Bulgaria Away - 6th June 2009

[Sligo Hornet]

bought my flights today, but looks as if i'm heading out alone to this one.

190 quid from heathrow with BA. not bad, but the flight back is at 6:45am on the sunday.:eek:


We are also booked BA from Heathrow, but our return time is way more civilised....thank God!:)

Out: 5th June BA0890 08.30...arrv.Sofia 13.40
Return:7th June BA0891 14.30...arrv.Heathrow 15.55

[magnumpi]

yeah, i saw that one, but it would have cost me a fair bit more!

if we win i really won't mind pulling an all nighter and heading straight to the airport.

where are people staying?

[Lodger]

The Radisson seems to be a popular choice and is in the center of the city.

[Moscow Mule]

yeah, i saw that one, but it would have cost me a fair bit more!

if we win i really won't mind pulling an all nighter and heading straight to the airport.

where are people staying?

There are at least of 8 of us booked into the Hotel Les Fleurs which is a funky wee number. Apparently Newryrep is serving behind the bar:)

[magnumpi]

There are at least of 8 of us booked into the Hotel Les Fleurs which is a funky wee number. Apparently Newryrep is serving behind the bar:)

not sure my budget stretches to a "boutique" hotel. nor is it likely that i'll be sober enough to truly appreciate the ambience.

will have to have a googlewhack on *sofia hotel cheap sh*thole* and see what materialises.

[Newryrep]

There are at least of 8 of us booked into the Hotel Les Fleurs which is a funky wee number. Apparently Newryrep is serving behind the bar:)

Might not be a bad idea to earn a few bob.

[Sligo Hornet]

not sure my budget stretches to a "boutique" hotel. nor is it likely that i'll be sober enough to truly appreciate the ambience.

will have to have a googlewhack on *sofia hotel cheap sh*thole* and see what materialises.

That'll be the hotel that AidoM is in!:eek:

[AidoM]

That'll be the hotel that AidoM is in!

:mad:

But at least our baggage will arrive :p :rolleyes:

[reder]

We are staying in the Arena Di Serdica Hotel in the city centre. Got a great deal on an executive room. Cheaper than the Radisson.

[Paulie]

We are staying in the Arena Di Serdica Hotel in the city centre. Got a great deal on an executive room. Cheaper than the Radisson.

That's where we are as well. Normally we're happy to go cheap and cheerful but 120 Euros a night for your own room in a city centre 5 star hotel is very reasonable, so we said that for once, we'd stay somewhere decent.

[SuperDub]

We are staying in the Radisson. there's an irish bar in it too.

[Green Tribe]

we got an apartment not far from the radisson, seems a good spot. There's a bar just below the apartment :D

[Colie]

190 quid from heathrow with BA. not bad, but the flight back is at 6:45am on the sunday.:eek:That's the thing I woulda bought this ticket but I don't think I could handle going straight to the airport from the session. Probably just stay another night & come home the Monday. Ars.

[Lodger]

That's the thing I woulda bought this ticket but I don't think I could handle going straight to the airport from the session. Probably just stay another night & come home the Monday. Ars.

Easyjet have a flight back to Gatwick at 12.15, slightly more sensible time to be heading home.

[Sligo Hornet]

That's the thing I woulda bought this ticket but I don't think I could handle going straight to the airport from the session. Probably just stay another night & come home the Monday. Ars.

Our crew are on the BA flights, but we return at a sensible 14.40 on the Sunday....BA 0891:)

[lionelhutz]

Anybody have an idea of what the kick off time will be?? Afternoon or evening?

[AidoM]

Anybody have an idea of what the kick off time will be?? Afternoon or evening?

Their match against Italy, which is the only home match they have played to date, was on a Saturday and it was a night time (21.15local time) kick off. They are 2 hours ahead of Irish time and 1 hour ahead of Italian time ;).

[magnumpi]

That's the thing I woulda bought this ticket but I don't think I could handle going straight to the airport from the session. Probably just stay another night & come home the Monday. Ars.

it's BA, so i'll be more than a little annoyed if they don't serve me a beer at that time!

