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Aviva Stadium football and rugby ground guide

Aviva Stadium ground guide

Aviva Stadium is a sports stadium in Dublin, Ireland, with a capacity for 51,700 spectators (all seated). It is built on the site of the former Lansdowne Road Stadium, which was demolished in 2007, and replaced it as home to its chief tenants: the Irish rugby union team and the Republic of Ireland football team.

The stadium is Ireland’s first, and only, UEFA Category 4 Stadium and in 2011, it hosted the Europa League final. It also hosted the inaugural Nations Cup, as well as the regular home fixtures of the national rugby team, national football team and some home fixtures for Leinster Rugby from August 2010 onwards.

Aviva Stadium is a modern and state-of-the-art stadium, with excellent facilities for both spectators and players. It is a popular venue for major sporting events, as well as concerts and other events.

Here are some of the facts about Aviva Stadium:

  • The stadium was designed by Populous, the same architects who designed the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
  • The stadium’s roof is made of ETFE, a transparent material that allows natural light to flood into the stadium.
  • The stadium has a number of sustainable features, including a rainwater harvesting system and a ground source heat pump.
  • Aviva Stadium is home to the Irish Rugby Museum, which tells the story of Irish rugby from its origins to the present day.

Pubs near the Aviva Stadium, home of Irish Rugby and Football

  • The Bridge 1859: This pub is located just a 5-minute walk from the stadium and is a great place to go for a pre-match pint. They have a wide selection of beers on tap, as well as a good food menu. Address: 13 Ballsbridge Terrace, Dublin 4, D04 C7K6, Ireland. Phone: +353 1 660 2804.
  • The Woolshed: This pub is also located within walking distance of the stadium and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. They have a large beer garden, which is perfect for a sunny day. Address: The Parnell Centre, 198-200 Parnell St, Centre, Dublin, D01 K5N8, Ireland. Phone: +353 1 872 4325.
  • The Stag’s Head: This pub is a bit further away from the stadium, but it is well worth the walk. It is a traditional Irish pub with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Address: 1 Dame Ct, Dublin, D02 TW84, Ireland. Phone: +353 1 679 3687.
  • The Porterhouse Temple Bar: This pub is a bit more upmarket than the others on this list, but it is worth it for the quality of the food and beer. They have a wide selection of craft beers on tap, as well as a great menu of burgers, pizzas, and other pub food. Address: 16-18 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 VR94, Ireland. Phone: +353 1 679 8847.
  • The Brazen Head: This pub is the oldest pub in Dublin, and it is a great place to experience some traditional Irish pub culture. They have a wide selection of beers on tap, as well as a good food menu. Address: 20 Lower Bridge St, Usher’s Quay, Dublin, D08 WC64, Ireland. Phone: +353 1 679 5186.

Hotels near the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland

  • Sandymount Hotel: This hotel is located just a 5-minute walk from the stadium and offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi. It also has a bar with a terrace, where you can enjoy drinks and views of the stadium.
  • Grand Canal Hotel: This hotel is a bit further from the stadium, but it is still within walking distance. It has a modern design and offers a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool, a spa, and a number of restaurants.
  • Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge: This hotel is located in the heart of Ballsbridge, just a short walk from the stadium. It is a popular choice for business travelers and offers a variety of meeting and event spaces.
  • Ariel House: This guesthouse is a bit more of a boutique option, but it is located just a 10-minute walk from the stadium. It has a Victorian charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
  • The Marker Hotel: This hotel is located in the city centre, just a short drive from the stadium. It is a luxurious hotel with a rooftop bar that offers stunning views of the city.

How to get to Aviva Stadium

  • By DART: The DART is a suburban rail service that runs along the coast of Dublin. The closest DART stations to Aviva Stadium are Lansdowne Road and Pearse. From either station, it is a short walk to the stadium.
  • By Luas: The Luas is a light rail system that runs through Dublin city centre. The closest Luas stop to Aviva Stadium is Charlemont (Green Line). From Charlemont, it is a 25-minute walk to the stadium.
  • By bus: There are a number of bus routes that serve Aviva Stadium. The most convenient bus stops are Lansdowne Road, Merrion Square, and Ballsbridge.
  • By car: There is limited parking available at Aviva Stadium. If you are driving, it is recommended to park in the city centre and then walk or take public transport to the stadium.

Here are some additional tips for getting to Aviva Stadium:

  • Plan your journey in advance: If you are traveling by public transport, it is a good idea to plan your journey in advance using the Transport for Ireland website or app.
  • Allow plenty of time: There can be long queues at public transport stations on match days, so it is important to allow plenty of time to get to the stadium.
  • Be aware of road closures: There are often road closures in the area around Aviva Stadium on match days. If you are driving, it is important to be aware of these closures and plan your route accordingly.

Things to do at the Aviva Stadium

  • Watch a match. The Aviva Stadium is home to the Irish national rugby union team and the Republic of Ireland national football team. It also hosts other sporting events, such as international soccer matches, concerts, and rugby league games.
  • Take a stadium tour. The Aviva Stadium offers a variety of tours, including a behind-the-scenes tour, a matchday tour, and a family tour. The tours provide an opportunity to learn about the history of the stadium, see the players’ tunnel, and walk on the pitch.
  • Visit the museum. The Aviva Stadium Museum tells the story of the stadium, from its origins as Lansdowne Road to its current incarnation as the Aviva Stadium. The museum includes exhibits on the history of rugby and football in Ireland, as well as the history of the stadium itself.
  • Have a drink or a bite to eat. There are a number of bars and restaurants located in the stadium, including the Aviva Stadium Bar, the Players’ Lounge, and the Hogan Stand Restaurant. These venues offer a variety of food and drink options, making them a great place to relax before or after a match.
  • Explore the surrounding area. The Aviva Stadium is located in Ballsbridge, a suburb of Dublin. There are a number of other attractions in the area, such as the National Botanic Gardens, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

If you are planning to visit the Aviva Stadium, I recommend that you check the stadium’s website for the latest information on events and tours. You should also dress appropriately for the weather, as the stadium does not have a roof that covers the entire pitch.

Things to do near the Aviva Stadium in Dublin

  • Visit the Guinness Storehouse. This world-famous brewery offers a variety of tours and tastings, as well as a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.
  • Explore Trinity College Dublin. This prestigious university is home to the Book of Kells, a beautifully illuminated manuscript dating back to the 8th century.
  • Walk through St. Stephen’s Green. This large, public park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. There are plenty of benches to sit on, a lake to feed the ducks, and a playground for children.
  • Visit the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. This museum houses a collection of over 2 million archaeological artifacts, including the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice.
  • Take a walk through Phoenix Park. This large, enclosed park is home to the President of Ireland’s official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin. There are also plenty of walking trails, a zoo, and a herd of wild fallow deer.
  • Visit the Irish Whiskey Museum. This museum tells the story of Irish whiskey, from its origins to the present day. There are also tastings available.
  • Go on a brewery tour. There are a number of breweries in the Dublin area that offer tours and tastings. Some popular options include the Guinness Storehouse, the Jameson Distillery, and the Teeling Whiskey Distillery.

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