Top 5 best sports stadiums in Ireland

Our rundown of the Best Sports Stadiums in Ireland.

Ireland is a haven for sports. From the native sports of Gaelic football and hurling, to rugby and soccer, Ireland is a true sporting hub.

Ireland has built the stadiums to cater for this sporting demand throughout the country, and in the process has built some of the best in Europe.

With incredible playing surfaces, a mix of seating and standing capacities, and unique atmospheres, here are the Top 5 Best Sports Stadiums in Ireland.

5. Thomond Park – home to Munster Rugby

Kicking off the list of the Top 5 Best Sports Stadiums in Ireland is the home of Munster Rugby. The stadium is situated in Limerick city and holds a capacity crowd of 25,600.

The loyal Munster support creates a special atmosphere which is renowned globally every time the Munstermen take to the field, none more so when ‘The Fields of Athenry’ breaks out across the stadium.

The stadium re-opened in 2008 on a magical night when Munster went to war with the greatest rugby team of all time, the All Blacks of New Zealand, while the stadium has witnessed an incredible Munster victory over Australia in 2010.

The iconic stadium boasts of an East Stand and West Stand decorated, while the North and West of the stadium is reserved for standing, which becomes decorated in a sea of red when Munster play host to their opposition.

Address: Cratloe Rd, Limerick, Ireland

4. Fitzgerald Stadium – home to Kerry GAA

Based in the town of Killarney, Fitzgerald Stadium is the headquarters of Kerry GAA, with a capacity crowd of 38,400.

The stadium makes the list thanks to its stunning backdrop, nestled within Killarney Town and overlooked by the beautiful MacGillycuddy Reeks.

With only a 9,000 seated capacity, the majority of the stadium is made up of standing, which makes for a special and unique atmosphere every time the green and gold of Kerry play.

The stadium is named after Dick Fitzgerald, who won five All-Ireland titles with Kerry, including captaining the team to victories in 1913 and 1914.

Address: Upper Lewis Rd, Moyeightragh, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

3. Pairc Ui Chaoimh – Cork’s finest stadium

Home of Cork GAA and one of Ireland’s best sports stadiums, Pairc Ui Chaoimh underwent significant redevelopment before reopening in 2017, and has become a modern, state-of-the-art sporting facility.

The North and South Stand of the stadiums now accommodate a 21,000 seated capacity in the stadium, while the stadium also has Ireland’s largest All-Weather, 4G surface pitch.

With a total capacity of 45,000, the stadium plays host to the Munster Senior Football and Hurling Finals, while it hosted a testimonial game for the late Liam Miller in 2018, which was played by a number of high-profile footballers and attended by 43,000 people.

The stadium’s vivid design is highlighted by its black and white pattern, making it a unique design that stands out from the rest of the stadiums in Ireland.

2. Aviva Stadium – the home of Irish soccer and rugby

Located on the Landsdowne Road in Dublin 4, the Aviva Stadium’s stunning glass architecture stands out in the Dublin skyline and is a symbol of the country’s progression.

One of best sports stadiums in Ireland and home to Irish Rugby and Soccer, it replaced the old Landsdowne Road stadium in 2010 and is now a modern, world-class stadium with a capacity crowd of 51,700.

The Aviva has already played host to some of the most iconic and memorable games in Irish sporting history, such as Ireland’s 1-0 over World Champions Germany in 2015, or the first rugby victory on Irish soil over the legendary All Blacks of New Zealand in 2018.

The stadium has been recognised for its merits beyond Irish borders, playing host to the 2011 Europa League Final, European soccer’s second most prestigious club competition.

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Address: Lansdowne Rd, Dublin 4, Ireland

1. Croke Park – the home of GAA and the best stadium in Ireland

Home of the GAA and situated in the capital city of Dublin, Croke Park is the largest stadium in Ireland and the third biggest in Europe, hosting a capacity crowd of 82,300, and is an obvious choice as Ireland’s Best Sports Stadium.

Every year, ‘Croker’ plays host to the All-Ireland Football and Hurling Finals to a full house, with people from all around the country filling the seats. Croker has also hosted many concerts such as Westlife, U2 and Coldplay.

The GAA became exclusive owners of the stadium in 1913 and was named after one of the GAA’s first patrons, Archbishop Thomas Croke.

Croke Park is comprised of the Davin, Cusack and Hogan Stands, while the iconic Hill 16 is filled with a sea of blue on Dublin match days. There is no atmosphere like Croke Park on All-Ireland Final day.

Address: Jones’ Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Ireland

During your stay in Ireland, make sure you take a trip to one of the Five Best Stadiums. You are guaranteed to a spectacle on the field and unforgettable atmosphere off it.