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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Legend and class act of a man! From a Dublin fan.
@Robbie Delaney: Hmm. https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/ewan-mackenna-theres-a-long-line-of-uncomfortable-truths-following-mickey-harte-that-cannot-be-shaken-off-37269637.html
@Robbie Delaney: would a class act of a man write character references in defence of a r*pist who threw the woman out of a van and left her there? I’m not so sure to be honest
@COYBIG: if he’s asked to do a character reference why wouldn’t he?
@Gaius Gracchus: what on earth was your point in dredging up that biased article???No-one ever said MH isn’t flawed like the rest of us but at the end of the day I have the height of respect for him as a manager, a parent, a cancer survivor and basically an all round decent and honest man.
@Michael B: personally I’d feel very uncomfortable providing a positive character reference to a man who admitted to sexual offences
@Michael B: are you actually serious????? You would write a character reference for a man to pled guilty to raping a woman and firing her out of his van?
@Frank Dubogovik: because it’s important to understand what actually drives him. The character reference, and lack of understanding why it was a problem, is an issue. Everyone has experienced death and tragedy, but with Harte it seems to be the distraction from his inadequacies, rather than than a driving force. There is zero chance of him stepping down, and zero chance of the country board replacing him, and this hold on power will mean lack of a fresh vision for all ages, and years in the wilderness for Tyrone.
@Gaius Gracchus: You’ve just reminded me why I never liked Mickey Harte!!!
@Gaius Gracchus: hmm! The Independent. Then it all has to be true….
@Gaius Gracchus:
That article is an appalling piece of journalism.
@Paddy Reid: how about this one… Straight to the point https://amp.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/womans-fury-as-sex-attacker-given-reference-by-gaa-boss-harte-is-jailed-for-twoandahalf-years-29102469.html
@Paddy Reid: that’s not the point
@Gaius Gracchus: Ewan McKenna wrote that, enough said
@Dublin Gooner: What difference does it make who wrote it?
@Gaius Gracchus: what a mor0n you are. Any one can google an ad from a newspaper hack have you no independent thought analysis of your own ??
@Gulliver Foyle: Years in the wilderness? An all Ireland final this year and a semi final last year. I’d say that a lot of teams would love to be stuck in that wilderness alright.
He’s a great man to bring a team to croke Park after all he has been through in the last few years anyway the best team won on the day;
The man is a pain in the ar*e. They need a new mananger that will encourage a more attacking style of play.
@John Longmore: again you’re showing your complete lack of knowledge of the Gaa. There is no one else capable of doing what he does. Tyrone have 42 clubs unlike cork which has around 250, he gets the best out of what he has.
@paddy fox: Cork may have that many clubs but Gaelic football is ,was and always will be a second class sport in Cork played primarily for fitness for the hurling season and only played seriously in small pockets of the county. I would venture Tyrone would have a greater pick of actual serious footballers than Cork selectors
@paddy fox: how many clubs have Dublin? Also look at their population & the amount of money being pumped in.
@Margaret: what have the dubs got to do with this get a grip Margaret
Up the dubs for 5 in row
@Colm Lyons: duck broken by Kerry miners so it could happen.
What terrific words from a legend just shows you ” there’s more to life than winning football games” class from the man.
Ryan Mc Meniman tough rough Tyrone man, was a wimp against the Ozzies.