There’s something special about rugby on a November night in Dublin 4. The floodlights come on over Lansdowne Road, the pubs empty out onto the street and a sea of green scarves heads towards the ground with the breath showing in the cold air.
The Schoolhouse Hotel is just 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from the Aviva Stadium, so we have a front row seat for all of it. This year Ireland play three home Tests in November, and here’s everything you need to plan your trip.
Ireland’s November fixtures
All three games take place at the Aviva Stadium. Kick off times can change for television, so check before you travel.
Ireland v Argentina, Friday 6 November
The autumn opens under Friday night lights. The last time these two met, in 2024, Ireland held on for a tight 22 to 19 win, and the Pumas never make things easy. A Friday kick off also means you can turn the match into a long weekend in the city.
Ireland v Fiji, Saturday 14 November
Fiji bring pace, flair and some of the most exciting running rugby you’ll see all year. It’s a Saturday night game, so there’s a full day to explore Dublin before heading to the ground.
Ireland v South Africa, Saturday 21 November
This is the big one. The Springboks won 24 to 13 in Dublin last November, their first win at the ground in over a decade, so there’s plenty riding on the rematch. With a 4.40pm kick off, you’ll be out in time for dinner and a long evening of going over every decision.
A new format for 2026
These games are part of the new Nations Championship, which brings together twelve of the world’s top teams across the summer and autumn Test windows. Ireland played their first three games away from home in July, and these November fixtures complete their pool matches.
The competition wraps up with a finals weekend in London from 27 to 29 November, where Ireland’s final opponent will depend on the standings. It gives every one of these home games real weight.
More at the Aviva this November
It’s not only rugby on Lansdowne Road this month. The FAI Men’s Cup Final takes place on Sunday 8 November at 3pm, and the Republic of Ireland face Kosovo in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday 17 November at 7.45pm. Dublin 4 will be busy for most of the month.
Tickets and match day tips
- Tickets for the rugby are sold through Ticketmaster.ie and the IRFU at irishrugby.ie. The South Africa game is always in huge demand, so don’t leave it late.
- The Aviva Stadium is fully cashless, so bring a card or have your phone set up for payments.
- Lansdowne Road DART station is right beside the ground and gets very busy after the final whistle. Staying nearby means you can simply walk back.
- An 8.10pm kick off means a late finish, which is one more good reason to stay over rather than rush for a train home.
For more on getting to the ground, eating nearby and making the most of the day, have a read of our Aviva Stadium guide.
Before and after the game
Our Gastrobar is a short stroll from the stadium and a great place to meet up before kick off or settle in afterwards. Ask about our match day menu, and book a table ahead of time, as every restaurant in Dublin 4 fills up on international weekends.
Stay a short walk from the ground
Our rooms are cosy, comfortable and a little eclectic, set inside a Victorian schoolhouse that has been part of Ballsbridge since 1859. You can walk to the Aviva in 10 to 15 minutes, then come back to a quiet room while the rest of the city is still queuing for taxis.
International weekends book up fast, so take a look at our rooms and book direct with us for our best available rates.
