Boss Mick McCarthy says Carton House, where the Blues are spending the week, is the ideal place for his squad to train and bond ahead of the 2013/14 campaign. The Town manager has previously taken his Wolves squads to the County Kildare spa and golf hotel.
McCarthy told the club site: "The facilities at Carton House are first class and being here for the week gives the players that time to work hard but also enjoy a bit of banter and fun along the way. It's ideal.
"The players came back from their break in great shape. That’s the way it seems to be nowadays, with players returning fitter and fitter, and it’s just a case of moving them on from there.
"I’m not a fan at all of pre-season. I didn’t like it as a player and I don’t like it as a manager but it’s a necessary evil to get everyone ready for when the real stuff matters in August.”
After flying to Ireland on Monday morning, the squad underwent a fitness session prior to some ball-work.
Circuit training followed this morning, then running sessions and further ball-work this afternoon.
On Wednesday the players will train in the morning before playing golf in the afternoon, Carton House having hosted last week’s Irish Open.
The Blues play their one friendly while in Ireland against Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Saturday afternoon (KO 5pm).