Sport is a big business in Ireland. So, here are the three biggest sports stadiums in Ireland, ranked.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor to the Emerald Isle, you’ll find it’s almost impossible to avoid the nation’s love affair with major sports. Here, we list the biggest sports stadiums in Ireland.
Ireland’s love of sport ranges from supporting Irish boxers battling for major titles, attending a day at the horse racing track, or cheering on the Republic of Ireland soccer and rugby teams in major competitions.
Ireland even has a Test cricket team who share a fierce rivalry with England.
The five most popular sports in Ireland today are Gaelic football, hurling, rugby union, soccer, and golf.
Visitors spoiled for choice – visit the biggest sports stadiums in Ireland
To sample Irish sport and get an authentic experience of how people enjoy supporting their favourite teams, a visit to an Irish sports venue is a must. Thankfully, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to major sporting arenas worth a look.
There’s something for everyone. You don’t need to be massive sports fans yourself to enjoy this sample of the Irish culture.
You can visit the stadium on matchday, place golf bets on talent like Rory McIlroy, soak up the atmosphere, or participate in an official tour of the facilities, including the trophy room.
For those on a rushed schedule, drop by and catch a glimpse of the stadium. It will make for a fantastic photo opportunity, and you may even catch a glimpse of a player arriving or departing.
Below we’ve picked out the three biggest sports stadiums in Ireland by capacity. If you plan to attend a match at any of these stadiums, it’s advisable to purchase tickets through the venue’s official website or partner. Doing so will ensure easy access to your seat.
3. Gaelic Grounds, Co. Limerick – a historic stadium
Number three on our list of the biggest sports stadiums in Ireland is the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. Limerick GAA owns Gaelic Grounds and hosts Gaelic football/hurling matches.
The stadium can house a capacity crowd of 44,023 with 20,000 seated.
When booking tickets to an event at this stadium, you can choose to reserve a seat or place in the standing section. Both appeal, offering a slightly different atmosphere.
Those in the seated areas are often more reserved while standing fans can be more lively/animated.
You can access the venue by road or public transport. Reach it by Limerick Colbert Railway Station and the Northtown Shopping Centre bus stop. The arena is steeped in history and was built back in the 1920s but revamped and modernised in 2004.
Address: Limerick, Ireland
2. Aviva Stadium, Co. Dublin – a modern stadium
Soccer and Rugby Union fans worldwide know the Aviva Stadium as it’s one of the sports’ significant venues. This arena hosts home games of the Irish national football team competing in the European Championships and World Cup.
You will find this stadium in Dublin, and it has three owners, IRFU, FAI and Leinster Rugby. The Irish Rugby team also play home matches here in tournaments, including the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.
It is a fully seated stadium with a capacity for 51,700 fans. If you love live sports matches, you’ll adore the passion rugby fans show inside this arena.
More modern than Croke Park, work began on Aviva Stadium in 2007, and it took three years to complete. Opened to the public in 2010, it has a completed construction cost of over 410 million euros.
Check the venue’s website for a list of upcoming games or to plan a stadium tour. The Aviva Stadium appeal gives you a better understanding of both football and rugby in Ireland.
Address: Lansdowne Rd, Dublin 4, Ireland
1. Croke Park, Co. Dublin – an impressive stadium
Topping our list of the biggest sports stadiums in Ireland is Croke Park.
You will find Croke Park in the picturesque city of Dublin, with this stadium being one of the area’s most iconic buildings. The Gaelic Athletic Association owns this venue, which hosts Gaelic football or hurling games.
Croke Park is Ireland’s most prominent sports venue in terms of capacity, with 82,300 spectators permitted for events. It has floodlights, allowing play to take place after dark and boasts almost 70,000 seats.
Work began on Croke Park in 1880, with the stadium completed and opened for business in 1884. It may be over 135 years old, but it has a modern feel, renovated in 2004.
Tickets to matches held here are often on sale weeks in advance of the event, but they usually sell out, so plan and act fast.
Address: Jones’ Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Ireland
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