Get in the zone

All supporters attending Thursday’s Europa League Preliminary Round second leg tie between Cliftonville and Barry Town United are invited to augment their matchday experience at Solitude’s Europa League Fanzone.

With Social Club doors opening at 4pm and live music from 5pm up until kick-off, fans of both Clubs can also enjoy a special Pint & Burger offer for just £5 between 5-6pm.

Europa League Fanzone
4pm: Doors open
5pm-6pm: Pint & A Burger Deal (£5)
5pm-7.45pm: Live Music
7.45pm: Kick-Off

All spectators are, meanwhile, asked to ensure they arrive at the turnstiles in good time for the match’s 7.45pm start and are reminded to observe the Conditions of Entry which are posted outside the stadium.

Europa League fixtures are strictly all-seated occasions and Cliftonville FC asks that, with standing not permitted in any area of the ground, all supporters take their seats quickly and remain seated throughout the game.

Please cooperate with stewards’ directions and instructions at all times and take note that there will be no access to the Social Club during the match.

Fans travelling from Barry are naturally guaranteed a traditionally warm greeting at the home of Ireland’s Oldest Football Club, who are pleased to do everything possible to make their visit to Belfast as enjoyable and memorable as we can (on the strict understanding that such hospitality may not necessarily extend to the pitch) and present a reminder of our brief guide to everything you need to know about your upcoming trip.

Hanes
Ireland’s Oldest Football Club, Cliftonville were founded on September 20, 1879 and our European fixtures with Barry raise the curtain on our 141st season. As you can imagine, ours is a story rich in drama, intrigue and innovation and, though the Club History section of our website remains under construction, you can cast your eye over some of our landmark moments by clicking here.

Y tymor diwethaf
After finishing fifth in the Danske Bank Premiership, Cliftonville maintained their record of being the only side to compete in the Europa League Play-Offs every year since their introduction in 2016 – and, for the third time in four seasons, emerged victorious. A dramatic Semi-Final win over Coleraine (when Paddy McLaughlin’s side triumphed 5-3 in Extra Time after being 3-1 down with less than a quarter of an hour remaining) was followed up by a decisive showdown with Glentoran who, having also been overcome at Solitude in the 2016 and 2018 Play-Off Finals, were beaten 2-0 courtesy of two Extra-Time goals.

Stadiwm
One of the oldest football grounds in the world, Solitude was officially opened in 1890 and has played host to a number of sporting firsts in the 128 years since. The first ever penalty kick in international football was taken (and missed!) at Solitude, which was home to the Ireland teams of the 1890s and 1900s.

Ewrop
This is Cliftonville’s 14th appearance in European competition and, though our first came in a Cup Winners’ Cup fixture against FC Nantes of France in 1979 (coincidentally played on our 100th birthday), it was not until as recently as 2007 that we enjoyed our first win in Europe, when FC Dinaburg of Latvia were eliminated from the InterToto Cup. Since then, we have recorded Europa League progress against HNK Cibalia (Croatia) and FC Differdange (Luxembourg), as well as earning a first leg win over Kalmar (Sweden) en route to exiting the tournament in 2012 – with further details of our Euro record available here.

Cludiant
As well as directing visiting supporters towards this guide to finding Solitude, Barry fans are advised that Cliftonville FC Partners fonaCAB will be pleased to provide a taxi service at an affordable price.

Gwybodaeth
Any Barry Town fans who require additional information are welcome to email Cliftonville’s Supporters Liaison, Michael Hegney, at slo@188.166.149.59, while anyone who has any questions about Belfast, hotel reservations and the easiest way to find Solitude can contact directions@188.166.149.59 with any queries you may have about your upcoming visit to our city.