Italy Away - 1st April 2009

[eirebhoy]

By Daniel McDonnell

Wednesday October 15 2008

It's understood that Italy's capital city is about to be announced as the venue for the April 1 qualifier which will see Giovanni Trapattoni up against his own country on his own soil.

Reports in Italy last week suggested that the Stadio Olimpico -- where Ireland lost out in the World Cup quarter-final in 1990 -- is set to host what is certain to be a large travelling contingent given the significance of the occasion.

The FAI have yet to confirm the fixture, wisely enough choosing not to do so until it is completely set in stone. Nevertheless, Abbotstown sources have indicated that Rome is the 'likely' destination.

It seems a few airlines have cottoned onto the fact as well, given that prices are not looking that generous at this stage. Probably a good thing, as we don't want to be blamed if the Italian FA pulls a rabbit out of the hat at the last minute.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/world-cup-diary-all-roads-lead-to-rome-for-ireland-1499006.html

[Kingdom]

I guy I trust 100% and hasn't bluffed me before told me last night it is already agreed its in Rome. So DMcD's article seems like he's in the know.

[NeilMcD]

Finally bit the bullet and booked Dublin to Bologna out on the Tuesday and back on the Friday. Should be covered now if its in Milan or if its in Rome. I don't mind either and the prices for Rome are massive from Dublin.

[stiffler]

I booked Belfast to Milan myself. My thoughts are its 70% chance Rome, 20% chance Milan, and 10% other.

The prices of flights to Rome were astronomical. I dont mind travelling from Milan down on the day before the game, and back the day after.

[SUB of the day]

Finally bit the bullet and booked Dublin to Bologna out on the Tuesday and back on the Friday. Should be covered now if its in Milan or if its in Rome. I don't mind either and the prices for Rome are massive from Dublin.
Got these for 125 a few weeks back.Great time out of Dublin (11am).Trains every 25mins to Rome or Milan, 28 euro each way.....happy days.Would still prefer Milan though.Olimpico not a patch on San Siro for atmosphere:)

[eirebhoy]

I don't mind either and the prices for Rome are massive from Dublin.
€213 return with Ryanair if you stay til the Saturday. Not bad.

[Newryrep]

Booked hotel in Rome 2 nights (Hotel Raffaello) - can always cancel if its not Rome although people in the know have booked. will probablly wait until definetly confirmed before booking flights, enough options to get there in 2 flights.

[Sligo Hornet]

Booked hotel in Rome 2 nights (Hotel Raffaello) - can always cancel if its not Rome although people in the know have booked. will probablly wait until definetly confirmed before booking flights, enough options to get there in 2 flights.

3* Hotel Newry?.......not up to your usual standards!:D

[Newryrep]

3* Hotel Newry?.......not up to your usual standards!:D

Have you seen the prices in Rome ? (Raefollo is £218 for 2 nights) anyway it 22 out of 1200 on Trip-Advisor. Also I dont want Mrs Newryrep getting used to 4* or 5* hotels or she will expect it all the time :)

[Sligo Hornet]

Have you seen the prices in Rome ? (Raefollo is £218 for 2 nights) anyway it 22 out of 1200 on Trip-Advisor. Also I dont want Mrs Newryrep getting used to 4* or 5* hotels or she will expect it all the time :)

Christ:eek:........might have to re-think my own "minimum star" standard

[viagogo]

Booked hotel in Rome 2 nights (Hotel Raffaello) - can always cancel if its not Rome although people in the know have booked. will probablly wait until definetly confirmed before booking flights, enough options to get there in 2 flights.

Just booked this. My dad stayed here for a wedding a few years ago and said its a great place to stay. Right in the centre of the historical part of the city and train station close by and Irish pub down the road.

[Newryrep]

Just booked this. My dad stayed here for a wedding a few years ago and said its a great place to stay. Right in the centre of the historical part of the city and train station close by and Irish pub down the road.

Sounds good, wasnt sure what area to book and Rome like Paris/London has thouands of hotels, Trip Advisor hasnt let me down yet. Glad its that handy, cant be bothered communting if we are only there for a few days.

[SuperDub]

Just booked this. My dad stayed here for a wedding a few years ago and said its a great place to stay. Right in the centre of the historical part of the city and train station close by and Irish pub down the road.

Thanks for the reccommendation 3 of us just booked this hotel for 6 nights sunday - saturday all the reviews on tripadviser are all very favourable.

