World Choice Sports

Still in mourning after that cruel exit from the World Cup? Never mind, the wounds will heal (around 2027). In the meantime there are grounds for Scottish optimism heading into another Six Nations.

One of the highlights of any rugby fan’s itinerary is a visit to Dublin. The matches are hard-fought, the Dubliners extend a warm welcome and there is the obligation to soak up as much of the craic as is possible over a weekend. Well it would be rude not to.

Today’s Big Deal has put in the hard yards and achieved a converted try of an offer, with match tickets and a B&B stay in a stylish Dublin hotel courtesy of the oval ball travel specialists at World Choice Sports.

Dublin’s fair city

Look alive, alive-o and secure your trip to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for the Six Nations fixture Ireland v Scotland on Saturday 19 March, with a kick-off time of 5pm.

With tickets for the match in high demand, this deal guarantees your place in the stadium and a great place to stay in Dublin.

The offer includes a match ticket in a choice of four categories. Choose the seating option to suit your preferences and budget.

Category 1 seats offer a superb view of the action from the East or West stands side-on to the pitch. Category 2 and 3 seats are behind the goals or higher in the stands, while Category 4 seats are behind the goals close to the pitch or at the very top of the stands.

The deal also includes an overnight stay in a choice of five comfortable Dublin hotels. If you fancy a lengthy spell of celebrating a Scottish victory/congratulating the Irish for a flukey home win, there is the option to add extra nights from £30 per person.

Note that transport is not included in this deal, so you will need to book your own flights or train and ferry journey to Dublin. With several airlines offering direct connections from Scotland, it is usually possible to find economical fares.

City hotels

Depending on availability, guests can choose from the following hotels in central Dublin. Breakfast is included and the deal is based on two sharing a double or twin room. Single travellers pay a £35 supplement.

The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel is a stylish modern establishment on the west side of the city, with its own restaurant, bar and fitness club.

The Regency Hotel is on the north side of Dublin, convenient for the airport, with regular public transport links to the centre. It has a pool, gym and spa and contemporary restaurant.

The Sheldon Park Hotel is on the west side of the city with a nearby stop on the Luas tram service red line offering a 20-minute connection to the centre. The elegant hotel includes a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, Jacuzzi, sauna/steam room and a modern gym.

The Plaza Hotel is a smart, modern option on the south-west side of the city, close to the Tallaght Luas tram stop. The hotel offers a choice of restaurants and a traditional Irish pub.

The Green Isle Hotel is a bright, contemporary leisure and conference situated on the west side of the city, offering bistro and bar dining and a leisure facility that includes a pool, gym and steam room.

Out and about

The Dublin trip isn’t all about the 80 minutes of action down Lansdowne Road. The city has plenty to offer pre or post match.

The Guinness tour has become Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, offering an opportunity to learn about the history of the black stuff and sample a pint. Literary sorts will also enjoy a variety of trails associated with Dublin’s great writers.

Most visitors eventually find themselves in the frenetic Temple Bar area, where pubs and clubs offer guaranteed craic, although the rest of the city has its own selection of famous and not-so-famous hostelries serving up a pint, pub food and the promise of some feisty live music.

Weekend to remember

Whatever the result, this Big Deal rugby trip to Dublin is bound to provide no shortage of memorable moments. With a match ticket and a hotel booking secured, it leaves you free to arrange your own timetable and fill in the fine detail of your Irish adventure.