As Irish fans converge on Twickenham AA Roadwatch offer some handy tips to get there safely

The Heineken Cup Final, or as we like to call it, the All Ireland Final, is set for Twickenham on Saturday 19^th May. While this may be the third trip to the final in only four years for Leinster fans, it is the first time they’ve had to share their journey with another Irish team.

AA Roadwatch has put together some tips that even travelling veterans may find useful ahead of the journey to the final.

If you’re flying to the UK:

• Some airlines require passengers to check in online in advance. Don’t forget to do this and to print off your boarding pass as an additional charge may be applied to reprint at the airport.
• Make sure to check which Terminal you are departing from. Aer Lingus flights from Dublin depart from Terminal 2.
• Log on to www.aaroadwatch.ie before you leave the house to ensure that your route to the airport is incident and delay free.
• It is advised to allow at least 90 minutes to get through airport security. Flights to the UK, especially to all London Airports on Thursday 17^th and Friday 18^th are expected to be very busy so avoid panic and get there early.

 For those taking the car:

 An obvious travel tip with any journey is to make sure your vehicle is road worthy before setting out; check your tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth.

• Don’t forget your drivers licence and insurance documents.
• Make sure to bring your AA Membership Card with you.  AA Membership covers you for roadside assistance anywhere in the UK and Ireland.  For those without cover, a breakdown on a UK motorway can prove far more costly than in Ireland.  UK garage agents charge an average of  £150 (around €187) to recover a vehicle stranded on the motorway.
• Ensure you get to the port in plenty of time. Ferries are likely to be busy so extra traffic should be expected on all approach roads to Dun Laoghaire, Dublin Port and Rosslare.
• Fuel is more expensive in the UK so make sure you have a full tank before departure.
• Keep in mind that speed limits are displayed in Miles per Hour in the UK.
• You must ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunrise and sunset.
• If this is your first time driving in London, be aware that a congestion charge is in place in Central London. This charge does not stretch out as far as Twickenham.

Getting to Twickenham:

•  Regular mainline trains run to Twickenham station from Waterloo and Reading. The station is a short walk from the Stadium.
•  The London Underground runs to Richmond on the District Line and to Hounslow on the Piccadilly Line.
• Those taking the Tube should note that upgrade works take place at weekends and may result in passengers taking alternative and longer routes.
• For most events the RFU operate a regular shuttle bus service between Richmond and Twickenham stadium which departs opposite the Pools on the Park. The service costs 50p one way. The return journey is free.
• Buses 281, 267 and H22 all run regular services which pass close to the stadium.

 AA Roadwatch wishes both Ulster and Leinster fans a safe and very enjoyable trip to Twickenham. Remember to stay vigilant on the road, never ever drink and drive. Do not get behind the wheel the day after consuming alcohol until you are sure it is safe to do so.