MLS champions LA Galaxy have embarked on a journey to Europe which is set to include a few interesting pre-season activities.
The five-time MLS Cup winners left Los Angeles on Wednesday night to travel to Dublin where they will meet with Michael D. Higgins, president of captain Robbie Keane's homeland, while taking in a visit to the world-famous Guinness Brewery.
Also on the agenda is training at the National Training Centre before a stop in Sweden to take on Hammarby who are also owned by AEG.
Star striker Keane said it was a great opportunity for the team to prepare themselves for the 2015 campaign while insisting it would not be a relaxing vacation.
"I think we're going to meet the president, going to go to the Guinness factory, things like that, it will be nice," said Keane.
"As soon as we put the hard work, the effort in on the training field, we'll have some time to relax. But the most important thing is we're over here to get ourselves ready for the start of the season."
The all-time leading goalscorer and caps winner of the Republic of Ireland national team added: "It's more about fitness and getting sharp. That's what preseason is all about.
"You play the games, you get match-fit in games, but the results are not the big thing. Of course, you want to win every time you play, but more important is the fitness end. Come the sixth of March, we should be fit and ready to go."
The Galaxy kick off the 2015 MLS season with a March 6 meeting with the Chicago Fire at the StubHub Center.
