In Dublin for Ireland V England? Ryan Baird on the best spots to eat and drink near the Aviva
Ireland’s Ryan Baird gives his food and drink recommendations ahead of this weekend's game in the Aviva
On Saturday evening, Ireland will face England in a sold-out Aviva Stadium.
We asked Ireland's Ryan Baird for his recommendations on where fans should grab a pre-match meal, and a celebratory pint (hopefully!) if they are heading to Lansdowne Road for the game.
Ireland's Ryan Baird says BuJo's burger joint in Sandymount is a great shout for some flame-grilled burgers and loaded chips - and it's within a 15 minutes walk of the grounds.
"They also serve three different Wicklow Wolf beverages including an Ale, lager and IPA."
Within a ten-minute walk, Paulie's Pizza, The Chophouse and The Old Spot all come highly recommended by Baird.
Around Ballsbridge, Baird says Mae's restaurant is "incredible" but on the pricer side.
"It's the best meal I've had in Dublin."
There's also Roly's bistro, serving traditional fare like fish and chips and rib eye beef.
"Roly's is your traditional bistro, it's a nice relaxing environment to bring your parents to."
"And it's next door to The Bridge, so when you're done your meal you can pop next door for a pint."
Ranelagh is "always a good bet" for pizza according to Baird, who says he recently dined at Rita's, a Naples-style pizzeria, and would highly recommend it. Sano is another favourite in the area.
Finally, for those in a rush, Baird recommends Chimac, a Korean fried-chicken pop-up located in the West Stand lower tier, block 125.
When it comes to pints before the game, Beggar's Bush has a "great atmosphere," Baird says.
The Chophouse is great for food and a pint, and there's always "a great sense of anticipation pre-game".
"Slatterys is always packed," he says, and Ryan's has a nice outdoor area if the forecasted rain holds off. The Old Spot and The Bath are also good spots.
Also a stone’s throw from the Aviva Stadium is The Bridge 1859, co-owned by a number of the Irish squad including Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien and Rob and Dave Kearney.
Unsurprisingly, it's a popular spot for fans before the games.
"Dave Kearney says there's always a buzz of excitement there before a match," Baird says.
Other pubs worth a drop-in in the Ballsbridge area include Crows, Paddy Cullens, Mary Mac's, The Horseshow and Roley's bistro.
Baird recommends heading for Baggot Street after the game where Searsons, The Waterloo, and Toners are all likely to be hopping post-match.
"For a quick bite there, you have Bunsen burger, Mexican from Boojum and Tolteca, Saba for Asian, and Japanese from Zakura."
