Dublin Rugby Weekend – February 2024
We’re Welsh, but Dublin always feels like a second home — like catching up with long-lost cousins over music, rugby, and a few too many pints. There’s something familiar in the humour, the hospitality, and the sheer love of the game. It’s like being part of one big extended family.
Saturday 24th February
It all kicked off early. Michael picked me up at half past midnight, and we made the sleepy drive to Holyhead to catch the 2:15 AM ferry. We were both running on fumes — barely an hour’s sleep — but got a bit more rest on the boat.
We docked in Dublin at 5:30 AM and headed straight to Maccy’s for breakfast. After a bit of wandering and taking in the calm before the storm, we made our way to The Arlington Hotel around 9:30 AM. The place was already buzzing — full of Welsh fans, many of whom had stayed overnight. It’s right by O’Connell Bridge, with a big bar, riverside views, and soon to be wall-to-wall rugby on the TVs. We met up with Carlos, Julie, Tim, and Lynne, and sat down for a well-earned second breakfast while the atmosphere built around us.
Although we didn’t have tickets for the game, we didn’t need them — Dublin was alive. Every pub was a stadium. The match was on Saturday afternoon, and the city came to a standstill. Every screen was crowded, every pint was raised.
Talking Points from the Match:
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Ireland dominated, especially up front — their forwards were unstoppable at the breakdown and in the scrum.
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Ref decisions caused a stir (as always), but there was little doubt — Ireland thoroughly deserved the win.
Saturday Night: Whelan’s
That evening, things went up another level. Thanks to my Louder Than War credentials — Neil Crud, no less — we got all six of us onto the guest list for the gig at Whelan’s. No blagging needed!
We saw Molly Vulpyne, the ferocious frontwoman of Dublin’s punk duo Vulpynes, tear it up with a solo set full of heavy riffs, howling vocals, and raw energy. It was loud, fun, and full of punch — exactly what you'd want after a big match day.
Support came from:
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The Frenzy of Tongs – a riotous punk rock band from Providence, Rhode Island (USA). They call themselves a "punk rock circus" — and they weren’t wrong. A wild, chaotic, and brilliant set.
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Arcadian Shadows – brought an atmospheric, melodic punk edge that perfectly set the tone for the night.
It was one of those evenings where everything just clicked — music, mood, company. Classic Dublin - and I remembered it !!
Sunday 25th February
Michael and I spent the day exploring more of the city, still riding the high of Saturday. After picking up a couple of cool books at a carboot sale, we ducked into a few quieter pubs and managed to catch the League Cup Final — Liverpool beating Chelsea — which added a cherry on top of a great weekend.
We caught the 8:30 PM ferry back to Holyhead that evening. the sea crossing was blighted by some absolute gobshite who clearly fancied himself as the entertainment. In reality, he was just a gobby cunt. One of those people who thinks being loud is the same as being funny. Sadly, no one else agreed. Still, he wasn’t enough to ruin the weekend.
Rolled into bed at around 1:30 AM — absolutely wrecked, but still buzzing. No match ticket needed — Dublin gave us everything we came for.
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