[MariborKev]

Our crew are on the BA flights, but we return at a sensible 14.40 on the Sunday....BA 0891:)

Ditto SH,

Me da doesn't do 6am flights anymore......:D

[mypost]

What's the outlook for match tickets? Is there going to be a huge demand for them?

Haven't booked and can't book anything yet, but will try and team it with some time in Romania beforehand. I've found a offer with a reliable airline at a good price, although I expect it to go up this week, with the airport tax kicking in. :(

[reder]

What's the outlook for match tickets? Is there going to be a huge demand for them?


I'd say demand will be pretty high considering its a June game and the current state of the group.

The Italy game was played in the Vasil Levski National Stadium which holds just over 46,000. They got about 40,000 in for that one. I dont know what percentage of the capacity we are entitled to but im hoping we get a good 4,500 to 5,000 otherwise its going to be tight for tickets. The stadium looks ok and its pretty central, so thats good.

[northerncelt]

anyone made plans to stay at a resort close to Sofia and travelling up to game? was looking into Sunny Beach but im not even sure if its the closest/best one to go for. anyone find any nice package deals?

[paul_oshea]

whats the one where all the swedes and scandanavians go to?! :D

[Superhoops]

anyone made plans to stay at a resort close to Sofia and travelling up to game? was looking into Sunny Beach but im not even sure if its the closest/best one to go for. anyone find any nice package deals?

Sunny Beach is about 225 miles from Sofia. Air Bulgaria have flights from Bourgas airport to Sofia. We booked some time ago to come up early (0540) on the Saturday, morning of the game, with Air Bulgaria for about £95stg.

Packages hols to the Black Sea resorts use Bourgas and Varna airports so you would have to go up and down to Sofia. We booked Heathrow to Bourgas on 31 May, Bourgas to Sofia on 6 June, Sofia to Heathrow on 7 June, for £345.

[northerncelt]

Sunny Beach is about 225 miles from Sofia. Air Bulgaria have flights from Bourgas airport to Sofia. We booked some time ago to come up early (0540) on the Saturday, morning of the game, with Air Bulgaria for about £95stg.

Packages hols to the Black Sea resorts use Bourgas and Varna airports so you would have to go up and down to Sofia. We booked Heathrow to Bourgas on 31 May, Bourgas to Sofia on 6 June, Sofia to Heathrow on 7 June, for £345.

cheers for that.... this has potential to be an unreal trip the more i think of it. must get the ball rolling soon.

[finbarrk]

Sunny Beach is about 225 miles from Sofia. Air Bulgaria have flights from Bourgas airport to Sofia. We booked some time ago to come up early (0540) on the Saturday, morning of the game, with Air Bulgaria for about £95stg.

Packages hols to the Black Sea resorts use Bourgas and Varna airports so you would have to go up and down to Sofia. We booked Heathrow to Bourgas on 31 May, Bourgas to Sofia on 6 June, Sofia to Heathrow on 7 June, for £345.

Those flights from Bourgas are gone expensive now, only business class left. Varna is an option for anyone in Sunny Beach but its about €50-€70in a taxi to the airport and a journey of an hour and a half maybe.
The trains are sh*te and I dont fancy driving the journey to Sofia.

[lionelhutz]

I can't wait for this trip. We're flying from Shannon to Heathrow on the Thursday evening, staying in a hotel near Heathrow that night, flying Heathrow to Sofia on Friday morning and coming back on the Sunday on the same route.

We're staying in the radisson too, two of us in a superior room with breakfast included for 2 nights for €270. Well worth it, I hope.

This is Irelands biggest game since the world cup in 2002, no doubt about it.

[magnumpi]

I can't wait for this trip. We're flying from Shannon to Heathrow on the Thursday evening, staying in a hotel near Heathrow that night, flying Heathrow to Sofia on Friday morning and coming back on the Sunday on the same route.

We're staying in the radisson too, two of us in a superior room with breakfast included for 2 nights for €270. Well worth it, I hope.

