And so we arrived in Boston in late June and to the final city on the Spring/Summer 2007 North American tour. It's been a long tour and it's crazy to think how far we've come from our snowy beginnings in Richmond in January. After visiting 2 countries, over 30 cities, multiple time zones, numerous plane and bus journeys and almost 24 weeks on the road, the end was finally near and what better way to finish the tour than a 3 week summer run in Boston. Famous for everything from the Red Sox to Harvard and Cheers to clam chowder, Boston is a popular destination for so many reasons. Part history lesson, part modern metropolis, this diverse city offers attractions to suit every taste and interest.

Boston Harbour

It had been 2 years since Riverdance last performed in Boston and this time it was to be a more intimate production of the show. We were performing at the Shubert Theatre; which catered for a slightly smaller, more up close and personal, theatrical presentation. Located in the theatre district in downtown Boston, Riverdance opened to sold out crowds and rave reviews, which was exactly how shows continued for our 3 week run. Opening night celebrations took place at O'Connor's Irish Bar where performers, promoters and journalists mingled together.

Opening Night Party: Aisling, Marcus, Natia and Mark

One of the best ways to see Boston is by partaking in the Freedom Trail. There is no other place in the United States where you can take in the rich history of America's Revolution - the events that lead up to the historic break from Britain and the brave people who shaped the national government. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites, every one an authentic American treasure. The Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.

Typical Boston, a mix of old and new!

There was so much to do in Boston that it was merely impossible to do everything; however different groups of people did various interesting activities. One group took an overnight trip to the famous seaside resort of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, an exclusive holiday destination. Another group took a boat trip to Salem, famous for the 1692 Salem Witch trials. One hot summer's afternoon another group of us took the user-friendly public transportation system called the T, to Cambridge, home of the famous Harvard University. Cambridge exudes a certain intellectual quirkiness. A mix of historical haunts, student hang-outs, alternative art and culture venues, vintage clothing shops, bookstores and ethnic restaurants, this town is quite bohemian. Located just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge has a distinct vibe that is noticeable immediately.

Harvard University

Even for residents who have lived in Boston all their lives, taking a Boston Duck Tour is a lot of fun, and another great way to explore the city. "The Duck" is an authentic, renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicle which played a crucial role in the allied invasions in Sicily, the Pacific, and the biggest invasion of all, D-Day. In fact, more than 40% of all over-beach supplies in Normandy were transported by these boats during the first four months. Your tour begins with a greeting by your ConDUCKtors, who narrate the tour. You see landmarks such as the State House and Bunker Hill, Boston Common, and then your Duck turns to water, floating right into the Charles River for a unique view of the Boston and Cambridge regions, with the kind of views you just won't get anywhere else.

The famous Boston Duck tour

We were lucky to have the chance to go and see one of Ireland's greatest ballad bands perform in Quincy, a suburb of Boston. The Wolfe Tones brought the Irish community of Boston together for a reunion of old Irish songs which was great to be a part of. Shopping in Boston is just as good as New York, Chicago or LA. Newbury St. is a very cultural street boasting all the major, more exclusive stores. Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace are one of the first urban historic shopping districts and its success inspired many imitators across America. Now it features a similar assortment of shops as you'll find throughout the country, although some of the restaurants have a definite Boston flavour. A replica of the bar from the TV series Cheers is here, a short walk from the actual bar that inspired the very popular long-running sitcom.

Quincy Markets

We celebrated the wonderful American holiday of Independence Day on July 4th and luckily we had the day off. The excitement throughout the city was incredible. A cruise into Boston Harbour was organised, so we could spend the night together watching the fireworks over the city. It was an amazing view and a great way to spend one of our last nights as a company. And regardless of our differing nationalities, I think everyone felt a little patriotic that night! In Boston company management treated the crew of Riverdance to an end of tour thank you dinner in an exclusive restaurant. The glitz and glam on the night was almost like a Hollywood premiere!

End of tour Crew dinner. The assistant stage manager's; Marcus, Jennifer, Laura, Maeve and Brendan with Stage Manager Claire Semple in the middle

Coming to the end of our Boston stay, Stage Manager Claire Semple organised a very successful company table quiz and awards night celebrating the last 6 months we all spent together. As with every tour, goodbyes are always hard, especially when we'd spent so much time together and special friendships and relationships were formed. We wish those performers and crew members leaving to move onto new projects the very best of luck, and for the rest we look forward to the nice break before the Boyne resumes in the winter. I wish everyone in Riverdance a wonderful summer and fall/autumn and also to everyone who has followed our tour through the diaries. I look forward to telling our tales from North America again later in the year. Until then, thank you and goodbye for now! Slan go foill!

The Full Riverdance Boyne Company Photo Call prior to the final performance of the 2007 tour!)