Boss Mick McCarthy says the Carton House hotel in County Kildare is the ideal place for his squad to spend a week training during pre-season.

The squad is due back at Playford Road for tests on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th June with the five-and-a-half-week pre-season programme getting underway in earnest the following week.

As last year, the Blues will spend a week training at Carton House, where McCarthy has previously taken his Wolves and Sunderland squads.

“The facilities are fantastic, the hotel is brilliant, the food is second to none," he said. “It’s got a great golf course, there are two of them.

“It’s a good atmosphere, we don’t have to go travelling around the world to get it and we put some money into the Irish economy.

“All the lads loved it last year. As soon as they got into the place it was ‘wow!’, the set-up is knock-out. We get well looked after.”

Following the opening friendly in Ireland against Shelbourne at Tolka Park, Dublin on Saturday 12th July, McCarthy says the UK-based friendlies will be along the same lines as last summer with games at Colchester (Wednesday 23rd July) and Gillingham (Saturday 26th July, although not yet confirmed) amongst them.

“We’ll be playing similar games, Gillingham, Colchester, Southend,” he added. “Pre-season friendlies are a means to just getting fit to play the first game on August 9th.

“We’re geographically challenged, aren’t we? We want games we can just get to without staying overnight or travelling three hours before you play them. You just want to get there and have a so-called friendly game.”

While West Ham visit Portman Road on Wednesday 16th July, McCarthy says he hopes to play a home friendly the week before the Championship season gets underway: “We’re trying to get one on August 2nd. I’d like to play here before we start, it depends who is available.”

Town will learn their 2014/15 fixture list, which barring a miracle will include two East Anglian derbies against Norwich City, on Wednesday 18th June.

Photo: Action Images

Rentaghost added 06:13 - May 8 They should of saved money and booked a Travelodge for 20 pounds a night. You get free tea and coffee. If you feel hungry go to local Greggs.
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Luka added 07:34 - May 8 Loved th last line about Norwich haha
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DazBent added 07:42 - May 8 Mick's more interested in the golf course
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DazBent added 07:42 - May 8 Mick's more interested in the golf course
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Keaneish added 07:45 - May 8 Love a good facilities story!
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depressed added 08:19 - May 8 Hard old life for some innit !
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rambohambo added 09:20 - May 8 I have a football goal in my garden , and im a chef and have a premier inn bed so, surely i could be a cheaper option and don't live to far from the ground ?
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GerkensBeard added 09:36 - May 8 "Geographically challenged" flashback to the Roy Keane days, sent shivers down my spine
1

bohslegend added 10:26 - May 8 Carton House is an excellent facility btw. I went over to watch them train last pre-season, the playing surface is incredible, the scenery is amazing. And I've been to functions in the hotel itself and it is top notch. But I also got to see the lads being put through their paces too, and believe me, its no picnic in that camp.
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ipswichboi added 11:12 - May 8 Bring on the scum
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NSL added 16:03 - May 8 Geographically challenged?! What - 1 hour from Stansted Airport? I thought pre-season was also about learning a bit about what others do as well. Would have loved to see a little tour of Holland or Germany. Great for the fans too with a bit of feel good factor. Just makes it more interesting. YOUR A VERY BORING MAN McCARTHY........ but I love you.
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BlueIrish added 16:19 - May 8 Well done Mick... I wonder if Keano would approve of the same facilities, or would he walk out like he did in Saipan all those years ago. Good luck next season, and I'll be seeing you pre-season in Dublin on 12th July !
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bohslegend added 17:03 - May 8 BlueIrish, we should arrange a convenient location in Drumcondra for a few scoops pre-game. Any thoughts?
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blueboy1981 added 18:37 - May 8 ............ always important - turnstiles and training facilities - some will get the point !!! What a crucial word 'point' currently is to our Club.
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dawoolah added 13:10 - May 9 I think the "Geographically challenged" quip may have been for the benefit of our favourite ex-manager and Mick's favourite ex-player.
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adepowers added 20:45 - May 21 I am working in Ireland for a while so I am thinking a possible trip to Dublin on the 12th July, would be nice to meet up with a few fellow Blues for a Guinness or 4. Otherwise its Billy no mates!! Ade
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