The end of the Guinness Six Nations tournament which means that the Heineken Champions Cup is not far off. Munster Rugby will travel to Murrayfield to face Edinburgh Rugby in an eagerly anticipated last eight contest. Ahead of the fixture, Hawkeye Sidekick made a trip to Edinburgh to gauge the mood and where to check out for Munster Rugby fans who are travelling over for the weekend.
Transportation:
The easiest way to get to Murrayfield is on the Edinburgh tram service with frequent departures from either Princes Street or Edinburgh Airport; very impressive setup. Good bus service schedule as well last weekend in the city center while over as well. Useful links enclosed below.
http://edinburghtrams.com/plan-a-journey/murrayfield-stadium
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Edinburgh/Murrayfield-Stadium
Places to Go:
Edinburgh Castle:
Before or after the game at Murrayfield, there is plenty to do and see around Edinburgh. If you are anywhere near the city center, then make sure to visit Edinburgh Castle, the historic landmark which looks out over the city. A compelling story on the site and how it has evolved over time.
Old Town:
I loved the old town, the royal mile has many shops, bars and restaurants amidst the music of the bag pipers along the stretch. When you add the late night bars in the Cowgate district, then the area is a must visit for the weekend. Check out The Three Sisters bar.
A nice coffee shop that I visited was Zebra Coffee Company on Bank Street, a nice cozy coffee house with plenty to whet the appetite.
Princes Street:
The main shopping thoroughfare of the city with plenty of retail stores to browse at the weekend. Bus stops and tram stops aplenty on this street to connect to Murrayfield, Leith et al. Edinburgh Waverley Train Station is situated at the East End of Princes Street. Scott Monument as well as several museums to visit as well on the thoroughfare too.
Rose Street:
There are so many good thoroughfares in the city to enjoy an evening. During my visit last weekend, I spent a couple of good nights down Hanover Street and Rose Street where there are several standout bars and restaurants.
A couple of standouts were Robertsons 37, Auld Hundred (live music), The Kenilworth, The Boozy Cow (quality cocktails) and a quality seafood restaurant called Mussel Inn. If you love your seafood, then go here but word of warning, the restaurant gets quite busy over the weekend so book early!
If you want a nice cozy bar with good banter and hospitality, then check out Thistle Street Pub (39 Thistle Street). The scotch and Belhaven flowed the night that I was there, a warm welcome assured.
Scotch Tour:
I am not the biggest scotch fan but I went on the Scotch Whiskey Experience tour on Castle Street. Go for the fifty minute tour to get the rundown on how the refreshment is produced and find out what distinguishes a Lowland from a Highland scotch.
Royal Yacht Britannia
A quick bus trip down to the Ocean Terminal will find you at the Royal Yacht Britannia which was in use by the Royals until 1997. An interesting tour on the life and times of the yacht and hear about the famous dignitaries who were on board. A superb insight on how the yacht operated. The decor of the yacht is mirrored in the nearby shopping center adjoining Britannia. I was skeptical on the tour at the start but it was enjoyable. Check out the fudge bar stand on the boat!
A city that I thoroughly enjoyed visiting last weekend; there is so much so to do that I have probably missed numerous other noteworthy attractions but this is a sampler for the Munster Rugby fans who are arriving to the city next weekend. Edinburgh Rugby fans are in buoyant, confident mood ahead of this quarter final and after that exhilarating Scottish second half performance at Twickenham, confidence will be in ample supply amongst the locals.