The Auburn University Marching Band is spending spring break in Ireland, with one performance scheduled in Limerick, and two in Dublin.

It's an event two years in the making, as the Auburn University Marching Band is going international for the first time in its 110 year history.

“We got that invitation in 2006 but we declined it in 2007 because we needed new marching band uniforms. So we knew a trip like this had to be self funded by the students,” said AU Director of Bands, Richard Good.

“So we spent that whole extra year putting together a recipe book and selling it,” said bass drummer John McCormack.

200 marching band members raised the necessary $1,850 each. With their instruments and uniforms packed, some even in orange suitcases, excitement filled the air as students boarded buses for the airport.

“Seeing the scenery and obviously marching in the parade... it's a world famous event,” said head drum major Bryan Myers.

They’re performing in both the 36th annual Limerick International St. Patrick's Day Festival Band Parade, and the International St. Patrick's Day Parade,

The band's music will also be heard at the world-famous Guinness Brewery.

It’s all thanks to an invitation from the Lord Mayor of Dublin.

“Our reputation of winning the 2004 Sudler Award winning trophy for the best collegiate marching band… that helped when they saw us on that TV program,” said Good.

Now band members will have the experience of a lifetime. They said they can't wait to positively represent their school overseas.

“I always tell them, we always preach that you're one of the best ambassadors that Auburn University has, that to go international with this...” said Good.

“It's huge. I mean, to get to spread our name around and it's such a visual representation of Auburn,” said McCormack.

The band will be back from the trip Wednesday, March 19.