Cats line up two games in Ireland

By Nick Alexander 

Sunderland will play two games in Ireland as they warm up for the 2008-09 season.

The Black Cats have arranged friendlies against Athlone Town and Shamrock Rovers in August.

After a successful three-game tour of Ireland last summer, Roy Keane has agreed to take his squad back to his homeland.

Sunderland will play Athlone at their new 6,000-capacity Lissywoollen Ground on Thursday August 7 (7.30pm).

Athlone, the oldest club in the Republic, are in the Irish first division after being relegated in 1996.

Two days later (August 9, 7.30pm) and just a week before the Premier League season kicks off, the Black Cats will take on Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park in Dublin.

Rovers, in the eircom Premier League, are Ireland's most successful club having won the league title a record 15 times. Tolka Park has a capacity of 7,000.

Sunderland Travel, the official travel partner of SAFC, are offering fans a tailored travel package, making following the Black Cats over the summer as easy as possible.

The Wearsiders have already arranged pre-season games against Sporting Lisbon, Vitoria de Setubal, Nottingham Forest and Ajax.

Sunderland Travel, the official travel partner of SAFC, are offering Black Cats fans a tailored travel package, making following their team over the summer as easy as possible.

Call Sunderland Travel on 0161 829 6587 (UK/Northen Ireland) or 0818 210053 (Republic of Ireland) for full details or to make a booking.

Online booking also available Click here

Prices include flights and B&B for 2 nights from the 8th - 10th August (options for both games are available by calling Sunderland Travel).

3* Russell Court hotel, £198 pp based on a twin room, £300 based on a single room.
The Russell Court Hotel is situated on Dublin's Harcourt Street, a mere stones throw from Grafton Street and St. Stephen's Green.

3* Ashling Hotel, £228 pp based on a twin room, £360 based on a single room.
Situated directly opposite the famous Guinness Brewery at St. James Gate and within walking distance of The Phoenix Park, Temple Bar, O'Connell Street and Grafton Street. Set on the banks of the Liffey.

4* The Beacon Hotel, £259 pp based on a twin room, £384 based on a single room
The Beacon is one of Dublin's newest hotels, set in the Dublin Mountains with a LUAS connection that will get you into the City Centre in less then 15 minutes.

5* The Westin Hotel, £354 pp based on a twin room
The Westin is one of Dublin's most luxurious hotel and is situated on College Green opposite Trinity College. This converted bank is only yards from O'Connell bridge and is one of the most central hotels in Dublin.

Match tickets are not included in the package but supporters booking through Sunderland Travel will be guaranteed a ticket.

Click here for the full 2008 pre-season schedule.