Thomond Park (Limerick) - Sports Tourist

Thomond Park is more than just a stadium; it is the globally recognized spiritual home of Munster Rugby and an iconic institution in the world of sport. Located on the northern bank of the River Shannon in Limerick, Ireland, it is renowned for generating one of the most intense and electrifying atmospheres in European rugby. The stadium’s fame is inextricably linked to Munster’s legendary history, where its intimidating aura and the famed “Munster roar” have inspired countless famous victories over the decades.

History and Design

The ground has been the home of Munster Rugby since the 1940s, evolving from a simple club facility into a world-class venue. The stadium underwent a transformative $100 million redevelopment completed in 2008, which substantially increased capacity and added modern amenities while crucially preserving its unique character.

The key design feature of the new stadium is the pair of large, imposing East and West stands, which are steep and keep the 25,600 capacity crowd close to the action, maximizing the noise and intimidation factor. Despite its modernization, the stadium is best known for its long-standing tradition: the “Thomond Park Silence”. During a crucial penalty kick, the entire crowd falls silent, demonstrating a respect and pressure rarely seen elsewhere in the game.

Major Events Hosted

While its primary purpose is to host Munster Rugby’s home fixtures, Thomond Park’s reputation has secured its place as a host for major international events.

Heineken Cup/European Champions Cup: Hosted many iconic European fixtures, including famous quarter-finals and semi-finals that cemented Munster’s place as a continental giant.
International Touring Sides: The venue has been the setting for Munster’s most famous moments, including historic victories over international teams, most notably the legendary win over the New Zealand All Blacks in 1978.
Rugby World Cup: Hosted one pool stage match during the 1999 Rugby World Cup (Australia 55–19 United States).
Concerts: The stadium is a premier concert venue in the Midwest of Ireland, hosting major international acts such as Elton John, Bob Dylan, and Rod Stewart.
Ireland National Team: While Dublin hosts most senior matches, Thomond Park occasionally hosts Ireland men’s and women’s international rugby fixtures.

Key Information

Official Name: Thomond Park Stadium
Location: Limerick, County Limerick, Ireland
Opened: 1934 (redeveloped in 2008)
Capacity: 25,600
Primary Tenant: Munster Rugby (United Rugby Championship), Shannon RFC
Address: Cratloe Rd, Limerick, Ireland

Contents

Getting to Thomond Park

Thomond Park is situated approximately 2.5 km north of Limerick City Centre. Its location makes it conveniently accessible for both local and traveling fans.

By Air: The nearest airport is Shannon Airport (SNN), located about 25 km away. A taxi, bus, or pre-booked shuttle service is necessary to reach Limerick City Centre from the airport, taking about 30–45 minutes.
By Train: Limerick’s main rail hub is Limerick Colbert Station. The station is connected to Dublin, Cork, and other major Irish cities via Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail). From Colbert Station, the stadium is a short taxi ride or a straightforward 30-minute walk.
By Bus: Local bus services (Bus Éireann) run frequently from the city centre near Colbert Station toward the stadium area. On match days, special shuttle services are often provided from the city centre.
By Foot: The stadium is an enjoyable and easy walk from the city centre across the River Shannon, which is the recommended mode of transport to soak up the pre-match atmosphere.
Parking: Parking in the immediate vicinity of the stadium is extremely limited on match days. Public transport or city-centre parking combined with walking is strongly advised.

Tickets & Tours at Thomond Park

Tickets

Tickets for all events at Thomond Park should be purchased well in advance, especially for major fixtures.

Munster Rugby Tickets

Tickets for Munster Rugby matches are notoriously sought after. For major United Rugby Championship (URC) and especially European Champions Cup games, tickets sell out quickly. Tickets are released through the club’s official channels and their official ticketing partner, Ticketmaster, and should be purchased well in advance via the Munster Rugby website.

Shannon RFC Tickets

As a primary tenant, Shannon RFC uses Thomond Park for its senior fixtures. Tickets for these matches, which include All-Ireland League (AIL) games, are usually available at the gate on match days or via the club’s official website.

Tours

Thomond Park offers a fantastic visitor experience that includes a stadium tour and access to the Munster Rugby Museum. The museum showcases Munster’s rich history, including its great international victories and European triumphs. Tours typically allow visitors to access the pitch-side area, dressing rooms, and the famous West Stand.

Tours and Museum: Information and booking details are available on the official Thomond Park website.

Where to Stay Near the Thomond Park

The best place for visitors to stay is in Limerick City Centre. The centre offers the most options for accommodation, dining, and traditional Irish pubs. Staying centrally means you are within walking distance of the train station and the stadium, which is crucial on busy match days.

Booking Tips:
- Book Early: Given the passion for rugby in the region, book your accommodation and match tickets as soon as fixtures are confirmed, particularly for European matches.
- City Centre: Look for accommodation close to O’Connell Street or the area around King John’s Castle for the best access to nightlife and easy walking distance to the stadium.
- Reputable Sites: Use reputable booking websites like TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Thomond Park

We hope this guide helps you have an incredible experience at Thomond Park!

Last Updated on October 12, 2025 by Sports Tourist