Ireland’s Biggest Stadiums: A Complete Guide to Our Sporting Cathedrals

From Croke Park to Thomond Park — here’s a full list of Ireland’s largest stadiums and the stories behind them.

By SportsNewsIRELAND.com

Introduction

Ireland’s sporting landscape is built on passion, tradition, and unforgettable days in the stands. Across the country, from Dublin to Kerry, Cork to Belfast, you’ll find some of Europe’s most atmospheric and historic stadiums. Whether it’s the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park, a Munster rugby night in Thomond Park, or League of Ireland action in Tallaght, these venues are the heartbeat of Irish sport.

Here’s a complete guide to Ireland’s biggest stadiums — across GAA, rugby, soccer, and cricket — and what makes them special.

Ireland’s Biggest Stadiums

1. Croke Park, Dublin – 82,300 (GAA)

The largest stadium in Ireland and one of the biggest in Europe. Home to the All-Ireland football and hurling finals, it’s the beating heart of Gaelic Games.

2. Aviva Stadium, Dublin – 51,700 (Soccer & Rugby)

A world-class venue that hosts Ireland’s international soccer and rugby matches.

3. Semple Stadium, Thurles – 45,690 (Hurling)

The spiritual home of hurling in Tipperary and beyond.

4. Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork – 45,000 (GAA)

Recently redeveloped on the banks of the Lee, it’s a key GAA venue in Munster.

5. Gaelic Grounds, Limerick – 44,023 (GAA)

Limerick’s fortress and a hurling stronghold.

Other Major Stadiums Across Ireland

Ireland’s Best Rugby & Soccer Stadiums

• Thomond Park, Limerick – 25,600
• RDS Arena, Dublin – 18,500
• Ravenhill, Belfast – 18,196
• Tallaght Stadium, Dublin – 10,500
• Turner’s Cross, Cork – 7,385
• Dalymount Park, Dublin – 4,500
• Tolka Park, Dublin – 5,400
• Windsor Park, Belfast – 18,614

GAA County Grounds That Matter

• O’Moore Park, Laois – 22,000
• Cusack Park, Ennis – 20,100
• Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon – 18,890
• Markievicz Park, Sligo – 18,558
• Athletic Grounds, Armagh – 18,500
• Brewster Park, Fermanagh – 18,000
• Healy Park, Omagh – 17,636
• MacCumhaill Park, Donegal – 17,500

The Hidden Gems

• Malahide Cricket Club – 11,500
• Stormont, Belfast – 6,000
• Morton Stadium, Santry – 8,800
• The Showgrounds, Sligo – 3,873
• Corrigan Park, Antrim – 3,700

Final Word

Whether it’s a packed Croke Park on All-Ireland Final day, Munster under the lights in Thomond, or the tight terraces of Dalymount Park, Ireland’s stadiums are woven into the fabric of our national identity. These venues are more than just bricks and mortar — they’re the stages where dreams are made, hearts are broken, and legends are born.

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League of Ireland Premier Division

Tolka Park, Friday, 7.45 PM

Champions Shelbourne will welcome arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers to Tolka Park on Friday night in what promises to be a highly anticipated Dublin derby. Damien Duff’s side have started their title defence in perfect fashion, registering wins over Derry City (3-1) and Waterford (1-0). Another victory here would send out a strong statement of intent.

A sell-out crowd of 5,100 is expected at the famous Drumcondra venue, and the home side has received a major boost with a fully fit squad available for selection.

For Shamrock Rovers, this fixture provides a chance to make a statement after being edged out by Shels for the title on the final day of last season. Stephen Bradley’s side endured a disappointing opening-day defeat to Bohemians but had last weekend off due to a postponement, giving them extra time to prepare.

The 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 Derby in the 1920s, the 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗮 Derby in the 1990s.

No matter the name, no matter the decade.

The 𝗗𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆 Shels v Rovers is a big one. pic.twitter.com/8C5xR09QpS

— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) February 26, 2025

Shelbourne Team News & Preview

Shels’ strong start has been built on a solid defensive foundation and an ability to take chances when they come. New signings Mipo Odubeko, Ellis Chapman, Daniel Kelly, and Ryan O’Kane have settled in well, adding quality to Duff’s squad.

Duff knows that derby wins will be vital if Shelbourne are to retain their crown.

“Derbies were a topic we referenced in a team meeting this morning,” he said. “They’re not about bragging rights, they’re about putting points on the board. If you want to win the league, you have to win Dublin derbies.

