Whats wrong with the Swansea game lads? First game of the season. Optimism high and a good chance of 3 points. Should be category C game and relatively easy to get tickets. There is also a low chance of it being chosen for TV coverage.
If you want to meet and stay overnight in Dublin the night before, there is a Holiday Inn Express in Santry, near the airport and the M50. It is 62 euro for the night for a twin/double or single including a bit of breakfast (brekkie not the best), you can park the car there (for 7 euro per day or something). There is a free shuttle bus to and from the airport.
In London, you can stay at the Jurys Inn Heathrow for 48 Pounds per night room only. Again, you can share rooms of you want to reduce costs. The buffet breakfast is £8.50 per person. The hotel is about 200 metres from Hatton Cross tube station on the Piccadilly line and 1 stop from Heathrow. It takes about 45 minutes on the tube to Loftus road and less than 15 minutes to Heathrow terminal 1. The location is not brilliant if you want to see central London or go drinking in the centre but is is ideal for Heathrow and they have a residents bar. The best thing is it is a great hotel for the price.
Just a couple of suggestions as regards places to stay. Let me know what you think lads, cheers.