The 2007 Six Nations tournament is nearly upon us, and this year Ireland will play both France and England in Dublin. Of course there’s no better place for combining a weekend of mighty craic and fine rugby than the Fair City, so travel to Dublin and get behind your team! With the famous old theatre of Croke Park getting the green light to host Irish rugby fixtures, the atmosphere in and around the town will be absolutely electric, whether you’re at the stadium or holding court in one of the city’s many lively pubs.

If you’re looking for a place to stay then we’ve got loads of good value B&Bs and hotels all over Dublin. Check out our guide to the Six Nations in Dublin, where you’ll find everything you need to know about getting the most out of your rugby weekend!

Dublin’s Six Nations fixtures for 2007

The first rugby fixture ever to grace the wonderful stadium of Croke Park will kick off at 3pm on Saturday 11th February, as last year’s runners up Ireland take on the champions France.

Good natured French and Irish fans will fill the pubs and bars lining the streets of Dublin , before descending upon Croke Park to see the stadium christened with what promises to be a fine match of fast flowing, flair rugby. This year’s favourites Ireland face a tough task against the majestic French rugby outfit, but whatever the result a great atmosphere is guaranteed as the two sets of fans drink and party together.

The 24th February is the big one, when Ireland take on the ‘old enemy’ of England at 3pm. The game promises to be a passionate affair as Ireland seek to dispatch England at Croke Park, with the English striving to regain their status as the major force of world rugby. The banter amongst the fans in the pubs before and after the game will be legendary, with a weekend of wild partying and drinking guaranteed!

Match tickets are distributed via the various rugby clubs all over Ireland, as is the case with visiting countries who distribute their allocation via their own clubs.

Croke Park Stadium: a change of scene…

Originally built in 1884, Croke Park Stadium has traditionally been home exclusively to Gaelic Games, and has seen some monumental inter-county clashes as the Celtic titans of Gaelic Football and Hurling have sought to establish their superiority over the rest of Ireland.

Owned by the Gaelic Athletic Association, it was originally decreed that the stadium only be permitted to host Gaelic Games fixtures. However, a recent relaxation of G.A.A regulation means that this wonderful sporting arena can now be made available for soccer and rugby fixtures while Lansdowne Road is being renovated.

So this year for the first time ever, the magic of the Six Nations will take place in the majestic venue of Croke Park! Modern, freshly renovated and excellently designed to keep the atmosphere of the ground locked in, ‘Croker’ has a capacity of 82,500 and is the forth largest stadium in Europe!

Situated in the Dublin 3 area in the centre of town, it can be reached simply and easily by bus, train or on foot. If you are staying near O’Connell Street in the city centre then you can easily stroll to the ground while soaking up the pre match atmosphere.
· Walk to the top of the O’Connell Street where the towering Parnell Monument is located.
· Take a right along Parnell Street and follow this road until it becomes Summerhill.
· Take a left along the North Circular Road, followed by a right along Russell St which leads on to Jones Road where the stadium is.

If you are travelling by train you can take the DART to Drumcondra Station just a couple of minutes walk from the stadium, while Dublin Bus routes 51A, 11A, 11, 16 and 3 all service the area.

The stadium is located just to the north of the centre of the city, so if you have rented a car your best bet is to leave it in a car park in the city centre and stroll up, as the chances of you getting a parking spot next to the stadium are pretty slim!

If you’ve flown in, Dublin Airport is around 6 miles away, and you can pick up the blue Aircoach from outside the Arrivals Hall to O’Connell Street in the town centre. If you’ve come over the Irish Sea by boat then Dublin Port is just outside the city centre, while Dun Laoghaire Ferryport is on the DART – just pick up the northbound line to Drumcondra Station.

Enjoy the lively pub life of Dublin’s Fair City:

Dublin’s a buzzing city all year round but it really takes on a life of its own during rugby weekends. The city is famous the world over for its lively, colourful pubs, where you’ll witness firsthand the banter and legendary sessions that make Dublin one of the party capitals of the world!

Ask any fan of Gaelic Football or Hurling and they’ll tell you that the bars surrounding Croke Park are no exception when it comes to the craic, so head for Fagans on the Drumcondra Road for a fine pint of Guinness, or make for people’s favourite Hill 16 for a post match session.

Other pubs in the area include The Big Tree, James Grills, Barry’s Hotel and Cassidy’s on Camden Street, where you’ll get a fine atmosphere and a solid pint. Of course the fun doesn’t stop once the rugby’s over – the city centre is filled to the brim with pubs, so head to O’Connell Street for a quiet pint or make for Temple Bar for a lively session and sing song! Whatever your choice of watering hole, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the party, so let yourself get caught up in the tide and enjoy a great rugby weekend Irish style!

Of course we’d love to hear what you’ve got to say… go on, let our readers know about your experience of rugby weekends in Dublin. Or if you’re planning to actually go to any of the games why not come back here and give us a run-down on what you made of it all?