“You also need a strong points return from Friday-to-Monday games. More often than not, if you manage that, you’ll be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.”

With back-to-back games in quick succession, Duff has highlighted the importance of squad depth, praising his medical and coaching staff for keeping players fit.

Shamrock Rovers Team News & Preview

Rovers’ title defence crumbled in the early months of last season, and Bradley is determined to ensure they hit their levels consistently this time around.

“We just need to be better than what we were last season,” Bradley said. “We don’t look at any individual team, we never have or never will. It’s more about what we know—if we do what we do to our best, we’ll give ourselves a better chance of being successful.

“Last season we didn’t do that domestically. The second half of the season was good, but that’s not enough at this club. It’s not enough to do it for four or five months, and we know that wasn’t acceptable.”

Bradley is boosted by the return of Jack Byrne, Trevor Clarke, and Adam Matthews, though Darragh Nugent and Danny Mandroiu remain out.

Despite Shels’ improvements, the Rovers boss isn’t expecting any major tactical surprises from the hosts.

“They’ve added some good players, but they pretty much do similar things,” he noted. “They’re good at what they do, but it’s similar to what they’ve done last season and the one before.”

Key Battle: Shelbourne’s Defence vs Rovers’ Attack

Shels had the best record in Dublin derbies last season, and their defensive structure frustrated Rovers at times. Rovers, meanwhile, will look to Johnny Kenny, Graham Burke, and Aaron Greene to provide the firepower needed to break through.

Match Prediction

Shelbourne have momentum and home advantage, but Rovers’ extra preparation time could prove crucial. Expect a tight and physical contest under the Tolka Park lights.

Prediction: Shelbourne 2-1 Shamrock Rovers

Team News

Shelbourne

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Darragh Nugent, Danny Mandroiu

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Match Details

Fixture: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers

Venue: Tolka Park, Dublin

Kick-off: 7.45 PM

Referee: Neil Doyle

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In the red corner, hailing from Inchicore, St Patrick’s Athletic will aim to round off a term that saw them finish second in the league and secure some European football with a trophy to complement that.

In the (red and) black corner is Bohemians, the country’s entertainers who caught the eye in Europe and at home with their attacking football.

After dominating the PFAI Team of the Year selection, Bohs will want to nab some silverware before the core of their squad looks elsewhere (excluding Ross Tierney, who already has a flight to Motherwell booked).

Both teams have gone several years without a major honour to their name – Pats are hoping to break a seven-year duct while Bohs look to snap a 12-year streak without a league title or FAI Cup to their name.

The teams’ managers have inspired their sides in recent years which sees them meet in a battle for glory at the Aviva Stadium.

Stephen O’Donnell has breathed life back into The Athletic after several stale years saw them move into unremarkable territory.

A second-placed finish in the league sees them back with the big dogs but a trophy only solidifies it further.

Liverpool loanee Viteslav Jaros has improved their defence and himself over the course of the season, developing a commanding presence in his box and making Pats fans fall in love.

Bohs manager and former St Pats midfielder Keith Long has the chance to win an FAI Cup for the first time when his team walk out on the Lansdowne turf on Sunday afternoon.

The goalscoring antics of Donegal native Georgie Kelly and the creative presence of the likes of Tierney, Ali Coote and Dawson Devoy will be sure to cause many problems throughout the match.

Long will want to turn his team from entertainers to challengers next season and the FAI Cup final is the first step they will take on that journey.

Ruaidhri Higgins and his Derry City team will watch from afar after he revitalised a side languishing in the bottom half and led them to fourth in the league at the end of the season, ahead of Bohs.

Their European fate will be decided today – a Bohs win will see the Candystripes denied a run in the Europa Conference League next season.

It’s all to play for and a record Aviva crowd for an FAI Cup final will be watching eagerly as well as fans at home.

Teams

Bohemians (4-3-3): Talbot; Lyons, Cornwall, C. Kelly, Wilson; Buckley (C), Devoy, Tierney; Coote, Kelly, Burt.

Subs: McGuinness, Breslin, Finnerty, Levingston, Mullins, Ward, Mallon, Omochere.

St Patrick’s Athletic (4-2-3-1): Jaros; Barrett, Bone, Desmond, Bermingham (C); Benson, Lennon; Burns, Lewis, Forrester; Smith.

