Cooch's Six Nations Guide - Ireland

Off to have the Craic

Every other week for 3 months in the lead up to the 2010 Six Nations tournament we are bringing you former England and British Lions prop, and part time Gullivers Mouthpiece, Gareth 'Cooch' Chilcott's guide to the Six Nations. Gareth is festooning us with some of his stories and memories from his playing and travelling days. He always knows the best kept secrets to try out when you are on tour. Second on our list is always one of the most popular locations on the Six Nations map, Dublin...

Now if there was ever a city built on the foundations of alcohol, its Dublin! In just over 44 square miles there is more than 1,000 pubs all ready and waiting to rebuild the weary traveller. Plus there is also the Guinness Brewery (Tickets are €13 online and include the freshest pint of Guinness you’ll ever taste) within the city limits, so that’s the front row sorted for at least one day. For the backs there’s plenty of shops to keep you busy. Former England player, and now regular tourer with Gulliver’s Sports Travel, Gareth Chilcott spoke of his love of the Ireland match: “Dublin is a must! There are plenty of clubs, bars and restaurants all filled with great people. And win or lose you’ll have the craic as they say!”

But lets be honest you’re only coming to Ireland for one thing, the rugby. And with Ireland being the current Grand Slam Champions Croke Park is going to be a caldron of noise and excitement. “Croke Park is a real rugby venue that the Irish see as a spiritual home. I would love to have played there as it really comes alive, added Chilcott.

Much like Wembley, Lords and Twickenham, Croke Park needs a tick on the ‘Stadiums I have visited’ list. Rugby moved from Lansdowne road in 2007, and although it was originally met with some criticisms from the die-hards, it’s been a great success. The capacity is 82,300 and you certainly know that when you’re in the away end and the chorus Ireland’s Call rings out.

If you’re going it alone Ticket Prices start at €105 for the Terrace however, if you want the ease of someone sorting everything for you then Gulliver’s Travel have tours left for Ireland v Wales, which include three nights stay, flights, taxis to and from the airport plus a guaranteed ticket. Tour prices start at £395.

6 Nations Games being held in Ireland in 2010:
Ireland v Wales
Ireland v Italy
Ireland v Scotland