Connacht’s Away Day Guide to Gloucester
This Roman influenced city is the gateway to the Cotswolds and the furthest inland port city in England. A city with plenty of charm and history to make it a fun filled weekend.
Getting There
There are numerous direct buses that go from Galway straight to Dublin airport with Citylink. Expressway are the main operators for the rest of Connacht along with some private bus companies. You can get a bus from Galway bus station with Bus Eireann to Shannon Airport.
Shannon>Birmingham: Aer Lingus fly direct to Birmingham from Shannon which is 1 hour and 20 minutes from Gloucester. You can book a train ticket with trainline to bring you from Birmingham Airport directly to the city centre.
Dublin>Birmingham and Bristol: Bristol is located close by and is 1 hour 40 minutes from Gloucester. Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair fly to both cities from Dublin. Once you arrive in Bristol Airport you can grab an airport express transfer bus to Bristol Temple Meads station, and from there you can get a train to Gloucester city.
Where to Stay
Gloucester has a range of accommodation to suit any budget. It is an easy city to get around no matter where you stay. The docks and quays area have some good choices. If you chose to stay at the docks, you are a 10 minute drive from Kingsholm Stadium.
City to Stadium
Kingsholm Stadium is conveniently located in the city and is no more than a 10-minute train or bus from the centre or the quays. Both the gold and orange line will take you straight to Kingsholm.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly from Gloucester Rugby HERE.
The Malvern Tyres and Stowford Press Stand are both covered with seating.
Stadium
A lot of supporters gather in the Kingsholm Inn near the stadium before entering the ground. Make sure to catch happy hour at the stadium which runs from the time gates open until 1 hour before kick-off. There is a wide selection of food offerings and pre match entertainment in the fan zone.
Bars in the city
The Pelican Inn: For some good ale before or after the game.
The Cider Tree: A restored 15th century coach house.
Dr Fosters Victorian Bar and Warehouse: Located in a warehouse right on Gloucester docks.
The New Inn: A historic bar with great English Ale.
Food in the City
So Pie: If you fancy a warm pie on matchday then head to this pie specialist on the docks.
Brewhouse and Kitchen: Brewhouse use their own homemade craft beer in each recipe.
The Old Bell-Tigers Eye: Famous for serving Pan Asian cuisine on a Black Rock grill.
The Grill Shed: Where you will find grilled, high quality meat dishes.
Sightseeing
Gloucester Cathedral: A gothic 11th century building that houses the tomb of King Edward II and famous for featuring in many films such as Harry Potter.
Gloucester Docks: Lots of old Victorian dock houses and great for a leisurely stroll.
St Michael’s Buildings: The highest tower in the city where the four main streets meet.
Cotswolds
Known for its quaint English towns and rolling hills, this famous part of England has a lot to offer. The picturesque towns of Painwick and others in the Cotswolds are only 1 hour train from Gloucester and perfect for hikers and cyclists.
After our trip to Gloucester, there’s just a six-day turnaround before the Premiership side return the favour and visit The Sportsground. It’s set to be another massive European occasion on College Road, so book your spot now before it’s too late.