Subs: Murphy, Nwoko, Coughlan, McClelland, King, Melvin Lambert, Griffin, Hickman, Abankwah.

Odds

Bohemians 13/10

Draw 15/8

St Patrick’s Athletic 2/1

Where To Watch

The match will be available to watch live on RTÉ 2 with coverage beginning at 3:15 pm.

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Waterford come into the game in a state of turmoil with the majority of the League of Ireland drama this week linked to them.

On top of that, the side failed to win their last five games and will need to turn their fortunes around in order to survive.

UCD’s attack have been on fire this season and the side will look to end their year on a high after their early title challenge faded away.

Star man Colm Whelan bagged 19 goals throughout the regular season and has scored three goals in three playoff games.

Waterford’s John Martin hit double figures in the Premier Division but no other player did at the RSC – UCD currently have two players with at least 10 goals in the league this season.

Waterford’s dismal defensive record – only five clean sheets and 56 goals conceded – doomed them to the playoff.

UCD managed only four more clean sheets than The Blues but played six fewer games, including their previous playoff ties.

Ian Hendon will take charge of the side hoping to maintain their Premier Division status after Bircham’s sacking on Tuesday morning.

Hendon previously worked as a coach with West Ham United when former Limerick FC player-manager Sam Allardyce was in charge of the Hammers.

His most recent job was in Gibraltar with Europa Point, who improved upon his arrival after a poor start.

A challenging first match as Waterford boss lies ahead for the ex-Leyton Orient star in what is sure to make up another chapter in the recent history of the club.

The match will take place at Richmond Park and will kick-off at 7:45 pm.

Teams

Waterford

Team for tonight pic.twitter.com/OeJAznWLAw

— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) November 26, 2021

UCD

TEAM NEWS | Andy Myler has kept the same starting line up for tonight’s promotion relegation final! Kick off is just an hour away at 7.45pm! Nothing bests being there to get behind the Students, but if you can’t you can tune in on LOI TV! #COYBIB pic.twitter.com/QC3ecAt3Go

— UCD AFC (@UCDAFC) November 26, 2021

Odds

Waterford 19/20

Draw 23/10

UCD 12/5

Where To Watch

The match will be available to watch on LOI TV – it will not be shown on live television.

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The newly amalgamated club will play in the Carlisle Grounds in Bray and will apply to compete in the First Division in 2022 – a name has yet to be announced for League of Ireland’s latest proposition.

The Chairman of Cabinteely, Tony Richardson will become Chairman of the new club as his Bray Wanderers counterpart Niall O’Driscoll retires from his role.

Cabinteely’s Director of Football, Pat Devlin, will take up the same role at the merged club.

The move comes after a lengthy period of discussion between the management of both clubs while the joining together has been made possible through the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Bray Wanderers FC limited.

Incoming club Chairman Tony Richardson said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our two renowned clubs to establish a great good for football on a local, regional and national level.

“It is also very much in line with FAI encouragement for clubs to seek ways of co-operating more closely together.

“Both clubs have really brilliant people involved, with an exceptionally proud heritage, where Bray Wanderers was established in 1922 and Cabinteely in 1967.

“Both clubs have performed with distinction across all leagues throughout the years. Both are pillars within their communities and both have fantastic supporters, members and players who have an enormous love of football.

“It is this love of football that will continue to inspire us all to drive the future success of this endeavour.

“Now, with the coming together of both clubs, we will see a further strengthening of football for the generations to come and a commitment towards the continuing advancement of our combined club, and many partner clubs, for the football communities who we will continue to serve in the months, years and decades ahead.

“I look forward to working with everyone to continue the great progress of both clubs in recent years where by joining together, we are stronger for the future.”

Bray Wanderers’ outgoing Chairman Niall O’Driscoll said: “This coming together of Bray Wanderers and Cabinteely Senior FC is impressive in its vision and a logical step that will create a dynamic new influence in Irish football.

“I’m very proud to have helped stabilise and strengthen the position and status of Bray Wanderers, which is now on a firm footing and has performed very strongly in the 2021 league, enabling this excellent new development to take place.

“I express my absolute gratitude and my delight for everyone associated with Bray Wanderers, especially all the players, staff, volunteers, sponsors, local businesses and friends who have helped greatly in stabilising such a great club and securing such an exciting future that we announce today.

“The supporters and partner clubs’ continuous support, witnessed in the playoff final, was fantastic and shows that the future going forward is really exciting for everyone alike.

