The Six Nations Rugby Championship is a great time to visit the island of Ireland. The island is always abuzz with excitement when we take on our European rivals, which is just as you’d expect, considering that Ireland’s men’s rugby team are the second-best in the world!
Dublin is an especially exciting place to be during these head-to-heads as home games are hosted in the city’s
Aviva Stadium. The stadium has a capacity of over 50,000 but tickets for these matches are like gold dust. The good news is that even if you don’t manage to get your hands on any, Dublin has a ton of great spots in which to watch the matches and soak up all the atmosphere.
Pop into
The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge and you may even bump into some Irish rugby stars as this pub is owned by Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney! Similarly,
The Swan is a lovely Victorian pub on Aungier Street and is owned by retired player Sean Lynch, whose son now runs this memorabilia-laden spot. Even if you don’t meet any rugby royalty, you can at least rest assured they’ll have the match playing.
In
Searsons on Baggot Street, the big screens and surround sound make it feel like you’re there on the sidelines. This pub is also located close to the Aviva, so you can experience the buzz of the match crowd before and after any game hosted in the stadium.
Walshes in Stoneybatter is also a popular spot for rugby fans on match day. And, if the result of the game leaves you feeling like you want the night to go on longer, then head along the road to
The Cobblestone pub to clap along to the live traditional music playing there seven nights a week.
Top tip: Extend this trip to the island of Ireland by getting the train from Dublin to
Limerick city where you’ll find the
International Rugby Experience – a rugby-centred interactive experience taking you through Irish rugby’s history, teaching you what makes a rugby legend and showing you why the island of Ireland loves this game so much.
Where does our Community go to watch the rugby?