AUTUMN NATIONS 2026 IRELAND
Follow Ireland's home games in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Ireland Autumn Nations Series 2026 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Ireland v Argentina | Ireland v Fiji | Ireland v South Africa
Experience world-class international rugby as Ireland host three unmissable fixtures in the Autumn Nations Series 2026 at the Aviva Stadium — the home of Irish rugby.
This November, Dublin welcomes some of the game’s top nations for a thrilling series of encounters:
Ireland v Argentina – Friday 6 November
Ireland v Fiji – Saturday 14 November
Ireland v South Africa – Saturday 21 November
Feel the energy of a packed Aviva Stadium as Ireland take on a diverse mix of world-class opposition. From the physical intensity of Argentina to the flair and unpredictability of Fiji, and the powerhouse challenge of reigning southern hemisphere giants South Africa, these are fixtures that capture the very best of international rugby.
Why Attend the Ireland Autumn Internationals at Aviva Stadium?
Step inside the Aviva Stadium, one of Europe’s premier sporting venues, and enjoy an unforgettable matchday experience in the heart of Dublin. Expect elite-level competition, passionate supporters, and edge-of-your-seat action from first whistle to last.
- Watch Ireland Rugby live in Dublin
- Witness top-tier fixtures in the Autumn Nations Series 2026
- Experience the spectacle of Ireland v South Africa
- Enjoy premium hospitality, VIP packages, and corporate experiences
- Perfect for group bookings, client entertainment, and rugby fans
Contact Us
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Temperature | ||||||||||||
| Average Rainfall |
Aviva Stadium
Autumn Nations Tournament
Local info
AVIVA Stadium, DUBLIN
🏟️ Overview
- Name: Aviva Stadium
- Location: Dublin, Ireland (Ballsbridge area)
- Opened: 2010
- Capacity: ~51,700
- Owner: Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) & Football Association of Ireland (FAI)
It’s the national stadium of Ireland for both rugby union and football.
🏉 Rugby Significance
- Home of the Ireland national rugby team
- Hosts all Six Nations and Autumn Nations Series home fixtures
- Replaced the historic Lansdowne Road stadium on the same site
The Aviva is known for its intimate feel, keeping fans close to the action compared to larger stadiums.
⚽ Multi-Sport Venue
- Also hosts Republic of Ireland football internationals
- Venue for major finals including:
- UEFA Europa League Final (2011, 2024)
- Domestic cup finals
🏗️ Stadium Features
- Distinctive curved, glass-fronted design
- Modern, all-seater bowl with excellent sightlines
- One end (the Lansdowne Road end) has a lower tier due to nearby housing
- High-quality hospitality suites and premium seating
🔊 Atmosphere
- Known for a passionate but knowledgeable crowd
- Creates a strong atmosphere despite a smaller capacity than some rivals
- Pre-match anthems like “Ireland’s Call” are a standout moment
🎤 Beyond Sport
The Aviva Stadium also hosts:
- Major concerts (e.g. Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Taylor Swift)
- Corporate events and conferences
📍 Location & Accessibility
- Located in Ballsbridge, just south of Dublin city centre
- Easily accessible:
- 10–15 minute walk from the city centre
- DART (train) to Lansdowne Road Station (right beside the stadium)
- Bus routes across Dublin
🍻 Matchday Experience
- The surrounding area (Ballsbridge & city centre) is full of:
- Pubs and restaurants
- Pre- and post-match atmosphere
- Easy to combine with a weekend in Dublin
Expect:
- Friendly, social crowd
- Strong travelling fan presence
- A mix of tradition and modern stadium comfort
🏆 Why It Stands Out
- Modern stadium built on a historic rugby site
- Central location with excellent transport links
- More intimate viewing experience than larger venues
- A must-visit for rugby fans touring Europe
The Autumn Nations Tournament
🏉 The Big Change in 2026
Instead of isolated autumn Test matches, the November games are now Rounds 4–6 of a single global tournament played across the year.
- 12 teams involved:
- Six Nations sides (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales)
- Southern Hemisphere teams (New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina)
- Plus Japan and Fiji
🌍 Overall Tournament Format
1. Two “hemisphere” groups
- Northern Hemisphere group (Six Nations teams)
- Southern Hemisphere group (Rugby Championship teams + Japan & Fiji)
2. Six total matches per team
Each nation plays 6 matches in total:
- 3 matches in July (summer window)
- 3 matches in November (Autumn Nations Series)
Crucially:
- Every team plays only teams from the opposite hemisphere
- Matches are split home and away (3 home, 3 away)
👉 So your England fixtures vs Australia, Japan, and New Zealand are part of these November rounds.
3. League table & points system
Across those 6 matches:
- Teams earn points like a standard rugby competition:
- 4 for a win
- 2 for a draw
- Bonus points available
This creates:
- A Northern Hemisphere table
- A Southern Hemisphere table
4. Finals Weekend (Twickenham)
After the six rounds, everything culminates in London:
- 27–29 November 2026 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
- Each team plays a final match vs the equivalent-ranked team from the other hemisphere
Examples:
- 1st North vs 1st South → Championship Final
- 2nd vs 2nd → 3rd place playoff
- 3rd vs 3rd, etc.
