Filed under: Events, rugby, sports, top-feature
Travel for Sport: The 6 Nations Rugby Tournament in Dublin
After the buzz of the holidays comes the long, dark days of winter. However, sports fans in Europe have one thing to brighten the last days of winter and suggest that spring is coming: the 6 Nations Rugby Tournament. This tournament, between 6 European countries, begins in February and continues all the way through the end of March. Each weekend, as the rivalries become more intense and the games have more at stake – winter is one step closer to being over. At the end of the tournament, it could be argued that whoever wins, there is plenty to celebrate as the days grow longer and the weather improves.
Living in Dublin, the 6 Nations was always a favorite annual event. Six rugby teams – Ireland, England, Wales, France, Italy, and Scotland – battle it out over 6 weeks every year to determine who is the champion. Everyone will have their favorite place in Europe to watch the games. For some people, the sunny stadium in Rome might be the best place. For me, there is no place that can match the energy of Dublin. The Irish team won the tournament in 2009 and ever since all eyes have been on Irish rugby.
There is another reason why 2011 is a special year for the 6 Nations Tournament. For the last several years, Irish fans have been attending games in the Croke Park Stadium, on the north side of Dublin. But this year, the Irish Rugby team will return to their home stadium of Lansdowne Road, recently renovated and brand spanking new.
It’s called the Aviva Stadium these days, and it’s curving facade is impressive from many different vantage points within Dublin. The Irish fans are ready and eager to welcome their team to the new stadium, for the first time this weekend on Sunday February 13th at 3pm versus France.
If you’re interested in watching the games either on TV or in person, check out the schedule for the 6 Nations Rugby Tournament (the home team is listed first):
New Aviva Stadium - Dublin
February 4 – Wales v England – 7.45pm
February 5 – Italy v Ireland – 2.30pm
February 5 – France v Scotland – 5pm
February 12 – England v Italy – 2.30pm
February 12- Scotland v Wales – 5pm
February 13 – Ireland v France - 3pm
February 26- Italy v Wales – 2.30pm
February 26 – England v France – 5pm
February 27 – Scotland v Ireland - 3pm
March 12- Italy v France - 2.30pm
March 12- Wales v Ireland – 5pm
March 13- England v Scotland – 3pm
March 19 – Scotland v Italy - 2.30pm
March 19 – Ireland v England – 5pm
March 19 – France v Wales – 7.45pm
The 6 Nations Tournament has been called ‘The Envy of the Rugby World’. This tournament brings together players from many regional teams to play for their country. Some of the best individuals in rugby face off every weekend in what is guaranteed to be a physical, intense game. Airfares to Dublin have been extraordinarily reasonable during the winter season, meaning it is still possible to plan a last minute trip to attend one of the games. The weekend of March 19 is also ideally close to the national holiday of St Patrick’s Day.
How to Get Tickets
There are a couple ways to get tickets for a 6 Nations Rugby game. Some travelers prefer to have tickets secured before leaving home. It is possible to purchase tickets online at the Irish Rugby website. The strained state of the Irish economy has left some tickets available to the general public (while in past years they have been sold out). Adventurous travelers might prefer to buy tickets on match day outside the stadium. There are always a few tickets for sale, although expect the prices to be higher than face value. Price will also vary depending on the quality of the seats, but if you’re looking for great seats, these are often available.
Alternatives to Attending the Game
While going to the match is always ‘great craic’ – the atmosphere in all of Dublin is infectious on game day. Pubs will be a sea of green jerseys and have large televisions showing the game. If you’re looking for an excuse to visit Dublin but you don’t want to attend the game, just being in Dublin during the tournament is fun. International visitors are always common during these weekends as well (depending on who the opponent is on any given week). There are countless pubs throughout Dublin to watch the matches, but some favorites of mine include Kiely’s in Donnybrook or Doheny and Nesbitt. These pubs are both known for their rugby affiliations.
Catch the Rugby Fever
Along with the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, the 6 Nations Tournament in Europe is one of the most highly anticipated rugby events. It provides so much more than a spark of entertainment during the dark days of winter; it encourages patriotism, a jovial competitive nature with other European nations, and an opportunity to travel for sport. While I might be partial for your travel plans to include Dublin, no matter where in Europe you attend a match, the experience will be a thrilling one. You don’t have to be familiar with the game to catch the rugby fever – you just have to set foot in one of these cities on match day.
Details:
- Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4, Ireland. (map)
- Kiely’s of Donnybrook, 131 Donnybrook Road, Dublin 4, Ireland. (map)
- Doheny and Nesbitt, 5 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. (map)
Photo Credit: All photographs from the personal collection of Jessica Colley.
