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31st Jan 2018

8 Craic-Filled Trips To Take To Support Ireland’s Sporting Heroes In 2018

James Fenton

It’s fair to say that anyone who traveled to France in the summer of 2016 is just about recovered by now so it’s time to start planning the next sporting trip. 

The Republic Of Ireland’s qualification for Euro 2016 collided with a time when social media was at its peak and it seemed like every day we were treated to a new viral video of Irish fans acting the maggot. 

Alas, now that we’ve failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia this summer, we’ll have to find another destination to serenade nuns and change the car tyres of locals. 

Thankfully, Ireland has plenty of sporting heroes who are hitting the road this year. Here are the best trips to take where you can wear your green shirt with pride in 2018.

1. France v Ireland in Paris – Six Nations Rugby – Saturday February 3 

Granted, it might be a little late to get a match ticket but there’s no harm in hopping on a last-minute flight to the French capital and and joining in the craic. 

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2. England v Ireland in London – Six Nations Rugby – Saturday March 17

Hordes of Irish fans. A potential Championship decider. St. Bleedin’ Patrick’s Day. Need we say more?

3. Michael Conlan v TBA in New York – March 17

The Belfast Boxer hopes to continue his unbeaten professional record by fighting at Madison Square Garden for the second consecutive Paddy’s Day. 

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4. Turkey v Ireland in Antalya – Football Friendly – Friday March 23 

It may only be a friendly but how does the fifth-least expensive holiday destination in the world grab you for a quick jaunt? Throw in gorgeous beaches and soaring temperatures and we’re looking up flights already. 

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5. France v Ireland in Paris – Football Friendly – Monday May 28

It’s back to Paris but this time we’re swapping the rugby jerseys for the football ones. 

A return to the scene of the crime for any footy fan who witnessed the incredible scenes of two years ago. Plus, this will be one of the last chances for France to sort out their tactics before the World Cup so a competitive match is very much in the pipeline. 

Meet at Place De Clichy, everyone?

6. Wales v Ireland in Cardiff – UEFA Nations League – Thursday September 6

The night James McClean stuck the ball in the Welsh net is very fresh in the memory and for such a quick hop over the Irish Sea, it’d be rude not to. 

7. Ireland Rugby Tour of Australia, June 

Three tests against the Wallabies, taking in Brisbane (June 9), Melbourne (June 16) and Sydney (June 23). 

Sure don’t we all have a cousin in a least one of those cities?

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8. Denmark v Ireland in Copenhagen – UEFA Nations League – Monday November 19 

Another destination which Irish fans have visited in recent times. After the Danes hammered us at the Aviva last year, revenge is a dish best served green. 

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READ NEXT: Here Are The All-Important Dates And Times For Ireland’s 2018 Six Nations Campaign

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