Mark Roddenlooks at the best Rugby, Australian Rules and International Rules deals
International Rules series
The International Rules series between Ireland and Australia will resume with two test matches Down Under this autumn. A selection of our best Gaelic footballers will face Australia in Perth on October 24th and in Melbourne on October 31st.
Group Travel International (01-8434734, www.gti-ireland.com) is offering a 17-day package that will take in both games, leaving on October 21st and including a one-night stopover in Singapore, as well as four nights in Perth, five nights in Melbourne and four nights in Sydney. It also includes return flights as well as internal flights, match transfers and tickets for both games. Prices from €2,995 per person plus taxes.
Rugby
Leinster Sports Travel (01-8336935, www.leinstersportstravel.com) has launched its 2009 Six Nations programme, which includes a deal for the Valentine's weekend fixture against Italy in Rome. The company is also offering trips to Edinburgh to see Ireland in action against Scotland on March 14th and to Cardiff for the final match against Wales on March 21st.
Australian Rules
AFL Grand Final day is one of the biggest events in the Australian sporting calendar. This year's Premiership final will take place on Saturday, September 27th at the 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground. Travel and match-day ticket packages for the event will go on sale in August. Prices can be several hundred dollars plus, depending on your choice of package and seating. AFL clubs are likely to make their allocation of seats available in August. Contact AFL Travel on 00-61-3-9650-9900, www.afltravel.com.au.