“I’m delighted with the success of our underage system and the progression of many players. This merger will only enhance these opportunities over the coming years.

“The conveyor belt of top underage players from the last few years, with the committed growth and investment of young talent, is exciting.

“I wish incoming Chairman Tony and everyone involved, both old and new, every possible success and I look forward to the exciting advancement, progress and success of the merged club.”

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The sacking of the ex-Canadian footballer comes three days before the team’s biggest game of the season – a promotion/relegation play-off against SSE Airtricity League First Division side UCD.

Bircham had joined the side in May, becoming the fifth manager to do so in a 12-month period and the team finished 27 points above Longford Town under his tutelage after being bottom upon his arrival.

However, draws to Longford and St Patrick’s Athletic in their final two games meant they could not avoid a play-off, which now sees their Premier Division status hang in the balance after being promoted for the 2018 season.

Bircham had revealed on Tuesday morning that he had been suspended by Forrest for a week after a conversation via text the previous night but, less than an hour after he made the information public, he was sacked.

In his statement about today’s events, Forrest said: “Since I arrived in Waterford my full and total commitment has been to unite the club and build a Waterford FC we can all be proud of.

“I am extremely disappointed to have had to make this tough decision we did today especially given the huge match we have facing us on Friday.

“I feel we were backed into a corner, given an ultimatum, which as an owner left me no choice but to act now in the long term best interests of the club.

“I would have only made this decision when left with no other option and I take no personal satisfaction from it.

“Therefore, it would not be right for me to comment any further on the above as we now need to put all our energy into Friday’s game and have the squad fully focused.

“The club would like to thank Marc for the great job he has done for us and wish him all the best for the future.

“Finally, I would encourage everyone to all get behind the team as you have done throughout this season as we, THE BLUES, fight for our right to be in the League of Ireland Premier.”

Waterford will play UCD on Friday, November 26 at Richmond Park with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 pm.

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The game, held at Richmond Park, will determine the league status of both clubs for the 2022 season.

Waterford finished ninth in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division while UCD finished third in the First Division and beat Treaty United and Bray Wanderers to get within one game of the top flight.

Initially, Bircham claimed that he was suspended by the club’s owner after a “difference of opinion on a couple of matters” with the club’s owner, Richard Forrest, on Monday night.

However, Waterford announced via social media that the manager had been sacked under an hour later.

Their brief statement reads: “Waterford FC have terminated the contract of Marc Bircham. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”

Bircham had joined the club in May when they were bottom of the league and his efforts saw them finish 27 points ahead of Longford Town but fail to avoid a play-off.

He was the fifth manager the club had employed in 12 months since the departure of Alan Reynolds.

Speaking to WLR this morning following his sacking, Bircham said that he was surprised at the decision, but could not say much more under the advice of his legal team.

“I put out a statement today which I thought was perfectly fine, just stating facts and letting everyone know I wasn’t there and I won’t be at the game.

“Then I just found out on social media that they terminated the contract. Nobody has contacted me whatsoever.

“The owner texted me last night that I was suspended for a week and I’m not allowed contact players or staff.

“I was surprised this morning and even more surprised now. My official statement is that I am surprised. It’s all out of my control.

“The decision has been made without me.”

Waterford will play UCD at Richmond Park on Friday, November 26 at 7:45 pm with their Premier Division spot on the line.

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There have been some amazing Ultimate Team Cards from the Airtricity League dating from FIFA 12 to this year’s edition.

Billy Dennehy’s FIFA 14 Team of the Season card and Conan Byrne’s In-Form in FIFA 18 are just some of the players that make our honourable mentions list.

The 2022 edition of the football game has proved to be divisive so far but we can expect a few more classic cards to join this roster in the coming months.

Here is a list of the Top 7 League of Ireland FIFA Ultimate Team Cards.

7. Richie Towell

Dundalk FC – 70 – FIFA 16

Hopping in first with one of the Irish leagues’ most accomplished players. Before moving to Preston North End in England, he managed to earn a very decent defensive midfielder card for Dundalk.

His card has four base stats above 70 including 87 stamina and 80 penalties.

6. Harry Ascroft (Hero)

Finn Harps – 69 – FIFA 20

This may not have been the best defender to use but the New Zealander was definitely one for the card collectors. The centre half was handed the card after he scored a 107th-minute winner against Drogheda United in the Relegation Play-off final.

