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Six Nations Rugby Dublin: Things to Do & Match Weekend Ideas

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Dublin comes alive during the Six Nations Rugby tournament. From packed pubs and buzzing streets to a surge of visiting rugby fans from across Europe and beyond, the city offers far more than match day excitement alone. Whether you’re travelling from elsewhere in Ireland or flying in from abroad, a Dublin Six Nations Rugby weekend is the perfect opportunity to combine exceptional rugby with unforgettable cultural experiences.

If you’re planning a rugby weekend in Dublin this spring, this guide explores the best things to do in Dublin during the Six Nations. With a particular focus on central, walkable experiences that fit neatly around match schedules, our guide includes iconic attractions like the Book of Kells Experience, Trinity Trails, and the Trinity Gift Shop, all just steps from the city’s main match day routes.

What to Expect in Dublin During the Six Nations

Few sporting events electrify a city quite like the Six Nations, and when match weekend arrives, Dublin becomes a shared meeting point for fans. Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, France and Italy all play annually across weekends in February and March. On home match weekends, supporters come together in the capital, especially around Lansdowne Road, Temple Bar, College Green, Dame Street, and St Stephen’s Green.

Planning ahead is essential. Accommodation fills quickly, restaurants and pubs are busy from early morning, and popular attractions see higher footfall. However, Dublin’s compact city centre makes it easy to navigate on foot, allowing visitors to balance match day plans with relaxed sightseeing.

For fans wondering about things to do in Dublin beyond the stadium, the good news is that many of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks are located within walking distance of major transport routes to and from Aviva Stadium.

Things to Do

• Book of Kells Experience
• Trinity Trails
• Guinness Storehouse
• Merrion Square
• Iveagh Gardens
• EPIC Museum

Experiences in Dublin City Centre during Match Day and Between Matches

One of the biggest advantages of a Six Nations trip to Dublin is how easy it is to explore the city between fixtures. Visitors can roam around Dublin before and after matches, whether it be cultural stops in the morning or scenic walks in the afternoon. There are city experiences that won’t take a full day out of your schedule.

The south city centre, in particular, is perfectly positioned for those attending Six Nations matches. Areas around Grafton Street, College Green, and Merrion Square offer museums, historic streets, cafés, and green spaces with plenty to see and do.

Places to Visit

• Bewleys Grafton Street
• Museum of Literature Ireland
• St Stephen’s Green
• Grafton Street

Trinity College Dublin: History and Culture Between Matches

Located right in the heart of the city, Trinity College Dublin is an ideal cultural stop during a Six Nations Dublin weekend. The campus is just minutes from Grafton Street and well connected to public transport routes heading to Aviva Stadium.

The Book of Kells Experience is one of Ireland’s most iconic visitor attractions, offering a chance to see the world famous 9th century manuscript.

For those keen to learn more about Trinity College Dublin before leaving campus, the Trinity Gift Shop offers a thoughtfully curated range of Irish design gifts, books, exclusive collections and souvenirs – perfect for bringing home a meaningful reminder of your rugby weekend in Dublin.

Cultural and Historical Things to Do Near the Stadiums

While the Aviva Stadium is located slightly outside the city centre, the walk or short DART journey passes through some of Dublin’s most attractive neighbourhoods.

Nearby cultural highlights include the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Archaeology on Kildare Street, both offering free entry and compact exhibitions that are easy to fit around match timings. Merrion Square provides a peaceful green space for a stroll before a match, while the Georgian streets surrounding it showcase Dublin’s architectural heritage.

For visiting fans interested in history, literature, and art, these attractions add depth to a Six Nations trip without requiring extensive travel or planning.

Short Itineraries for Rugby Weekends in Dublin

One-Day Match Itinerary

• Morning: Breakfast near Grafton Street, followed by the Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College Dublin
• Late Morning: Explore Trinity Trails or browse the Trinity Gift Shop
• Early Afternoon: Walk through Merrion Square and head towards Aviva Stadium
• Evening: Dine in the city centre or near the stadium after the match, such as The Bridge 1859 on Ballsbridge Terrace, Pichet or Hawksmoor which are both near Trinity College Dublin

Two-Day Rugby Weekend Itinerary

Day One

• Arrive in Dublin and settle into city centre accommodation
• Afternoon visit to Trinity College Dublin and the Book of Kells Experience
• Evening atmosphere in Temple Bar or Dame Street

Day Two

• Morning Trinity Trails guided walking tour
• Lunch and pre-match buildup in the city centre
• Evening entertainment and live music across Dublin

Whether you’re in town for a single match or a full rugby weekend, Dublin offers an unbeatable blend of sport, culture, and atmosphere. With its central location and iconic visitor experiences, Trinity College Dublin provides a memorable cultural highlight during any Six Nations Dublin trip.