Sick of all this euphoria over Ireland's magnificent Grand Slam victory yet? Didn't think so and, if you want to be part of Ireland's next assault on European rugby, or if you just feel like combining top quality sport with a wonderful weekend away, then 'Magic May' in Edinburgh could be exactly what you've been waiting for.
This huge festival of rugby, which begins with a rugby league extravaganza and includes the finales of both the World Series of 7s and European Cup, has been organised as part of ‘Homecoming Scotland 2009’, a year-long programme of more than 300 even
ts, festivals and activities across the country to mark the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns’ birth.
Things kick-off on May 2 with the Magic Weekend which sees a full round of Super League fixtures (seven games) played in the city over one weekend. As well as seven thrilling games, there will also be a feast of off-field interactive family entertainment featuring music, mascots and the chance to win some great prizes.
Ireland’s attempts to monopolise European silverware then continues at the 14th Heineken Cup final, scheduled for May 23 in Murrayfield where a green influx is guaranteed as both Munster and Leinster are vying for the coveted crown. The month finishes with the IRB Sevens World Series, a competition made up of 12 of the world's top nations who take part in tournaments around the world, culminating in Edinburgh on May 30 and 31.
For sports fans then it’s a no brainer but what about those not professing a love of rugby? What about those long suffering partners and friends who endure rugby, soccer, Gaelic or whatever discipline the sports fan in the family forces upon them 12 months of the year? What does a weekend in Edinburgh hold for them?
With that question in mind, I decided to travel to Scotland’s capital to take in a few days myself. That I managed to combine my visit with Ireland’s recent Six Nations success over Scotland was nothing more than coincidence, I assure you.
With only two days to take in as much as I could, a good base was vital and after checking into Hotel Du Vin (‘Hotel Devine’ might be a better description) I knew I was on a winner. Nestled in the heart of the Old Town, just off the Royal Mile, the Hotel offers 47 individually decorated rooms complete with all the mod cons you would hope for (including Sky television & Sports) without losing a sense of tradition that befits its surroundings. And situated next door to Greyfriars Kirkyard, home of the legendary ‘Bobby’, it represents a perfect place to start your tour.
Of course, Edinburgh, like Derry, is a city which hides an interesting historical story around every street corner so a guided tour is essential. For the slightly more adventurous, the city provides numerous Ghost Tours, an opportunity I couldnt let pass - although agreeing to take one on what was ‘Friday the 13th’ may not have been my best move.
But a couple pints of William Wallace later (I kid you not!) and I was ready for a spot of Ghostbusting. The ‘Auld Reekie Ghost Tour’ took us through some of the City’s oldest haunts, with our bubbly guide providing plenty of eerie information as we walked, including stories of the infamous grave robbers Burke & Hare.
