Dublin is the perfect destination for rugby enthusiasts flocking to watch the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship - the home of the back-to-back Championship winners, no less.
From the vibrant matchday atmospheres to the world-famous culture and lively pubs, here’s everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.
Where to Stay
Thanks to our Official Partner of Guinness Men’s and Women’s Six Nations, IHG® Hotels and Resorts provides fans with incredible hotels in which to stay and experience the excitement of game day.
Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre: Stylish accommodation within walking distance of the Aviva Stadium.
InterContinental Dublin: Luxury option for a premium stay.
Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport: Only a seven-minute drive away from Dublin Airport (DUB), and within 15 minutes of Dublin City Centre.
For more IHG® Hotels and Resorts, click here to find your perfect stay!
Exploring Dublin
Pubs & Nightlife
Temple Bar: Iconic for its lively atmosphere.
The Brazen Head: The oldest pub in Dublin, dating back to 1198.
O’Donoghue’s: Famous for live traditional Irish music.
Searsons: Perfect to boost your match day experience
Sinnotts Bar: Traditional Irish pub with a rugby-mad twist
Cultural Experiences
Guinness Storehouse: Visit the HQ of the title sponsor of the Six Nations Championships and learn about Ireland’s world-famous stout.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: Interactive and award-winning.
Little Museum of Dublin: Described as “Dublin’s best museum experience” by The Irish Times, we are the number one museum in Ireland on TripAdvisor. A brilliant new addition to the cultural map of Ireland, our famous guided tours reveal the history of a city that has undergone remarkable changes in the last 100 years
Croke Park: Learn about the history of Croke Park and the roll it’s played in defining moments in Irish history.
Activities
St. Stephen’s Green: Relax in this historic park.
Howth Cliff Walk: A short train ride to stunning coastal views.
Phoenix Park: Home to Dublin Zoo and scenic trails.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: Explore Dublin’s highlights from a double-decker bus
Historical Highlights
Trinity College & The Book of Kells: A must-see for history buffs.
Dublin Castle: Explore centuries of Irish history.
Kilmainham Gaol: Insight into Ireland’s rich history.
Getting to Dublin
By Air
Dublin Airport (DUB): Located about 10km north of the city centre, Dublin Airport is well-connected with international flights from Europe, North America, and beyond.
Transport Options:
Aircoach and Dublin Express: Direct buses to the city centre and major hotels, between 5:55 am and 1.25 am (€10/every 15 minutes).
Dublin Express buses run along the River Liffey to Heuston station between 4 am and 12:35 am (€8, every 30-60 minutes).
Taxis: Approximately €25-€35 to central Dublin.
Car Rentals: Available at the airport for flexible travel.
By Ferry
Ferries connect Dublin with Holyhead (Wales) and other ports in the UK. A scenic option for travellers from Britain.
Buses run from the port to the city centre between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., or 6 p.m. on Sundays (€2, hourly) and take 20 minutes.
By Train
If you’re already in Ireland, intercity trains connect Dublin with major cities like Cork, Galway, and Belfast.
By Bus
The main bus depot is Busáras, close to Connolly Station. This is the arrival point for all Bus Éireann services. Private coach companies generally stop along the quays.
Local Tips
Currency: Euro (€).
Weather: Pack layers; Dublin’s weather can be unpredictable in February and March.
Travel Cards
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions or will be using public transport, there are discount cards available that will save you money…
GoCity All-Inclusive Pass: (1-5 days, €69 – €115): This provides unlimited entry to top attractions in Dublin and beyond.
DoDublin Days Out Card: (€55): This gives you a 25% discount on entry to six attractions in Dublin.
Leap Card: The prepaid travel card for all public transport in Dublin. Available in most shops, you pay a €5 refundable deposit and top it up with any amount you choose. All you have to do is tap it on the sensor when you board a bus. If travelling on the DART or Luas you will have to tap at the platform when you get on and once more when you get off. The Leap Visitor Card (1/3/7 days, €8/€16/€32) grants unlimited travel on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and Commuter Rail. It can be purchased in the city and at Dublin Airport, or ordered online and delivered to your home in advance of your trip. Dublin Buses do not accept cash notes, credit or debit cards. They only accept coins or Leap cards.
For help planning journeys use the Transport for Ireland Live App
DoDublin Freedom Ticket: (72 hours, €48): This 72-hour travel pass combines all the benefits of the Leap Visitor Card with a 48-hour hop-on hop-off tour.
Match Day at the Aviva Stadium
Getting to the Stadium
By Train: Take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) to Lansdowne Road Station.
By Bus: Multiple routes serve the stadium area.
By Foot/Bike: Approximately 20-30 minutes from the city centre.
What to Expect
Kick-off: Matches usually start mid-afternoon, but check your ticket.
Pre-Match Atmosphere: Arrive early to soak up the electric energy at nearby pubs like The Bath or Crowes Pub
Facilities: Modern amenities include food outlets, merchandise stands, and accessible seating.
Rugby Shops
From jerseys and scarves to caps and accessories, these stores offer a wide range of items that let you proudly display your support for Irish rugby. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone to take home as a lasting memory of your experience
Intersport Elverys and the official IRFU Store near the Aviva Stadium offer a range of jerseys and merchandise.
