Ireland was ‘at its best’ during Italia 90 – how you can experience it again with Bulmers

Relive Italia '90!

For everyone who got to experience Italia '90, it was the greatest summer of their lives.

The streets were full, pubs were packed, and the craic, coincidentally, was also 90.

People were losing the run of themselves in the best possible way, as World Cup fever gripped the nation, with Ireland qualifying for the first time in their history, and achieving what is still their best-ever finish in the tournament.

Horns blared and fans packed the streets (we've all seen the videos of the Walkinstown Roundabout) as they celebrated iconic moments; from Sheedy and Quinn's group-stage goals, to Bonner's save and O'Leary's penalty - soundtracked by Put 'em Under Pressure and George Hamilton's classic commentary.

A nation really did 'hold its breath', and when it exhaled, the scenes that followed have been engrained in Ireland's history and will be remembered for generations to come.

And now those who were born after the events, but have heard all the stories, and seen all the clips, can finally relive Italia '90, all thanks to the Bulmers Italia '90 Roadshow.

Coming to Dublin, Cork, Galway and Clonmel this June and July, the Bulmers Italia '90 Roadshow is bringing back the sights, sounds and nostalgia from 36 years ago.

At the forefront of the events - sharing memories and meeting fans - will be Ireland's legendary goalkeeper Packie Bonner, whose penalty save against Romania in the round of 16 helped the Boys in Green progress.

As well as that, the original bus from the team homecoming - which drove through the packed streets of Dublin, full of wild fans - will be on display.

Italia '90 impact

Bulmers have also shared some fascinating research, which has concluded that nine in ten people believe the tournament played an important role in Ireland's sense of national pride.

The survey also found that more than one in three Irish adults (34%) identify Italia '90 as the moment that best represents Ireland at its peak - ahead of Riverdance (23%), Ireland's Eurovision success (19%) and other major cultural milestones.

Gen Z adults - those aged between 18 and 24 - were also part of the study, and it was revealed that nine in ten would love to experience the atmosphere of the summer of 1990.

Speaking ahead of the roadshow, Bonner said: "I’ve been asked about Italia 90 thousands of times over the years, and that’s because it was never just about football. It was about a country coming together in a way we’d never seen before.

"When people talk about that summer, they’re talking about how it felt to be Irish at that moment in time. There was a sense of pride, excitement and togetherness everywhere you went.

"To see that connection is still so strong more than 35 years later is incredibly special. I’m looking forward to meeting supporters around the country and reliving some of those unforgettable moments together.”

Bulmer Italia '90 Roadshow schedule and venues:

An event that needs to be part of your summer schedule!

Brought to you by Bulmers Ireland, Always Drink Responsibly. Over 18's only.