The Department of Foreign Affairs has issed a travel advice pack for Munster fans travelling to Cardiff for the 2008 Heineken Cup final. It may be another week away but it pays to be prepared!
Irish Consulate in Cardiff
The Consulate General in Cardiff is located on the ground floor of Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road, which is near the Newport Road end of Queen Street. The Consulate will operate extended opening hours on the weekend of the match.
The telephone number of the Consulate General is 0044 2920 662000. Outside the extended opening hours, a duty officer can be contacted in the case of an emergency by ringing the Consulate number. A temporary Irish Consular facility will also operate at Cardiff Airport over the weekend.
The Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin also has an after hours Duty Officer who may be contacted in emergencies on 00 353 1 4780822. The Irish Embassy in London can also be contacted in case of an emergency on 0044 2072 352171.
General
The match will take place at the Millennium Stadium, which is located on Westgate Street in Cardiff. The stadium is within walking distance of Cardiff Central train station and the central shopping area.
On match day, the centre of Cardiff around the stadium is closed off to all vehicle traffic from 13.00 to 21.15. For those driving to Cardiff on the day there are some park and ride facilities available on main approach routes to Cardiff.
Match travel
Cardiff Airport is approximately 12 miles west of Cardiff centre. Passengers on chartered flights should check coaching details to and from Cardiff Airport with their tour operators. Cardiff airport are operating a strict staged access system to the airport for coaches for return charter flights.
This involves a halting point for coaches near the airport with refreshment and toilet facilities, from which coaches will be called up to airport when flight is open for check-in.
For those using scheduled flights there is a limited bus service to Cardiff airport which is not frequent and there is a limited service available on Sunday. For more information on the airport bus service (x91) and its departure point on match day and other bus services see www.cardiffbus.co.uk and the Cardiff airport website www.cwlfly.com . There is also a limited taxi service at the airport.
Fans leaving Cardiff after the match by train (Cardiff Central) please note there will be a staged departure in place. Passengers will be divided into queues outside the station according to their area of destination. Fans are advised to arrive early for their train.
Match Tickets
Any supporter who intends to travel to Cardiff without tickets should be aware that if buying tickets from unofficial sources there is a high risk of purchasing a forgery.
Local Travel and Accommodation
Supporters who have not secured accommodation in Cardiff before arrival will find it extremely difficult. Cardiff has a limited number of hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs which have been heavily booked well in advance. It may be possible to find accommodation in towns in South Wales near Cardiff or the Bristol area, however, it should be noted there is a very limited public transport service on weekends. More information on public transport can be found on www.rail.co.uk and www.nationalexpress.com.
Passport Requirements
Although Ireland and Britain have operated for many years a Common Travel Area for their citizens involving travel between the two countries without passport requirement, it should be noted that under current British terrorist legislation, there are identity/passport checks operated by the Home Office officials at main air and sea ports of entry and departure between Ireland and Wales.
Travel operators and airlines also may have specific requirements on photographic identification to facilitate your passage at air and sea ports. Please contact your operator for details and advice.
Health
As Britain is a Member State of the European Union/EEA, you are entitled to receive emergency medical treatment on the same basis as a national of that country but you must bring with you a European Health Insurance Card, which is available from your local Health Board or can be applied for online at www.Ehic.ie.
Personal Security
Enjoy your visit to Wales by being sensible and careful. Fans should be aware of the usual risk of pickpockets, muggers and bag snatchers associated with large scale events. Keep valuables safe and secure and out of sight.
Telephones
Irish mobile phones with a roaming facility will operate on the Wales network. The international code for Wales is 0044.
Money and Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted and Irish bank cards can be used in Wales ATMs, provided that the Irish bank cards are enabled for this purpose. We recommend that you check with your bank if you are in any doubt.
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