👉 This means every team gets a final game, not just the finalists.
🔥 What This Means for the Autumn Nations Series
The November window (including your England fixtures) now:
- Directly impacts the league standings
- Helps decide who reaches the final or ranking matches
- Feels more like a World Cup-style competition, not just friendlies
💡 Simple Way to Think About It
- Old format: standalone autumn Tests
- New format (2026):
👉 One global league season + finals weekend
🎯 Why It Matters
- Bigger stakes for every match
- More elite matchups (North vs South every round)
- A clear narrative across the season
- A true international champion crowned at Twickenham
Local information
Getting there
🚆 By Train (DART – Best Option)
Take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit)
Get off at Lansdowne Road Station
The stadium is right next to the station (1–2 minute walk)
💡 This is the most convenient and popular option on matchdays.
🚶♂️ Walking
Around 10–15 minutes from Dublin city centre (e.g. St. Stephen’s Green)
A straightforward and pleasant walk through Ballsbridge
🚌 By Bus
Several Dublin Bus routes serve the area:
Common routes: 4, 7, 7A, 18, 27X
Stops are located a short walk from the stadium
🚗 By Car
Not recommended on matchdays
Road closures and heavy congestion are common
Very limited parking nearby
💡 Use public transport or park further out and travel in.
🚖 Taxi / Ride Share
Widely available across Dublin
Drop-off points may be restricted close to the stadium on event days
✈️ From Dublin Airport
Take an Aircoach or Dublin Bus into the city centre
Then:
Walk (10–15 minutes), or
Take the DART to Lansdowne Road
Journey time: ~30–45 minutes depending on traffic
🧭 Matchday Tips
Arrive early—the area gets busy quickly
DART services can be crowded before and after matches
Plan your return journey in advance
Consider staying nearby for convenience
Local info
🇮🇪 Dublin: Quick Guide & Local Tips
Dublin is compact, easy to get around, and perfect for a short break or rugby weekend.
🏟️ Things to Do
Guinness Storehouse – city views + iconic experience
Trinity College & Book of Kells – central and worth it for the library
Jameson Distillery – fun, interactive whiskey tour
Dublin Castle – quick cultural stop
Howth (DART trip) – cliffs, seafood, great views
🍻 Pubs & Atmosphere
Order at the bar, tipping isn’t expected
Locals usually stay in one pub rather than hopping around
Where to go:
Temple Bar – lively but touristy
Camden/Wexford Street – better mix
Stoneybatter – more local feel
🏉 Matchday (Aviva Stadium)
10–15 min walk from city centre
DART to Lansdowne Road (right beside stadium)
Good pre-match pubs:
The Bath Pub
Slattery’s
The Bridge 1859
🍽️ Food & Coffee
Bunsen – burgers
Brother Hubbard – brunch
Fish Shop – seafood
3FE / Kaph – top coffee
🚶♂️ Getting Around
Walk most places
Use DART for coast, bus for longer trips
Taxi app: Free Now
🌦️ Essentials
Bring a waterproof + layers
Card payments accepted almost everywhere
City is safe—just be aware late at night
💡 Local Tip
Don’t over-plan—Dublin is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace: a walk, a pub, and soaking up the atmosphere.
Why Choose World Choice Sports?
25 years of experience
For more than 25 years, World Choice Sports has been at the forefront of sports travel, delivering unforgettable experiences for fans who want more than just a ticket. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise, and a passion for the game. From securing premium access to managing every fine detail, we make sure your trip is seamless—so you can focus on the atmosphere, the excitement, and the moments that truly matter.
a team that knows the game
Behind every incredible trip is a team that lives and breathes sport. With a combined 150 years of experience across our team, we bring unmatched knowledge, insider insight, and a genuine passion for what we do.
We’ve seen it all, planned it all, and perfected it—so you can travel with confidence knowing you’re in expert hands.
Authorised reseller
When you book with World Choice Sports, you’re booking with total confidence. As an authorised reseller, we provide official tickets and exclusive packages sourced directly from event organisers. No guesswork, no stress—just guaranteed access to the biggest sporting events, exactly as it should be.
ATOL protected sports trips
Your journey should be all about excitement, not uncertainty. That’s why every package we offer is fully ATOL protected, keeping your money and your plans secure. With everything taken care of, you’re free to enjoy every second—from kickoff to the final whistle—knowing you’re completely protected every step of the way.
More Than Just a Trip
At World Choice Sports, we don’t just organise travel—we create experiences that stay with you long after the event ends. From the moment you enquire to the moment you return home, our dedicated team is there to support you, ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey packed with unforgettable moments.
BEING PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER.
Experiencing the World Cup is more than just watching a football tournament—it's about being part of a global celebration that unites people from every corner of the earth. The atmosphere, the passion, and the sheer drama of the competition create moments that resonate long after the final whistle. For fans, it’s a chance to witness history in the making, share in the triumphs and heartbreaks, and connect with others who share a love for the beautiful game. The World Cup is a rare event where cultures, nations, and individuals come together to celebrate sport, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to be part of it.