This is Irelands biggest game since the world cup in 2002, no doubt about it.

you're on the same flight as me then. bari was amazing so am looking forward to this even more now. haven't booked hotel yet, as am waiting to see whether i'm going out alone or not.

[eaststand85]

Mate of mine works for a company with offices in Sofia and the people there recommended staying in Hotel Sveta Sofia (http://www.svetasofia-alexanders.com/sveta_en/index.html) for the match.

The usual rate is €100 a night for standard twin room but as one of the lads got it cheaper through a travel website I contacted them directly and offered them the same rate without going through the middle man. They came back and actually bettered that rate without looking for the pre payment which was necessary using the travel website.They said there's already about 35 Irish (rooms or people, not sure) booked in for the weekend so should be good craic too.

If anyone else is interested in taking advantage the discount rate is €70 per twin room per night and you can PM me for details of who to contact.

[Naitch]

Me and a few of the lads booked ourselves into the Radisson. How many Irish do people reckon will travel over?

[northerncelt]

Those flights from Bourgas are gone expensive now, only business class left. Varna is an option for anyone in Sunny Beach but its about €50-€70in a taxi to the airport and a journey of an hour and a half maybe.
The trains are sh*te and I dont fancy driving the journey to Sofia.

Yeh flights to Sofia from both of them airports are surprisingly expensive. Im thinking renting a car and driving up from Sunny beach to sofia on the day of the game might be the best option. 4 hr drive maybe. Hotel in sofia and drive down back on the sunday. looks like about 120 euro will cover the car rental for the 2 days so if theres a car full of us its cheap as chips. Just a pity its 200k journey;(!!

Package with Thomas Cook from Belfast Mon 01 June - Tues 09 June £375 each (4 people 2 rooms). That seems ok to me. anyone disagree?;)

[finbarrk]

Yeh flights to Sofia from both of them airports are surprisingly expensive. Im thinking renting a car and driving up from Sunny beach to sofia on the day of the game might be the best option. 4 hr drive maybe. Hotel in sofia and drive down back on the sunday. looks like about 120 euro will cover the car rental for the 2 days so if theres a car full of us its cheap as chips. Just a pity its 200k journey;(!!

Package with Thomas Cook from Belfast Mon 01 June - Tues 09 June £375 each (4 people 2 rooms). That seems ok to me. anyone disagree?;)

I might be intrested in that car. Would the journey be done in 4 hours do you think?

[NeilMcD]

Just a reminder that this Thursday is the final day for applying for tickets for the Bulgaria game.

[Claret Murph]

Just a reminder that this Thursday is the final day for applying for tickets for the Bulgaria game.

Jezzzz that was quick , thanks Neil :)

[AidoM]

Just a reminder that this Thursday is the final day for applying for tickets for the Bulgaria game.

Correction :confused:

It's the final day for requesting an application form to be sent to you for tickets :p

[eaststand85]

Only the FAI would think of this:

"The closing date to apply for an application form for this fixture is Thursday April 9th 2009".

[NeilMcD]

Correction :confused:

It's the final day for requesting an application form to be sent to you for tickets :p

Yeah sorry that is what I meant, sorry.

[Colie]

What's the chances of another charter. That'd save my day.

[mypost]

We are staying in the Arena Di Serdica Hotel in the city centre. Got a great deal on an executive room. Cheaper than the Radisson.

It won't say Arena di Serdica of course. It'll be "Арена ди Сердика". ;)

[cobra]

Yeh flights to Sofia from both of them airports are surprisingly expensive. Im thinking renting a car and driving up from Sunny beach to sofia on the day of the game might be the best option. 4 hr drive maybe. Hotel in sofia and drive down back on the sunday. looks like about 120 euro will cover the car rental for the 2 days so if theres a car full of us its cheap as chips. Just a pity its 200k journey;(!!

Package with Thomas Cook from Belfast Mon 01 June - Tues 09 June £375 each (4 people 2 rooms). That seems ok to me. anyone disagree?;)

Were flying into Sofia on the friday for the game, then Sunday heading down to the coast and flying home on the thursday with aer lingus from bourgas to Dublin.
On hiring a car, I have driven over there and I can honestly say they are the worst drivers I have ever came across.

