Croke Park (Dublin) - Sports Tourist

Croke Park is more than just a stadium; it is the spiritual home of Gaelic games and a powerful symbol of Irish national identity. Located in the heart of Dublin, “Croker” is the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the world’s largest amateur sporting organization. With a capacity of over 82,000, it is the third-largest stadium in Europe and a modern landmark that seamlessly blends with its historic surroundings. This guide provides all the essential information for your visit to this iconic venue.

History and Design

The site of Croke Park has been at the center of Irish sport for well over a century. The stadium was officially opened in 1913, though Gaelic games had been played on the grounds since the 1880s. Its current design is the result of a multi-phase redevelopment completed in 2002 by architects Gilroy McMahon.

A key element of the design was the pitch’s rotation by eight degrees to align with the nearby railway line and canal, improving the spectator experience. The stadium’s architecture is a testament to both modern engineering and cultural sensitivity. It features a unique “leaning” structural frame that pitches the seating tiers toward the field, creating a sense of intimacy and community among the spectators. The redevelopment also carefully preserved key historical elements, such as the Hogan Stand, which commemorates the players and spectators who were killed on Bloody Sunday in 1920.

Major Events Hosted

Croke Park has a rich history of hosting some of the most important events in Irish sport and culture.

GAA All-Ireland Football and Hurling Finals: These annual finals are the showpiece events of the Gaelic games calendar and are played in front of a full-capacity crowd, steeped in tradition and passion.
International Rules Series: The stadium has hosted matches between the Ireland national team and the Australian Football League (AFL) team, bridging Gaelic football and Australian rules football.
Special Olympics World Summer Games (2003): Croke Park hosted the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.
Major Music Concerts: The venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including U2, Oasis, Ed Sheeran, and Beyoncé.
Rugby and Soccer: While traditionally a Gaelic games-only venue, Croke Park hosted Ireland’s national rugby and football teams from 2007-2010 while their home stadium (Lansdowne Road) was being redeveloped into the Aviva Stadium.

Key Information

Official Name: Croke Park (Páirc an Chrócaigh)
Location: Jones’ Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Ireland
Opened: 1913 (Current redevelopment completed in 2002)
Capacity: 82,300
Primary Tenants: Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)
Address: Jones’ Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, D03 P6K4

Contents

Getting to Croke Park

Croke Park’s central location makes it very accessible from anywhere in Dublin.

By Air

Dublin Airport (DUB): A taxi or bus is the easiest way to reach the stadium from the airport. The journey by car typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Aircoach services also run frequently from the airport to the city center, with stops in the Drumcondra area near the stadium.

By Public Transport

Public transport is the most recommended way to get to Croke Park on event days due to traffic and parking restrictions.

Train: The closest train station is Drumcondra Station, which is on the DART Commuter Rail line and just a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium.
Bus: Several Dublin Bus routes serve the stadium. Key routes include the 1, 7, 11, 13, 14, 16, and 41, all of which stop in the general vicinity of the venue.
Walking: From Dublin’s city center, Croke Park is an easy and pleasant 20-25 minute walk, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere on event days.

By Car & Parking

Driving is not advised on major event days due to road closures and extremely limited parking. If you must drive, it’s best to use a park-and-ride facility on the outskirts of the city and take public transport the rest of the way.

Tickets & Tours at Croke Park

Tickets to Events

For Gaelic games, tickets can be purchased through the official GAA website or through authorised ticketing partners. For concerts, tickets are sold via standard ticketing agencies like Ticketmaster.

Stadium Tours

The Croke Park Stadium Tour is a highly recommended experience. It includes a visit to the dressing rooms, the players’ tunnel, and a walk pitch-side. The tour also includes entry to the GAA Museum, where you can learn about the history of Gaelic games and their cultural significance.

For an even more breathtaking experience, the Kellogg’s Skyline Tour offers a guided walk on a rooftop walkway 44 meters above the ground, providing stunning panoramic views of Dublin. It’s advisable to book tours in advance, especially during the summer.

Where to Stay Near Croke Park

Staying near the stadium is convenient for events, but a short bus or taxi ride will also get you there easily from other parts of the city.

Drumcondra: This is the immediate neighborhood surrounding the stadium. It’s a residential area with some hotels and guesthouses.
City Centre (O’Connell Street/Parnell Square): Staying in the city center gives you access to a huge range of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. It’s only a 15-20 minute walk or a short bus ride to the stadium.
Dublin Airport Area: If you have an early flight, staying near the airport might be convenient. There are frequent bus connections to the city center and Croke Park.

Booking Tips:

Book Well in Advance: Hotel availability can be limited during major events or city-wide events.
Check Transport Links: Ensure your accommodation is conveniently located for public transport to and from the stadium.
Use Reputable Booking Sites: Utilise well-known and reputable booking websites like Tripadvisor to find and compare accommodation options. Always verify reviews and ratings before booking.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit

Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by Sports Tourist