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National Football Stadium at Windsor Park | Linfield and NI football ground guide

National Football Stadium at Windsor Park guide

Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. The stadium has a capacity of 18,500 and is the largest stadium in Northern Ireland.

Windsor Park was opened in 1905 and has undergone several renovations since then. The most recent renovation was completed in 2016. The stadium is now a modern, all-seater stadium with excellent facilities. Windsor Park has hosted many important matches over the years, including European Championship qualifiers, World Cup qualifiers, and international friendlies. The stadium has also hosted the Irish Cup final on many occasions.

Windsor Park is a popular venue for football fans in Northern Ireland. The stadium is always full for Linfield’s home matches and the atmosphere is always electric. The stadium is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take a tour of the stadium to learn more about its history and see the facilities.

Pubs near Windsor Park stadium

  • The Botanic Inn is a popular pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is located just a short walk from the stadium and offers a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. The pub also has a good food menu, with classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas. Address: 23-27 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6RU. Phone: 028 9050 9740.
  • The Parlour is another great option for a pre-match pint. This pub is known for its friendly staff and its lively atmosphere. The Parlour also has a good selection of beers on tap, as well as a wide range of whiskeys and other spirits. Address: 2-4 Elmwood Ave, Belfast BT9 6AY. Phone: 028 9068 6970.
  • Cuckoo is a bit more of a traditional Irish pub, with a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. This pub is a great place to go for a pint of Guinness and some traditional Irish food. Address: 149 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7AJ. Phone: 028 9066 7776.
  • Molly’s Yard is a bit further from the stadium, but it is worth the walk. This pub is housed in a converted Victorian stables and has a lovely courtyard garden. Molly’s Yard serves modern Irish cuisine and has a great selection of wines and beers. Address: 1 College Green Mews, Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1LW. Phone: 028 9032 2600.
  • House Belfast is a more upmarket option, but it is worth the splurge. This hotel bar has a stylish interior and a great selection of cocktails and wines. House Belfast also has a good food menu, with dishes like steak frites and seared scallops. Address: 59-63 Botanic Ave, Belfast BT7 1JL. Phone: 028 9531 3120.

Hotels near Windsor Park stadium in Belfast

  • The Malone Hotel is a 4-star hotel located just 1.2 miles from the stadium. It has a modern spa, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Travelodge Belfast Central is a 3-star hotel located just 0.8 miles from the stadium. It has simple rooms with free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk.
  • The Gregory Belfast is a 3-star guesthouse located just 0.9 miles from the stadium. It has individually decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi and a shared lounge.
  • Premier Inn Belfast City Centre (Alfred Street) is a 3-star hotel located just 0.6 miles from the stadium. It has modern en suite rooms and a restaurant on-site.
  • Hampton by Hilton Belfast City Centre is a 4-star hotel located just 1.1 miles from the stadium. It has stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre.

How to get to Windsor Park stadium in Belfast

  • By car: The stadium is located at Windsor Park, Donegall Avenue, Belfast, BT12 6LU. There is a car park on-site, but it is limited and can fill up quickly on match days. If you are planning to drive, it is best to arrive early.
  • By train: The nearest train station is Adelaide station, which is a short walk from the stadium. Trains run from Belfast Great Victoria Street station, which is about a 15-minute walk from the stadium.
  • By bus: There are several bus routes that stop near the stadium, including the 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 6A, and 6B. The bus stop is located on Donegall Avenue, just a few minutes walk from the stadium.
  • On foot: If you are staying in the city center, you can easily walk to the stadium. It is about a 20-minute walk from Belfast City Hall.

Here are some additional tips for getting to Windsor Park stadium:

  • If you are driving, be sure to allow plenty of time for traffic, especially on match days.
  • If you are taking the train or bus, be sure to check the timetables in advance to make sure you arrive at the stadium on time.
  • If you are walking, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

Things to do at Windsor Park Stadium

  • Attend a match. This is the most obvious thing to do at a football stadium, but it’s also the most exciting. Windsor Park is home to the Northern Ireland national football team, and they play here regularly. You can also catch matches from the Irish League, the top tier of football in Northern Ireland.
  • Take a stadium tour. This is a great way to learn about the history of the stadium and the Northern Ireland national team. The tour takes you around the stadium, including the pitch, the dressing rooms, and the press box.
  • Visit the museum. The museum at Windsor Park tells the story of football in Northern Ireland. There are exhibits on the history of the national team, the Irish League, and the famous Windsor Park Walls.
  • Have a picnic. There’s a large grassy area outside the stadium where you can have a picnic. This is a great option if you’re attending a match and want to get there early to soak up the atmosphere.
  • Visit the Fanzone. The Fanzone is a great place to meet other fans and enjoy some food and drinks before or after a match. There’s also a stage where live music is often played.

If you’re not interested in football, there are still a few other things you can do at Windsor Park. The stadium is located in a beautiful part of Belfast, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. You could also take a walk in Windsor Great Park, which is just a short walk from the stadium.

Things to do near Windsor Park stadium in Belfast

  • Visit the Ulster Museum. This world-class museum has a wide variety of exhibits, including natural history, art, and history. It’s located just a 0.8-mile walk from the stadium.
  • Take a walk through Botanic Gardens. These beautiful gardens are home to a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a Palm House and a Japanese Garden. They’re located just a 0.9-mile walk from the stadium.
  • Go on a Game of Thrones tour. Belfast was a major filming location for the popular TV show, and there are a number of tours that will take you to some of the most famous spots. Tours typically depart from the city centre, which is about a 2-mile walk from the stadium.
  • Visit Titanic Belfast. This award-winning museum tells the story of the Titanic, which was built in Belfast. It’s located about 2.5 miles from the stadium.
  • Explore the Falls Road. This historic road is home to a number of murals and political murals. It’s located about 0.7 miles from the stadium.
  • Have a pint at the Crown Liquor Saloon. This traditional pub is a great place to experience Belfast’s culture. It’s located just a 0.3-mile walk from the stadium.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With so much to see and do in Belfast, you’re sure to find something to keep you entertained.