Travel Advice and Airport Arrangements

The Dept. of Foreign Affairs has supplied advice and their contact details for travelling fans. Also included is important information for fans travelling through Cork Airport

Travel Advice

Irish Citizens travelling to the Heineken Cup Final in Cardiff on 20 May

Irish Consulate-General

The Consulate General in Cardiff is located on the ground floor of Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road, which is near the Newport Road end of Queen Street. The Consulate will operate extended opening hours on the weekend of the match, the telephone number of the Consulate General is 0044 2920 662000. Outside the extended opening hours, a duty officer can be contacted in the case of an emergency by ringing the Consulate number.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin also has an after hours Duty Officer who may be contacted in emergencies on 00 353 1 4780822.

The Irish Embassy in London can also be contacted in case of an emergency on

0044 2072 352171.

General

The match will take place in the Millennium Stadium, which is located on Westgate Street in Cardiff. The stadium is within walking distance of Cardiff Central train station and the central shopping area.

On match day the centre of Cardiff around the stadium is closed off to all vehicle traffic from 12.00 to 19.30. For those driving to Cardiff on the day there are some park and ride facilities available on main approach routes to Cardiff.

Cardiff Airport is approximately 12 miles west of Cardiff centre. Passengers on chartered flights should check coaching details to and from Cardiff Airport with their tour operators. Cardiff airport are operating a strict staged access system to the airport for coaches for return flights involving a halting point near the airport with refreshment and toilet facilities. For those using scheduled flights there is a bus service to Cardiff airport which is not frequent and there is a limited service available on Sunday. For more information on the airport bus service (x91) and other services see www.cardiffbus.co.uk and the Cardiff airport website www.cwlfly.com There is also a taxi service at the airport.

Tickets

Any supporter who intends to travel to Cardiff without tickets should not expect to get tickets on the match day. Citizens should be aware that if buying tickets from unofficial sources there is a high risk of purchasing a forgery.

Local Travel and Accommodation

Supporters who have not yet secured accommodation in Cardiff will find it extremely difficult. Cardiff has a limited number of hotels, guesthouses and B&BS which have been heavily booked well in advance. It may be possible to find accommodation in towns in South Wales near Cardiff or the Bristol area, however, it should be noted there is a very limited public transport service on weekends. More information on public transport can be found on www.rail.co.uk and www.nationalexpress.com.

Passport Requirements

Although Ireland and Britain have operated for many years a Common Travel Area for their citizens involving travel between the two countries without passport requirement, it should be noted that under current UK terrorist legislation, there are identity/passport checks operated by the Home Office officials at main air and sea ports of entry and departure between Ireland and Wales.

Travel operators and airlines also may have specific requirements on photographic identification to facilitate your passage at air and sea ports. Please contact your operator for details and advice.

Health

As Britain is a Member State of the European Union/EEA, you are entitled to receive emergency medical treatment on the same basis as a national of that country but you must bring with you a European Health Insurance Card, which is available from your local Health Board or can be applied for online at www.Ehic.ie.

Personal Security

Enjoy your visit to Wales by being sensible and careful. At big events, you should be particularly aware of pickpockets, muggers and bag snatchers. Keep valuables safe and secure and out of sight.

CORK AIRPORT ANNOUNCES ARRANGEMENTS
FOR HEINEKEN CUP FINAL PASSENGERS

Cork Airport is getting ready for what is expected to be one of the busiest days in its history. Over 3,000 Munster rugby fans will descend on the Airport next weekend as they fly out to support Munster in their bid to win the Heineken Cup in Cardiff on Saturday, May 20th.

To ensure that fans get the special day off to a great start, management at Cork Airport is issuing the following advice:

All special rugby charters on May 20th will operate from the North Terminals , adjacent to the Cargo Depots.

As traffic is expected to be extremely busy, please arrange to be dropped to the Airport, if at all possible. If you must bring your car, please car pool and use the new multi-storey and long-term car parks.

Please ensure plenty of time for check-in. Airport management recommends a minimum of 90 MINUTES before your scheduled departure.

Please bring all relevant travel documentation with you to the Airport. Intending passengers are also reminded to bring a valid passport which must be presented at check-in.

Please pay attention to all announcements advising of flight details to ensure that there are no delays during the morning.

Passengers are requested to comply with all security and safety measures at Cork Airport which are implemented for the safety and security of all passengers.

Please limit the number of carry-on items as this will ensure timely departure. In this regard, please limit carry-on items to one small back pack.

Munster Supporters flags are most welcome. However, any item which has the ability to be adapted for causing injury to another passenger will be confiscated. Fog Horn canisters which exceed 500ml are prohibited.

Passengers are asked to bear in mind that the North Terminals will get very crowded prior to departure times. To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, we ask all passengers to follow the instructions of our uniformed ground staff at the terminal to prevent overcrowding.

There will be a temporary shop provided for essentials (tea, coffee, minerals, newspapers, etc). However, no catering facilities will be available at the North Terminals .

Please note that consumption of alcohol at the North Terminals is prohibited.

All passengers due to fly on scheduled services and holiday charter services on Saturday, May 20th should be aware that these flights will operate as normal. However, passengers are advised to allow additional time for car parking, check-in procedures, and security checks.

We wish all our passengers a safe journey on May 20th, and enjoy the match!