[blueanto40]

3 of us just booked 4star Hotel Rex on the Active Hotels web site. Great reviews on tripadvisor. Only cost us 90 euro each for the 2 nights with free cancellation. If match is in milan would recommend Ritter Hotel. When will they tell us.

[viagogo]

Just book flights from Stanstead to Rome. 60 pounds. Worth the risk at that price. Cork to Rome return is €315.

[mrtndvn]

Are people agreed on taking gambles and booking flights and hotels?

Thanks to Newryrep im going to go for Hotel Raffaello, sounds like theres a few irish staying there.

Viagogo, im flying from stanstead aswel, 31st - 2nd. Probably going to get the early and late flights.

just hope I get tickets sorted, ive only been to four or five home games and this will be my 1st away! Im sure you guys will sort me out anyway! ;)

[Sligo Hornet]

Are people agreed on taking gambles and booking flights and hotels?

Thanks to Newryrep im going to go for Hotel Raffaello, sounds like theres a few irish staying there.

Viagogo, im flying from stanstead aswel, 31st - 2nd. Probably going to get the early and late flights.

just hope I get tickets sorted, ive only been to four or five home games and this will be my 1st away! Im sure you guys will sort me out anyway! ;)

Newry always buys the beer at the Hotel bar........so fill yer boots lads!:D

[mrtndvn]

Good stuff ill look out for the guy with the northern accent so.

So we defo think that the match will be in Rome? Terrible that it hasnt been announced yet

[mrtndvn]

Booked up and all now, just hoping for Rome.

Hope tickets will be all right!

[Newryrep]

Booked up and all now, just hoping for Rome.

Hope tickets will be all right!

Mrtndvn, the general consesus seems that it will be Rome and a fair few people have booked Rome but after the Tblisi/Karlsruhe/Mainz uncertainity a fair few are holding back untill its officially confirmed. Hotel rooms can be cancelled at no cost but you are generally screwed if you cancel flights.


Newry always buys the beer at the Hotel bar........so fill yer boots lads!:D :eek:

[mrtndvn]

Mrtndvn, the general consesus seems that it will be Rome and a fair few people have booked Rome but after the Tblisi/Karlsruhe/Mainz uncertainity a fair few are holding back untill its officially confirmed. Hotel rooms can be cancelled at no cost but you are generally screwed if you cancel flights.

:eek:

Not bothered about flights if your getting the beers in! ;)

[Newryrep]

Not bothered about flights if your getting the beers in! ;)

:eek: If you can find a bar (mini bar not included ) in Hotel Raefello I will gladly buy you one.:)

[mrtndvn]

:eek: If you can find a bar (mini bar not included ) in Hotel Raefello I will gladly buy you one.:)

Please tell me i didnt book a hotel with no bar?

[Newryrep]

Please tell me i didnt book a hotel with no bar?

I am sure there are some watering holes nearby.

[green army]

booked flights. out on the sunday before the game direct to rome. back on the day after the game via stansted. about €157. now for accomodation.

[bawn79]

Booked flights myself via stansted from shannon (Out Tues, back Thurs). Its going to be my first away trip.
Helps that a mate lives in Rome so free acommodation.

[blueanto40]

Any one else staying in the Hotel Rex

[pineapple stu]

Given the venue's not been confirmed yet, I'd say hotels aren't booked yet somehow.

[blueanto40]

Given the venue's not been confirmed yet, I'd say hotels aren't booked yet somehow.

Hotels are being booked for sure, with some already booked out. You can cancell most hotels with no charge. We have hotels booked in Romr Milan and Bari all with no cancellation fee.

[Claret Murph]

So I took the plunge so to say :cool:
I am out of Dublin on Air Lingus to Heathrow then on to Rome with Alitalia .
Out on the Monday back on the Friday which worse case happens and the game is elsewhere gives me time to get to the venue .The bottom line is 278Euro which is not the cheapest but but great connections as someone said above the Shannon to stanstead was way cheaper but a six hour wait on the way back .
Also just to let you know all Alitalia flights out of London to Rome are on sale at 125 Sterling return .:ball::)

[Sligo Hornet]

So I took the plunge so to say
I am out of Dublin on Air Lingus to Heathrow then on to Rome with Alitalia .
Out on the Monday back on the Friday which worse case happens and the game is elsewhere gives me time to get to the venue .The bottom line is 278Euro which is not the cheapest but but great connections as someone said above the Shannon to stanstead was way cheaper but a six hour wait on the way back .
Also just to let you know all Alitalia flights out of London to Rome are on sale at 125 Sterling return .:ball::)

Good on yer Murph! I will be going the BA Heathrow route, slightly more expensive at £146, but at least BA are still likely to be in business!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/7981718 :eek:

[NeilMcD]

Are you sure.

http://www.rte.ie/business/2008/1107/ba.html

[Hibs4Ever]

So I took the plunge so to say :cool:
I am out of Dublin on Air Lingus to Heathrow then on to Rome with Alitalia .


