien, Pat Murphy, Renee Fine, Chris Murtaugh, and Mike Nile) have planned a great tour at a great price in conjunction with Hammond Travel. Arrangements have been made for you to spend seven days enjoying the sites of Ireland’s cities and countryside and spend six nights in some of Erin”s best hotels.At press time Damien was shoring up some of the band related details in Ireland i.e., arranging equipment, gigs, and working the Irish media. “There’s many bits to get in place, but it’s happening fast and I’ve had some terrific help.” said Damien, “So far, we’ve secured a gig in Ennis (Barge Rooms) on the Friday night, Johnny Fean (guitarist for historic Irish rock band Horslips ) will be our guest on that bill, so that’s very exciting”. On the last night of the tour Damien has secured a gig in Portmarnock (Dublin) near his hometown of Houth where “My mammy and family will be on hand and look forward to meeting everyone.” Excited about the musical aspects of the tour Damien adds, “I can’t imagine that we could ever of pulled this off in any past lifetimes… and the band is licking it’s lips looking forward to seeing where the roots of Irish music came from in Co. Clare and the country in general.”Know doubt there will be plenty of songs song and tunes played (planned or otherwise), the tour offers much more than music. The fun starts upon as you arrive in the morning at Dublin Airport where you will be greeted by your professional Driver/Guide who will take you on a panoramic tour of historic Dublin, one of Europe”s” most beautiful cities. Prior to checking in to your hotel you will already have seen the statue-filled O”Connell Street, The General Post Office scene of the 1916 Easter Uprising, as well as Georgian Square. The afternoon is yours to check out Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the Guinness Brewery, or enjoy strolling along the popular Grafton Street with plenty of trendy shops and entertaining buskers (maybe you will see Glen Hansard or Liam O”Maonlai 🙂 ” hey, it”s possible on the GS!).Your tour continues through the heartland of Ireland to the wonderful West Coast.Begin in County Galway and its beautiful cities and surrounds. Check out the rugged Gaelic speaking region of Connemara, the humble outreachs of the Aran Islands, or the Kylemore Abby via Clifden. Now, trough the traditionalsounds of Clare and onto the castles and sights of Limerick, Cashel, and Kilkenny. Your tour continues south to County Cork for a visit to Blarney where you can pucker-up and smooch the famous 14th century “Kissing Stone” and check out the Blarney Woolen Mills which sells everything Irish. Heading back towards Dublin with stops in Kilkenny, Athy-Naas, culminating in the last night “Hooley in Howth” with Damein, band , family and friends. ”We have folks from Canada, South Dakota, Wyoming, Virginia, and Colorado on board – Even some Irish person living in Colorado have signed on, which is very cool”, said Damien who added, ” We’d love to see more folks sign up -this is going to be a trip to remember.”Note: Tour price of $1685 + US Tax includes round-trip air (Depart from Chicago Nov 7th returning Nov 14th), Deluxe motorcoach vehicle throughout your tour, including all transfers and sightseeing, Irish Driver and Guide, Six (6 Nights) First Class Accommodations, Full Irish breakfast daily,Two Dinners: 1 Galway, 1 KilkennyFully escorted sightseeing as per itinerary, Porterage of one suitcases per personHotel tips and taxes throughout.People who sign up by AUG 6th get the current price quote- After Aug 6th that may get adjusted (airline re-pricing).For more information or to reserve your spot call John or Michelle, atHammond Tours 518-489-7280 or 866-486-8772 or email [email protected](by Pat McCullough from The Celtic Connection Aug 07 issue “Travel Here…Travel There” column)