Kitty O'Shea's (10 Rue des Capucines, 75001; kittyosheas.com; Metro: Opéra) is probably the best known of the city's Irish pubs, but it'll be absolutely packed come game time.

TRY OUR FIVE ALTERNATIVES: (They're just as good . . . if not better.)

THE CORK AND CAVAN
A beautiful pub along the Canal St-Martin that, despite its name, is just as popular with in-the-know Parisians as it is the Irish. The main bar has leather booths and an old-fashioned zinc bar (where they serve, amongst other beers, Asahi on tap). The other room has tables, chairs and a big screen that is popular with sports fans.
70 Quai des Jemmapes, 75010 Metro: République

STOLLY'S
You'll need to get here early if you want to find a seat – or any room at all – in this tiny bar that is a longstanding favourite with Irish residents. The atmosphere during matches is brilliant, and when the match is over people spill out on to the streets to continue celebrating (or commiserating).
16 Rue Cloche-Percé, 75004 Metro: Saint-Paul

CARRS

A superb Irish pub (owned by a Donegal man) with authentic Irish interiors and a die-hard rugby-loving clientele who are only there because they can't get tickets to the match.
1 rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Web: carrs-paris.com; Metro: Tuileries

CAFÉ OZ

Yes, it's an Australian bar, which means surfboards on the ceiling, a crocodile on the façade and a huge horseshoe bar. It also means big screens and a devoted sporting clientele who really know how to make some noise in support of their team.
18 Rue Saint-Denis, 75001 Web: cafe-oz.com; Metro: Châtelet/Les Halles

O SUD OUEST CAFÉ

The southwest is the heartland of French rugby, and this lovely café just off the Champs-Elysées is the spot to go if you want to watch the match in the company of slightly-older French supporters whose passion for Les Bleus is just shaded by their love of good country cooking – and this place serves delicious versions of it.
7 Avenue Neil, 75017 Metro: Ternes