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UCD Bowl | University College Dublin A.F.C. football ground guide

UCD Bowl guide

The UCD Bowl (also known as the Belfield Bowl) is a rugby union and football stadium in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, Ireland. It is the home ground of University College Dublin R.F.C. in the AIB All Ireland League and League of Ireland Premier Division side University College Dublin A.F.C. It has also hosted training sessions for the Ireland national rugby union team and various touring international teams including the All Blacks. It was one of the venues for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The stadium was opened in 2007 and has a capacity of 3,000 people, including 1,500 seats. It is located to the north of the Belfield campus beside the National hockey stadium, near the Sports Centre. There is a single stand on the southern side of the stadium with uncovered standing room at each end. 860 seats in the stand are covered.

The UCD Bowl is a modern stadium with excellent facilities. It has a FIFA-approved pitch, a state-of-the-art floodlighting system, and a fully equipped media center. It is also fully accessible for people with disabilities.

The stadium is easily accessible by public transport. It is a short walk from the UCD Belfield campus stop on the Luas Green Line. There is also a bus stop outside the stadium on the Stillorgan Road.

The UCD Bowl is a popular venue for both rugby and football matches. It is also a popular spot for students to relax and socialize. The stadium is well-maintained and offers a great atmosphere for sporting events.

Here are some additional facts about the UCD Bowl:

  • The stadium was originally named the Belfield Bowl, but was renamed the UCD Bowl in 2015.
  • The record attendance at the UCD Bowl is 3,000, set for a match between UCD AFC and Dundalk in the League of Ireland Premier Division in 2016.
  • The UCD Bowl was one of the venues for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Pubs near UCD Bowl, home of University College Dublin AFC

  • The Clubhouse Bar is located in the UCD Student Centre, just a 5-minute walk from the stadium. It is a popular spot for students and sports fans, and has a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Address: UCD N 11 Entrance, stop 768, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. Phone: +353 1 716 3146.
  • Farmer Browns Clonskeagh is a traditional Irish pub located about a 15-minute walk from the stadium. It is known for its friendly atmosphere and its delicious food, including its famous burgers. Address: 68 Clonskeagh Rd, Rathmines, Dublin, D06 EH93, Ireland. Phone: +353 1 567 6956.
  • Ashton’s Gastro Pub is a bit further away, about a 20-minute walk from the stadium. However, it is worth the walk for its excellent food and its range of craft beers. Address: 11 Vergemount, Bóthar Chluain Sceach, Rathmines, Clonskeagh, Co. Dublin, D06 X271, Ireland. Phone: +353 1 283 0045.
  • The Old Punch Bowl is a historic pub located in Booterstown, about a 25-minute walk from the stadium. It is a great place to go for a traditional Irish pint and a bite to eat. Address: 116 Rock Rd, Merrion, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 X2C6, Ireland. Phone: +353 1 283 2356.
  • The Bridge 1859 is a newer pub located in Stillorgan, about a 30-minute walk from the stadium. It has a great atmosphere and a wide selection of beers and cocktails. Address: 13 Ballsbridge Terrace, Dublin 4, D04 C7K6, Ireland. Phone: +353 1 660 2804.

Hotels near UCD Bowl

  • Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge. Relaxed hotel set in a former school dating from 1881 offering free Wi-Fi & cosy dining.
  • Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel, Dublin. Elegant rooms in a former 16th-century mansion with free Wi-Fi, an Italian restaurant & a spa.
  • Maldron Hotel Merrion Road. Modern hotel with a gym, a bar & a restaurant, plus free Wi-Fi and parking.
  • Broc House Suites. Self-catering suites with balconies, free Wi-Fi and parking, plus a garden with a barbecue.
  • The Fitzwilliam Hotel. Luxury hotel with a spa, a gym, a restaurant & a bar, plus free Wi-Fi and parking.
  • Herbert Park Hotel & Park Residence. Spacious hotel with a spa, a gym, a restaurant & a bar, plus free Wi-Fi and parking.

These hotels are all within a 10-minute walk of UCD Bowl. They offer a variety of amenities and services, so you can find the perfect place to stay for your needs.

How to get to the UCD Bowl

  • By car: The UCD Bowl is located on the UCD campus, which is easily accessible by car. There are a number of car parks on campus, including the Belfield Bowl Car Park, which is located directly next to the stadium.
  • By bus: There are a number of bus routes that stop near the UCD Bowl. The closest bus stop is the UCD Belfield stop, which is served by the 46A, 46B, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 142 buses.
  • By train: The nearest train station is the Sydney Parade station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the UCD Bowl. The DART commuter train service stops at Sydney Parade station, and there are also a number of bus routes that connect the station to the UCD campus.
  • By bike: The UCD Bowl is also accessible by bike. There are a number of bike racks on campus, and there is a dedicated cycle path that runs from the city centre to the UCD campus.

Once you arrive at the UCD Bowl, you will find that it is well-signposted, so you should have no trouble finding your way to the stadium.

Here are some additional tips for getting to the UCD Bowl:

  • If you are driving, be aware that there is limited parking on campus, so it is advisable to arrive early.
  • If you are taking the bus, check the timetable in advance to make sure that you are catching a bus that stops near the UCD Bowl.
  • If you are taking the train, allow extra time for your journey, as the train service can be busy at peak times.
  • If you are cycling, be aware that the cycle path can be busy, so be prepared to share the path with other cyclists and pedestrians.

Things to do near the UCD Bowl in Dublin, Ireland

  • Visit the Little Museum of Dublin. This museum tells the story of Dublin through the objects and stories of its citizens. It’s located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from UCD.
  • Explore St. Stephen’s Green. This is one of Dublin’s most popular parks, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of walking paths, gardens, and a lake to explore.
  • Take a walk through Trinity College Dublin. This is one of the most famous universities in the world, and it’s a beautiful campus to explore. Be sure to check out the Book of Kells, a beautifully illuminated manuscript that’s on display in the Old Library.
  • Visit the Guinness Storehouse. This is the home of Guinness beer, and it’s a must-visit for any fan of the black stuff. You can take a tour of the brewery, learn about the history of Guinness, and even sample some of the beer at the end.
  • Go shopping on Grafton Street. This is Dublin’s main shopping street, and it’s home to a wide variety of stores, from high-end designer shops to more affordable options.
  • Catch a show at the Gaiety Theatre. This is one of Dublin’s oldest and most famous theatres, and it hosts a variety of shows, from musicals to plays to comedy.
  • Visit the Irish Whiskey Museum. This museum tells the story of Irish whiskey, and you can even sample some of the different types of whiskey on offer.
  • Go for a walk in Phoenix Park. This is Dublin’s largest park, and it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are plenty of walking paths, a zoo, and even a herd of deer to see.

These are just a few of the many things you can do near the UCD Bowl. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to keep you entertained in Dublin.