For Irish fans, attending a Premier League match is far more than a weekend break. It is a pilgrimage. Yet securing a match ticket can be surprisingly difficult because Premier League clubs operate strict priority systems. Understanding how the system works, and where a tour operator fits into it, can be the difference between watching the match from the stands or spending the afternoon in a pub near the stadiumrefreshing resale sites. 

Why getting Premier League tickets is not as simple as “first-come, first-served” 

Most clubs allocate tickets in a strict hierarchy. Season ticket holders get first access, then paying club members, and only after that do general public tickets appear, if they appear at all. For games involving Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea, general sale often never happens because earlier priority tiers sell out everything. 

Many Irish fans get caught out by assuming that they can just jump online on the week of the match. By that point, almost every seat is gone. A membership can help, but it also requires you to stay on top of on-sale dates, queue systems, passwords, presale windows and payment cut-offs. It can feel like trying to buy concert tickets during peak hype. 

Booking through Celtic Horizon Tours removes most of that uncertainty. You know the ticket is secured. You know where you are sitting. You know your hotel and travel are arranged. It feels organised from the first moment, instead of chaotic and rushed.  

Should Irish fans buy club memberships? 

A membership can move you up the priority ladder. However, it does not guarantee a ticket. Many clubs now use a loyalty points system, meaning members who have attended more matches get first access. For occasional travellers, that makes memberships less effective. 

If your goal is to attend one major match a year, a packaged trip with official tickets often makes more sense than paying for memberships, waiting for presales, trying multiple devices at 9 a.m., and walking away with nothing.  

Buying at the right time: sale windows and strategy 

Every club sets its own on-sale rules. Some release tickets months in advance. Some do it only a few weeks before the fixture, and others require proof of travel to qualify. 

You need to: 

• Know the on-sale date 

• Be logged into the club account in advance 

• Know your seat preferences and pricing strategy 

• Be prepared to move quickly when your queue position opens 

If you are travelling from Ireland, timing becomes even more important because your accommodation and flights depend on securing a ticket. Celtic Horizon Tours removes that stress because the ticket is already allocated before you commit to travel. You book one package, and everything is handled.  

Official resale vs unofficial resellers: do not risk being refused entry 

Football ticket resale in the UK is tightly regulated. Unofficial resale is risky because: 

• Tickets can be invalidated by the club 

• Stadiums can refuse entry if the name on the card does not match 

• Third-party sellers sometimes resell tickets that do not exist 

When you book through a tour operator, you avoid those problems because the seats are sourced from an authorised allocation. The ticket belongs to you and will scan correctly at the turnstile.  

Price expectations for a match weekend 

For Irish fans planning a weekend football break, costs typically include: 

• Match ticket 

• Hotel accommodation 

• Ferry or flights 

• Local transport 

• Matchday food, drinks and attractions 

A Premier League weekend easily adds up once everything is booked separately. By choosing a package, you pay one price for the ticket, hotel and travel. You still have the freedom to explore pubs, fan zones and attractions at your own pace.  

Finally,

Going to a Premier League match should feel thrilling, not stressful. When you book everything piece by piece, you must navigate memberships, resale markets, hotel prices and travel coordination. When you book with Celtic Horizon Tours, you get the excitement without the admin. The ticket is official, the seat is confirmed, and your accommodation and travel are handled. All you need to do is show up, wear your colours and enjoy the match. 

Ready to secure your Premier League weekend from Ireland?
Let us handle the ticket, hotel and travel so that you can focus on the match.