STILL UNBEATEN after the opening three qualifiers thanks to John O’Shea’s last-gasp equaliser against the Germans on Tuesday, it is off to Scotland next for Ireland as they look to qualify for the Euro 2016 finals.
Celtic Park plays host to the Boys in Green on November 14 and it is sure to be a special night given the strong connection between Irish fans and the Hoops.
The game also sees Ireland boss Martin O’Neill and his opposite number Gordon Strachan return to the club which they both enjoyed successful spells in charge of so there is little surprise that the game will be a sell-out.
Many supporters will have made arrangements months in advance, but, with four weeks to go, we take a look at the possible options for those hoping to make the trip.
By plane
Ryanair and Aer Lingus both fly directly from Dublin and Cork to Glasgow International. Alernatively, you could fly to Edinburgh and get a train to Glasgow (one hour).
- Dublin to Glasgow: Depart Thursday and return Saturday from €183. Depart Friday and return Saturday from €152. Depart Friday and return Sunday from €132.
- Cork to Glasgow: Depart Thursday and return Saturday from €194. Depart Friday and return Saturday from €336. Depart Friday and return Sunday from €332.
- Dublin to Edinburgh: Depart Thursday and return Saturday from €64. Depart Friday and return Saturday from €90. Depart Friday and return Sunday from €98.
- Cork to Edinburgh: Depart Thursday and return Saturday from €209. Depart Friday and return Saturday from €195. Depart Friday and return Sunday from €278.
Other options include flying to a northern English city such as Newcastle and taking the train.
By boat
There are ferries from Belfast and Larne to Cairnryan and Troon where you can either take a train, drive or get the bus to Glasgow.
By bus
- You Boys in Green have arranged a 54-seater bus leaving on Thursday morning and returning on Saturday afternoon. It is full but the supporters group is looking into a second bus if there’s enough interest. For more information visit YBIG.ie.
Match tickets
As you might expect, tickets have been extremely hard to come by and demand has shot up even further after Tuesday’s result. The FAI were originally allocated 5% of Celtic Park’s 60,000 stadium capacity (3,000) but agreed with the SFA to increase that to 3,200. Supporters could apply to the FAI’s away fans ticket portal, but that closed six weeks ago.
The SFA put tickets on public sale for the home section yesterday but they have been snapped up meaning many travelling will have to settle for watching the match in the city.
Packages
- Abbey Travel: 2 night (Thurs-Sat) coach and ferry trip from Belfast/Larne to Cairnryan and on to Glasgow. Two night stay in a 3* city centre hotel. Prices from €325 not including match tickets, which are guaranteed at face value.
- Marathon Sports Travel: Coach, ferry and hotel from €219 per person sharing.
Are you travelling to the game? Have you any tips for fans planning to go? How successful have you been in getting your hands on tickets?
