Croke Park

Croke Park
Photo by Charlotte Dingley
Photo by Emily James


Croke Park in DublinOpens in a new window is so much more than an impressive sports stadium. “Croker”, as it is locallyknown, is in many ways is a bastion of Irish identity that protects the spiritof Gaelic games from forces seeking to dislodge it. If this all sounds a bit dramaticyou should take the fantastic Croke Park Experiencetour to get a very real sense of just how important and deeply ingrained theGAA and Gaelic games are to Ireland’s sense of itself.

A World-Famous Stadium

Croke Park certainlyis impressive, however. It’s Ireland’s largest stadium, and with the capacityto seat 82,000 sporting fans, it is the fourth largest in Europe. Duringmatches the noise and chants from the crowd can be heard all over the city ofDublin.

Named in honour of Archbishop Thomas Croke, thesite of the present-day stadium has been used to host Gaelic games since 1884.Today the stadium not only hosts the most important matches it is also the headquartersof the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

Getting to Croke Park

A visit here is a must for any sporting enthusiastand anyone with a more general interest in Irish culture. Even the most casualobserver cannot help but feel impressed by the majesty of the stadium, whichcan be found in Jones’ Road, Dublin 3. It is well served by public transportoptions with bus, rail, DART and LUAS transport all dropping you off within a15-minute walk to the stadium.

More Than Sport

The hallowed turf has seen more than just sportingaction. As a key location in the events of the Irish War of Independence, CrokePark has infamously gone down in history as the scene of amassacre by the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) on Bloody Sunday. The shoutsringing out from the stadium today are in response to music concerts that areregularly given here by major international acts such as U2, Elton John, OneDirection and Take That. Recently even Pope Benedict XVI has given an addressover video link to a full capacity crowd.

Birds Eye Views of Dublin

The stadium regularly hosts hurling, football andrugby matches but if you cannot get a ticket you can still savour the splendourof the stadium on the Croke Park Experience tourand in the museum. The twice-daily tours are always open to visitors, except onmatch days, and include a guided tour around the stadium roof known as Skyline.Here you’ll get a very real sense of the size, scale and grandeur of thestadium as well as the chance for some truly spectacular views of Dublin fromspecially created viewing platforms. The final platform is the showstopper asit extends right out till the pitch is below your suspended feet.

Take the tour, feel the excitement but don’t loseyour nerve up there in the gods!

Tours & day trips

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Things to do near Croke Park

At Croke Park in Dublin, visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant mix of art and sports. A highlight is the arena tours, which provide an insightful glimpse into this iconic stadium's history. Additionally, you can enjoy thrilling football matches and explore the surrounding area, making for a memorable and engaging experience.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Croke Park, check out Jervis Shopping Centre, Brown Thomas Flagship Store, and Powerscourt Townhouse, all located 1.6km away. Each offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and quality goods for gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Aviva Stadium, a vibrant sports venue, offers an exhilarating atmosphere just 3.2km from Croke Park, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Experience live music at the nearby 3Arena, located 1.6km away, brimming with entertainment vibes. For outdoor relaxation, Hollywood Lakes Golf Club, 1.6km away, provides a scenic golfing experience.

Adventure

At Clara Lara Fun Park, a thrilling zipline ropes course awaits you, located 1.6km from Croke Park, offering an exhilarating outdoor adventure. For climbing enthusiasts, Awesome Walls Climbing Centre, situated 6.4km away, provides an exciting indoor climbing experience amidst a vibrant sports atmosphere.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Croke Park by visiting the Gate Theatre and Ambassador Theatre, both offering rich culture and entertainment. For a more intimate vibe, check out SFX City Theatre, where you can enjoy captivating performances in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Croke Park

Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a family seeking adventure, or simply exploring the city, Croke Park and its surroundings offer a wealth of attractions. Discover historic sites, universities, and civic buildings that reflect the rich tapestry of Dublin's heritage. With plenty of points of interest nearby, your visit promises to be both engaging and memorable.

  • Trinity College: A stunning historic university, Trinity College is renowned for its beautiful campus and the iconic Book of Kells. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and academic heritage as you stroll through its cobbled paths and marvel at the magnificent architecture.
  • O'Connell Street: This bustling thoroughfare is the heart of Dublin, lined with shops, restaurants, and notable monuments. Feel the vibrant city vibes as you explore the lively atmosphere and experience the spirit of Dublin through its locals and visitors alike.
  • Dublin Castle: Steeped in history, Dublin Castle offers a romantic backdrop with its majestic architecture and serene gardens. Discover the cultural significance of this iconic landmark while enjoying guided tours that unveil its storied past.

Best time to go to Croke Park

The best time to visit Croke Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Croke Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Croke Park falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Croke Park

For a budget-friendly visit to Croke Park, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance to secure the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia's search tools to filter by budget, location, and eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also yield significant savings, making your trip more affordable while enjoying all that Dublin has to offer.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Croke Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Croke Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Croke Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Croke Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can easily arrange your search results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel stay at Croke Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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