Your first football weekend should be unforgettable. The chants starting outside the stadium, the walk through the turnstile, the pitch lighting up as the players step out; it feels like stepping into a different world. Yet the journey from Ireland to the Premier League can be daunting when you try arranging everything yourself. Many fans assume it’s as simple as booking a flight and then finding a match ticket online, only to discover the reality: unofficial resale platforms, fixture date changes, hotel price surges and strict stadium rules that are not always obvious until you arrive. 

If you are planning your first football trip, learn from the most common mistakes and set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free match weekend. 

 1. Booking flights before securing a match ticket

One of the biggest pitfalls is booking flights or ferries first. Fans assume they will “sort tickets later”, but popular matches rarely make it to general sale. Flights are booked, accommodation is reserved, and suddenly the reality hits: there is no ticket. 

The correct order is always: match ticket first, then travel. 

Packages that include an official ticket, hotel and travel options remove all uncertainty. You secure the core of your trip before committing to anything else. 

2. Buying from unofficial ticket resale sites

Irish fans, especially first timers, are often drawn to big resale platforms that advertise seats at inflated prices. The issue is not just cost. The club can cancel tickets that were re-sold or flagged as suspicious, and stadium staff can deny entry if the name on the ticket does not match the person attending. The disappointment of travelling all the way to Manchester or Liverpool only to be turned away at the gate is very real. 

Official allocation through authorised tour operators ensures the ticket is valid, traceable and scanned without drama. 

 3. Assuming the match date is fixed

Premier League fixtures are “subject to change” and can be moved for TV scheduling, Cup clashes or police requirements. A Saturday afternoon kick off can be rescheduled to Sunday evening with little notice, which can ruin return travel plans if flights have been booked too tightly. Fans often find themselves paying for extra nights or changing flights at a high cost. 

When your ticket and accommodation are part of a package, you are not alone in dealing with the change; support is provided and your plans are adapted. 

 4. Waiting for the general sale

Many fans believe they will buy directly from the club once tickets appear to the public. In reality, most Premier League clubs never reach general sale. Members and season ticket holders purchase before the public, leaving little or nothing available. 

Packages bypass this issue because tickets are secured through official allocation rather than public sale queues. 

 5. Choosing the wrong seating area

Some first-timers opt for the cheapest seat, unaware that certain seating zones are highly controlled. Being placed near the away stand while wearing home colours can cause problems, as can cheering for the wrong team in an area that expects neutral behaviour. 

Knowing exactly where the ticket seats you is crucial for comfort and safety. With official packages, seating clarity is part of the booking. 

 6. Underestimating match weekend costs

Football weekends in Manchester, Liverpool or London are expensive. Prices increase around match days, especially for hotels near stadiums or in the city centre. Fans often budget for the match ticket alone, without considering food, transport, taxis, stadium tours, merchandise and other extras. 

A package clarifies costs upfront. There are no surprise hotel rate hikes or last-minute scrambles to find a room two bus rides from the stadium. 

 7. Not understanding stadium etiquette

Football culture in the UK is respectful but passionate. Every stadium has rules that first-timers do not always realise exist: 

• You cannot wear away colours in home sections. 

• You should not loudly cheer for the away team in a home area. 

• Standing for long periods can lead to warnings from stewards. 

Understanding the unwritten etiquette ensures an enjoyable and safe match day without awkward moments. 

 8. Leaving planning to the last minute

Fans often tell themselves, “We’ll sort it in September”. By then, hotels are sold out near stadiums. Seats are gone. Flights have increased. The result is a patchwork itinerary that costs more and delivers less. 

Packages remove stress because everything is secured in advance. 

9. Trying to cram too much into one trip

Many fans attempt stadium tours, sightseeing, pub crawls and shopping all in one weekend. By the time they reach the actual match, they are exhausted and rushed, which takes away from the atmosphere. 

A better approach is to build a balanced itinerary: explore the city, enjoy the pubs and let the match be the centrepiece, not a box to tick. 

 10. Believing DIY planning is cheaper than a package

At face value, piecing everything together looks cheaper. In reality, once you add fluctuating hotel rates, rising flight prices, ticket mark ups on resale sites and multiple separate payments, costs escalate. A package locks everything in and provides certainty. 

Freedom without risk is the real value.  

Finally,

Your first football trip from Ireland should be about energy, emotion and the sheer thrill of match day. Avoiding the mistakes that many first-time travellers make means you can enjoy the experience instead of trying to fix problems while standing outside a stadium. 

When you choose an official package, your ticket is guaranteed, your hotel is booked, and your itinerary is clear. You still have complete freedom to explore Manchester, Liverpool or London your own way, you simply remove the risk!

Let Celtic Horizon Tours take care of the logistics while you focus on the game.