Champions Cup travel guide: The best ways for Irish fans to follow their province across Europe
The Investec Champions Cup 2026/27 has enticing travel in store for supporters of Connacht, Leinster and Munster.
From the famous atmosphere of Clermont to weekends in Bordeaux, Bristol and La Rochelle, fantastic European rugby destinations are on the agenda this season.
We’ve looked at the easiest ways to reach every away game from Ireland, taking into account winter flight times rather than just the nearest airport.
Round 2 – Exeter Chiefs
Sunday December 13, 2026 – 1:00 p.m.
- Place: Sand Park, Exeter
- Recommended airport: Bristol Airport (BRS)
- Transfer: Direct train from Bristol to Exeter (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes).
- For what? Exeter Airport has very limited services from Ireland in winter, while Bristol benefits from regular direct services from Dublin, Cork and Shannon throughout the year.
Round 4 – La Rochelle
Saturday January 16, 2027 – 5:30 p.m.
- Place: Stade Marcel-Deflandre
- Recommended airport: Bordeaux Airport (BOD)
- Transfer: Direct train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle (around two hours).
- For what? Although La Rochelle has an airport, the Dublin route only operates from the end of March to the end of September, meaning there are no direct winter flights from Ireland for this fixture. Bordeaux is by far the easiest option.
Round 1 – Clermont Auvergne
Saturday October 17, 2026 – 3:15 p.m.
- Place: Marcel Michelin Stadium
- Recommended airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS)
- Transfer: About two hours by direct train.
- For what? Lyon offers many more flight options from Ireland than Clermont-Ferrand and has an excellent rail connection.
Round 4 – Leicester Tigers
Saturday January 16, 2027 – 8:00 p.m.
- Place: Mattioli Woods Welford Road
- Recommended airport: Birmingham Airport (BHX)
- Alternative: East Midlands Airport (EMA)
- Transfer: Birmingham Airport offers direct train services to Leicester in around an hour.
- For what? Birmingham generally offers the widest choice of direct flights from Ireland.
Round 2 – Bristol Bears
Saturday December 12, 2026 – 8:00 p.m.
- Place: Ashton Gate
- Recommended airport: Bristol Airport (BRS)
- Transfer: About 20 minutes by airport bus or taxi.
- For what? One of the easiest European trips with frequent direct flights from Ireland.
Round 3 – Union Bordeaux Bègles
Sunday January 10, 2027 – 4:15 p.m.
- Place: Chaban-Delmas Stadium
- Recommended airport: Bordeaux Airport (BOD)
- Transfer: About 30 minutes from the city center by tram and bus.
- For what? Bordeaux remains one of the French cities best connected from Ireland during the winter program.
At a glance
| Province | Meeting outside | Best airport | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connacht | Exeter Chiefs | Bristol | Train (1h20) |
| Connacht | La Rochelle | Bordeaux | Train (approximately 2 hours) |
| Leinster | Clermont Auvergne | Lyon | Train (approximately 2 hours) |
| Leinster | Leicester Tigers | Birmingham | Direct rail service |
| Munster | Bristol Bear | Bristol | Airport bus or taxi |
| Munster | Union Bordeaux Bègles | Bordeaux | Tram to city center |
Fans are advised to wait until airlines release their full winter schedules before booking. Match dates are confirmed, but kick-off times and TV selections are subject to change.
Whether it’s a quick hop to Bristol, a weekend away to Bordeaux or a memorable trip to the volcanic heart of France in Clermont, Irish fans have plenty to look forward to in another fascinating Investec Champions Cup campaign.
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