5. Graham Burke (In-Form)

Shamrock Rovers – 75 – FIFA 20

Burke was a strong player in FIFA only hampered by his positioning. His lack of pace on the wing lets down his strong shooting and dribbling. This card at least stands as a reminder of the time that the Rovers player was called into the Irish national team setup.

4. Daryl Horgan (Player of the Year)

Dundalk FC – 74 – FIFA 17

Back in FIFA 17, this card became one of the first ‘must-haves’ for any League of Ireland fan. His speedy pace and the purple colour made him very desirable for any gamer. As one of the first POTY cards in all of FIFA, many people wanted to see what the hype was around Horgan.

3. Kieran Sadlier (In-Form)

Cork City FC – 75 – FIFA 18

It has been a long time since Irish fans have heard about the young winger Kieran Sadlier. The 27-year-old now plays for Rotherham United but back in FIFA 18 he became League of Ireland’s first gold Ultimate Team cards. After two In-Forms, the powers that be granted him a strong card with two base stats over 80.

2. Michael Duffy (Player of the Year)

Dundalk FC – 81 – FIFA 19

Duffy became the leagues first player to break the 80-rated mark when he was awarded as Player of the Year in 2019. The winger was given a very well rounded card but the main attraction is his four-star weak foot and skill moves. The Derry man still plies his trade with Dundalk and continues to earn nice cards with each FIFA edition.

1. Jack Byrne (Team of the Season)

Shamrock Rovers – 86 – FIFA 20

Lastly, the greatest Ultimate Team card goes to probably the best League of Ireland players in recent years. The 5’9” winger was best used as a CAM in FIFA two years ago. He now plays for APOEL FC with many Irish fans hoping that he will return from injury strong and back onto the national team.

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Ireland and international club football news, click here.

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Doyle’s two-year spell was brought to an end on Tuesday evening after the team’s 1-0 loss to Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

The decision comes three games after their relegation back to the First Division was confirmed when Drogheda United beat them by two goals at United Park.

The 41-year-old became manager at Bishopsgate in August 2019 after Neale Finn, who he worked with as an assistant, had left to join Cork City.

The manager had previously had a 19-year career as a player before going into management, playing for the Town for a two-year period and even wearing the captain’s armband.

The ex-midfielder brought the side he managed up to the top tier of association football in the Republic of Ireland via the play-offs in 2020 when he beat his former employers Shelbourne but they were immediately at a disadvantage because of their slim budget.

After only two wins across 33 games in the competition, Doyle was dismissed, with John Martin, Doyle’s assistant, appointed as interim manager for the remainder of the 2021 SSE Airtricity League season.

Daire Doyle spoke on Twitter following his departure from Strokestown Road: “After meeting with our club today, we couldn’t agree on a way forward so we decided it would be best to part ways.

“I’ve loved my time @LongfordTownFC, a fantastic club with great people & supporters. Thank you for my time as manager. I can’t wait for the next opportunity & challenge.

“I want to wish everyone at the club the very best for the future and to thank all of those who have supported & helped me along the way – too many to mention in a tweet.

“I hope to see Longford Town back at the top table very soon.”

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Kelly has been named SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for the second time this season, first earning the accolade in June.

The 24-year-old is the current top scorer in the Premier Division and his win marks the fourth month in a row that a Bohs player has won the award.

He sits on 18 goals in the league this season, with penalties against Drogheda and Finn Harps and a brace in an exciting 3-3 draw with Derry City helping to put him seven goals clear of the chasing pack.

Kelly’s win in June started the trend, with Dawson Devoy and Ali Coote picking up the award for the months of July and August.

“To pick up the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland award for the second time is unexpected,” Kelly said. “It’s four in a row now for Bohs, which is an incredible achievement.

“The goal against Derry is definitely one of my best. I probably won’t score many more of them.

“I should have headed it to be honest, but for some reason I took it down and hit it over the shoulder. It was a nice finish and a great game, so that was a good advert for the league.”

After some memorable moments in the Europa Conference League this year, Bohs are aiming to qualify for the competition once again.

Keith Long’s side play Dundalk at Dalymount Park this Friday night, before the derby with Shamrock Rovers and an FAI Cup semi-final tie against Waterford next week.

“The team is focused on getting into Europe,” Kelly adds. “We’ve eight league games left so the emphasis will be on performance and picking up results – starting with Dundalk on Friday.”

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