Ireland 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

1. May parents go on the trip?

Yes, you may travel with the ensembles as a chaperone or follower! We need chaperones to make the trip possible.

2. Is there a discounted price for chaperones or followers?

 Unfortunately, there isn’t. It is the same price and has the same inclusions as the student package.

3. How do I make payments? 

You will pay exclusively through the AdvantEdge Tours  portal, please make sure to register at the link below.

4. What if we decide to cancel?

There is a cancellation fee schedule below.

5. Is it worth it?

Absolutely, YES! A student’s band trip is often a highlight of their high school memories.

6. Are fundraising opportunities available?

Yes, the HHSBPA typically has a few extra fundraisers during trip years to help students raise money for their trip/Student Music Account. PLEASE consider getting a King Sooper’s card account for you and family members. This can help immensely.

7. Will the students miss any days of school for this trip?

Yes, we will be out of the country for a week, and will miss 5 school days.

8. Does the music department travel every year?

No.  We travel every 2  years.

9. How will you communicate with us about the trip?

Through weekly emails throughout the year giving  payment reminders, forms that need to be completed, and any other updates. You can also check information about the trip on the band’s website: Horizonhawksbands.org

10. Will there be trip insurance in case of a cancellation?

Yes, trip insurance information is below and is highly encouraged!

PRELIMINARY

IRELAND ITINERARY

prepared for

HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND & CHOIR

MARCH 13-20, 2025

Day 1: Thursday, March 13, 2025

Early Afternoon:

• Meet at Denver International Airport - West Side - for check in with TBA Airlines

Early Evening:

• Depart Denver International Airport for Shannon

Overnight on the flight

Day 2 Friday, March 14, 2025

Morning:

• Arrive at Shannon airport.

• Clear customs procedures.

Late Morning/Early Afternoon:

• Board the waiting coaches.

• Visit The Cliffs of Moher (drive approx. 1.5 hours)

• Enjoy lunch at your leisure.

Late Afternoon:

• Board the waiting coaches.

• Drive to Limerick (drive approx. 1.5 hours)

• Check into your hotel.

Evening:

• Gather for a Welcome dinner as a group.

Overnight in Shannon

 Day 3: Saturday, March 15, 2025

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Board the coaches and depart for Blarney Castle (drive approx. 1.5 hours)

Late Morning/Early Afternoon:

• Visit Blarney Castle, built nearly six hundred years ago.

• OPTIONAL kissing of the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence.

• Lunch at leisure.

• Enjoy some shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills.

Afternoon:

• Return to Limerick

Evening:

• Medieval Banquet dinner at Bunratty or Knappogue Castle.

Overnight in Limerick

 Day 4: Sunday, March 16, 2025

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Check out of the hotel and drive to Kilkenny (drive approx. 2 hours)

Late Morning/Early Afternoon:

• Arrival in Kilkenny, said to be Ireland’s loveliest inland city.

• Performance in Kilkenny TradFest (subject to approval).

• Lunch at leisure

Afternoon:

• Continue to Dublin.

• Check into your hotel.

Evening:

• Dinner as a group at the hotel.

Overnight in Dublin

 Day 5: Monday, March 17, 2025

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Collect your packed lunch from the hotel reception.

Late Morning:

• Board the coaches and depart for the city center.

Early Afternoon:

• Experience the highlight of your visit – the great Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Late Afternoon:

• Meet your coaches after the parade.

• Transfer to your designated dinner venue

Evening:

• Dinner as a group.

Overnight in Dublin

Day 6: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Visit the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, an interactive and fascinating experience that

explores the influence of Irish culture worldwide, particularly through emigration.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy the afternoon in Central Dublin with events happening all over the city for St Patrick’s

Festival.

Evening

• Dinner as a group.

Overnight in Dublin

 Day 7: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.

Late Morning:

• Board the waiting coaches.

• Enjoy a 2-hours panoramic tour of Dublin, the capital city.

• Explore the Georgian Squares, known for their colorful doors.

• Visit the famous shopping area of Grafton Street.

• View the iconic landmarks, including the River Liffey and the General Post Office.

• Discover Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe.

• Stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, dating back to 1220, honoring Ireland’s patron saint.

• Enjoy lunch at your leisure.

Afternoon:

• Travel over bog roads, through valleys and mountain gaps, past Great Sugar Loaf Mountain,

small villages and steep wooded slopes to reach Glendalough, “the valley of the two lakes”.

(journey time approx. 1-1.5hrs).

Evening:

• Farewell dinner as a group.

Overnight in Dublin

 Day 8: Thursday, March 20, 2025

Morning:

• Breakfast/Boxed breakfast at the hotel.

• Board the coaches and drive to Dublin International Airport for check in.

• Depart Ireland with TBA Airlines

Afternoon:

• Arrival at Denver International Airport