Alitalia will be gone bust by then ;)

[Sligo Hornet]

Are you sure.

http://www.rte.ie/business/2008/1107/ba.html

Profit may well have dropped over 90%:eek:.....but STILL making a profit!...also the collapse in price of oil will help greatly.

That said..........how long would it take to walk to Rome?

[NeilMcD]

Well it takes me about 20 minutes to walk to the jacks at the moment so if I set off now I would miss the match.

[Sligo Hornet]

Well it takes me about 20 minutes to walk to the jacks at the moment so if I set off now I would miss the match.

Unless it's in Milan......you might catch the second half!:D

[Claret Murph]

Don't worry lads as I have all bases covered as I got a tip off late last night that I could buy a very cheap yacht as it's for sale as it'd no longer needed , I just have to go down to Cork to pick it up .

Like everything in life if you have no risk you get no gain .:rolleyes:

[Sligo Hornet]

Don't worry lads as I have all bases covered as I got a tip off late last night that I could buy a very cheap yacht as it's for sale as it'd no longer needed , I just have to go down to Cork to pick it up .

Like everything in life if you have no risk you get no gain .:rolleyes:


......said Nick Leeson;)

[viagogo]

So I took the plunge so to say :cool:
I am out of Dublin on Air Lingus to Heathrow then on to Rome with Alitalia .
Out on the Monday back on the Friday which worse case happens and the game is elsewhere gives me time to get to the venue .The bottom line is 278Euro which is not the cheapest but but great connections as someone said above the Shannon to stanstead was way cheaper but a six hour wait on the way back .
Also just to let you know all Alitalia flights out of London to Rome are on sale at 125 Sterling return .:ball::)

Booked London Stanstead to Rome for 78 euro return last week with Ryanair.

[stiffler]

Got accommodation sorted for Rome, i booked a triple room in the Hotel Romae for €150. It seems quite central and has good reviews on the trip advisor site...plus it has a bar !

[Sligo Hornet]

Booked London Stanstead to Rome for 78 euro return last week with Ryanair.

You might want to rethink!:eek:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7719716.stm

http://i37.tinypic.com/293ka55.jpg

No-one seriously hurt TG!

[Claret Murph]

You might want to rethink!:eek:



No-one seriously hurt TG!


As they say Hornet , you pay peanuts and you get errrr what you pay for .
You would never get that from a national carrier ;)

[Saint07]

Got flights through Zurich with Swiss Air out Tue back very early Firday morning for €180.
Its going to be gas if the game isnt on in Rome all the hotels wont know whats going on like Tiblisi.

[bawn79]

Has anyone applied to the FAI for tickets yet?
What is the normal procedure, if I ask for say 4 would I only get 2?
It I want 4 and ask for 8 to be on the safe side do I then have to take the 8 if you get what i mean?

Thanks lads first away trip, have been going to home games since 94 (I would have been 14 and from the country so that is my excuse).

[NeilMcD]

They will have a date on the website when you can send your e mail in expressing interest in getting an application form. If you are a block booker you have a decent chance of getting tickets for the game. But for this game it is unlikely you will get anymore than the amount you take for the home games. If you normally get 4 for the home games that is the most you will get and you would be lucky to get the 4.

[IsMiseSean]

I've emailed them already expressing my interest

[viagogo]

I've emailed them already expressing my interest

I emailed FAI Thurs night and got email today saying that i will be sent out application form closer to the date.

[viagogo]

You might want to rethink!:eek:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7719716.stm

http://i37.tinypic.com/293ka55.jpg

No-one seriously hurt TG!

Will have a shotgun ready for those birds!

[BaZmO*]

Booked flights and accomodation on Friday. Flying from Dublin to Stansted to Rome and staying in the Raffaello Hotel. Flights work out so much cheaper going the Stansted route instead of Dublin/Rome direct.

[Greenforever]

Looks like it could be Genoa!! Our allocation of tickets will be less than 4,000.

Only 100 miles from Milan, also accessible through Stanstead.