Ireland’s Six Nations fixtures for 2018 announced and the final game is a cracker

Beat France in Paris for the opener and, with three home games on the spin, Grand Slam talk will begin in earnest.

Ireland will be pleased with their draw for the 2018 Six Nations championship as it was confirmed by tournament organisers this morning. Joe Schmidt's men will face France in Paris at 4:45pm on Saturday, February 3. They then have three consecutive home games against Itasly, Wales and then Scotland - all three are Saturday afternoon [2:15pm] kick-offs. As if that wasn't compelling enough, they will then travel to Twickenham for the finalé against reigning champions England on... St Patrick's Day. The March 17 fixture falls in the middle of a packed final day, at 2:45pm, and could prove crucial to the title, or Slam, hopes of either side. ROUND ONE - Feb 3rd and 4th Wales v Scotland (Sat 2.15) France v Ireland (Sat 4.45) Italy v England (Sun 3.00) ROUND TWO - Feb 10th and 11th Ireland v Italy (Sat 2.15) England v Wales (Sat 4.45) Scotland v France (Sun 3.00) ROUND THREE - February 23rd and 24th France v Italy (Fri 8.00*) Ireland v Wales (Sat 2.15) Scotland v England (Sat 4.45) ROUND FOUR - March 10th and 11th Ireland v Scotland (Sat 2.15) France v England (Sat 4.45) Wales v Italy (Sun 3.00) ROUND FIVE - March 17th Italy v Scotland (Sat 12.30) England v Ireland (Sat 2.45) Wales v France (Sat 5.00) The 2019 fixtures have also been announced, with England travelling to Ireland for their opener. Ireland then have Scotland and Italy before hosting France in Dublin and finishing up against Wales in Cardiff. So there you go. Now, get booking those flights, hotels, Air Bn'B's or calling up mates and relatives for a place to stay.