[northerncelt]

Were flying into Sofia on the friday for the game, then Sunday heading down to the coast and flying home on the thursday with aer lingus from bourgas to Dublin.
On hiring a car, I have driven over there and I can honestly say they are the worst drivers I have ever came across.

what was the damage for this Cobra?? u getting train down to coast?

Finbarrk..... ill keep you posted if we do it that way.

[jbyrne]

Only the FAI would think of this:

"The closing date to apply for an application form for this fixture is Thursday April 9th 2009".

maybe its this kind of thinking that has led to a very efficient ticket system for away matches that has resulted in me never once being left outside an away match stadium without a ticket. if your statement was a slag on the FAI you are way off the mark

[eaststand85]

maybe its this kind of thinking that has led to a very efficient ticket system for away matches that has resulted in me never once being left outside an away match stadium without a ticket. if your statement was a slag on the FAI you are way off the mark

Well done you. I'm simply laughing at the absurdity of making people apply for application forms.

[finbarrk]

Well done you. I'm simply laughing at the absurdity of making people apply for application forms.
Whats the problem with applying for an application form?

[jbyrne]

Well done you. I'm simply laughing at the absurdity of making people apply for application forms.

it gives them an opportunity to have an early idea of what the ticket requirement will be and base their ticket quantity application to the home association accordingly. i'm sure there are other benefits also. the whole process is pretty well handled

[finbarrk]

what was the damage for this Cobra?? u getting train down to coast?

Finbarrk..... ill keep you posted if we do it that way.

This flight is reasonable. Varna- Sofia Fri dep 17.55, Sofia- Varna Sun dep 09.30. Around €65 total.
It might be a better option. Thats if we can get away with 2 nights!

http://wftc2.e-travel.com/plnext/bulgarian1/FareCurrencyConversion.action;jsessionid=h2JHJc2TH Xj4p5chk8Nr1bkyGGbxpX2NcbzKWwp5hC5LG2yspvpF!148034 0914!741456316

[eaststand85]

it gives them an opportunity to have an early idea of what the ticket requirement will be and base their ticket quantity application to the home association accordingly. i'm sure there are other benefits also. the whole process is pretty well handled

Didn't realise people were so sensitive about the "benefits" of FAI bureaucracy, surely it's just as easy and beneficial to ask people to apply once rather than twice? Never mind, was just a thought.

[cobra]

what was the damage for this Cobra?? u getting train down to coast?


was €202 for the flights when we booked them, just checked them there now and same flights are €280
ryanair dub-ltn, then wizz air ltn-sofia

Undecided about way down yet, coach can take 5-6 hours(maybe longer) only about €12 though, train can take longer:rolleyes: cheap too though, flights are working out dear enough and dont leave til late sunday night.
Taxi company i know of are charging €160 for 4 people/ 180 for 6. Journey taking 4- 4 1/2 hours.
Might opt for the train just to see the countryside, done the journey last December but was an overnight train

[gspain]

Didn't realise people were so sensitive about the "benefits" of FAI bureaucracy, surely it's just as easy and beneficial to ask people to apply once rather than twice? Never mind, was just a thought.


I imagine it is to ascertain demand at the moment. Otherwise they will have to wait until they know prices.

By accepting applications now they can tell the Bulgarians they'd sell X tickets. This increases the chances of getting an increased allocation. It means in most cases all travelling fans (that apply in time) end up with a ticket.

[Tipperary_Man]

wizzair fly out early sunday and monday morning to rome (Da Vinci) arrive at 0655, you have 4 hours to get to the other airport in Rome (Ciampino) where you can fly to Dublin with Ryanair
If people want to come out on the Saturday Easyjet have a flight from Gatwick at 6am to Sofia and the price is reasonable, might mean sleeping the night in Gatwick itself though but you can get a cheap flight over from Dublin or Shannon late Friday night