CLOSE TO THE Belgian border, Lille plays host to Ireland’s final Group E fixture against Italy.
Over 800km from Bordeaux, Irish fans have quite a distance to travel to the boys in green’s last group match.
The venue, Stade Pierre-Mauroy isn’t far from the city centre and is surrounded by restaurants and bars. The city is served well by public transport too, it’s quite cheap and there’s good beer! What more do you want?
Here’s our guide to the city.
How do I get to the stadium?
You can take the Metro (Ligne 1 or Yellow Line) from Lille city centre to nearby stations, Cité Scientifique and 4 Cantons Grand Stade. You can also board the Metro at Gare Lille Flanders, the city’s main railway station. Another option is to take Ligne 2 or the Red Line as far as Les Pres, and get the shuttle bus provided from there to the stadium.
Bus 18 can be taken from the southern parts of Lille’s centre. The bus goes in the direction of Villeneuve d’Ascq and passes right by the stadium. The stop is called Versailles.
By car, the stadium is easily reached and is surrounded by carparks. From the N277 motorway, take exit 3 for Villeneuve d’Ascq and follow the “Grand Stade” signs.
Not going to the match?
Don’t worry, the massive fanzone will be showing all the action on the big screen. The zone fits 30,000 and will be located at Place Francois Mitterrand, near Lille Europe Station.
Ed Leahy / Twitter
Ed Leahy / Twitter / Twitter
Where to eat and drink
Lille is sure to be pretty crazy during the Euros, especially with the arrival of the Irish fans. There aren’t many bars around the stadium, apart from La Regie, which is renowned for its cocktails and may be a little upmarket for a pre-match pint. There are several restaurants around the stadium too to ensure you’re watching the match with a full stomach. Last resort, there’s a Subway a small walk away.
Tír Na nÓg (30, Place Philippe Le Bon, 59000)
Located in the city centre, Tír na nÓg is the best known Irish bar in Lille. They show live sport on the big screen and it’s a solid spot for a pint before (and after) the match.
MacLarens (44 rue Puébla, 59000)
It’s an ideal place to watch the match if you’re not going, or any of the other fixtures. Try some northern French fast-food while taking advantage of the big screens.
O’Scotland (168 Rue Solférino, 59000)
This Scottish pub is centrally located, has cheap beer and serves tasty food. They also show live sport and have dartboards, so it’s the perfect place to chill out before the Italy match.
La Capsule (25 Rue des Trois Mollettes, 59000)
Another bar/restaurant with a friendly atmosphere, great beer and it’s quite easy on the pocket too!
L’Irish Corner (5 Avenue Kaarst 59110)
“To be sure – great grub!” straight off TripAdvisor.
How to get around
In the city centre, most places are walk-able but you can also take the metro, tram or bus- they all have inter-changeable tickets.(three stops €0.80, any-distance €1.50, day pass €4. There is also a city-wide bike rental scheme. You can buy a City Pass (from €25 for 24 hours) which provides free entry to around 30 attractions, a well as free public transport.
What to do during the day
See some sights
Lille is a beautiful city full of picturesque streets and fine architecture. Be sure to visit Vieux-Lille or the old town while you’re around. The main square is another place to be sure to see.
Watch an Ireland training session
The squad are staying in Versailles and will be training at the nearby AFC Versailles facilities. This will surely get you in the mood for the big match.
Why not take a trip to Belgium?
When you’re that close you might as well - Ypres is just a 40 minute drive away. Not only is it a stunning traditional Flemish town, it also has some historical importance. Visit one of the many WW1 memorial sites, or just take a drive around the surrounding countryside.
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A day pass for the bus,tram and metro is €4???..It would cost me €4 to get a 5k one way bus journey into Cork City!!!.
It’s called ripoff Ireland
I can’t imagine there will be too many Irish fans planning on viewing the WW1 memorial attractions
Just wondering is it normal to be moving teams around so much? Could they not have played the Belgium game in a northern venue as well like?
It’s certainly normal, whether it’s advisable or not. Italia 90 we were all over the shop. In USA ’94 we were between New Jersey and Florida
Ya but in Poland and Ukraine we were fairly localised for all matches, I should know as I was there, seems a joke to drag them down to Bordeaux to be hon, fans treated shabbily again
One of the main partners is SNCF. The company that operates the railways.so large distances between venues suits them perfectly
Ah yes, thanks Darren
Actually it’s more down to the FAI’s choice of where the squad would be based.
So where would you base that’s better, if one game is in Paris another at the northern tip of the country and the other in the south west?? At least the base is relatively close to two of the games
I was lucky enough to get 4 tickets. COYBIG