Davin O'Dwyertakes a look at some forthcoming offers
Soccer
It's normally easy to come up with gift ideas for the young football fan in your life - any combination of team jersey, football boots or Fifa 09 should do the trick - but those older sports fans can be a trickier proposition. The jersey may no longer be flattering, the boots might go unused and the video game probably won't be understood, so a trip to watch his favourite team might be the perfect solution.
There are plenty of attractive packages for the St Stephen's Day Premiership games, one of those charming English football traditions the top-flight clubs haven't managed to do away with, but not many Irish fans will be willing or able to make a jaunt while still full of the Christmas turkey, so games closer to New Year's might be a better bet.
Abbey Travel (www.abbeytravel.ie, 01-8047100), Keith Prowse (www.keith prowse.com, 01-8783500) and Marathon Travel (www.marathon-travel.ie, 01-4755010) are all offering packages to Old Trafford for Manchester United versus Middlesbrough on Monday, December 29th, for just under €200, which includes a night's accommodation and match ticket but not travel to Manchester.
For Blues fans, Fulham are hosting neighbours Chelsea on Sunday, December 28th, and Thomas Cook Sport (www.thomascooksport.com, 01-6771721, 01-8783944) is offering a package for €180 per person, including a night's accommodation, match ticket and stadium tour, match-day programme or club megastore discount voucher.
Of course, for the crunch game at Old Trafford between United and Chelsea on Sunday, January 11th, prices will be a good deal higher - it is a repeat of the Champions League final, after all. Marathon is quoting €349 for match ticket and a night's accommodation, but availability is understandably tight.
For Hoops fans, Celtic Horizon Tours (www.celtichorizontours. com, 01-6292000) is offering tickets and a night's accommodation for the clash between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park for €159 per person sharing.