The all important World Cup Qualifiers are looming, with Ireland taking on Wales on Saturday the 24th March and then Slovakia in a midweek clash on the 28th March.
For the first time ever the boys in green will take to Croke Park for these historic football fixtures. It’s sure to be big occasion, and win, lose or draw the colourful pubs and clubs of Dublin will come alive as fans party late into the night.
You should definitely check out our top quality hotels and B&Bs if you’re looking for a place to stay – we’ve got good value establishments scattered all over the city, so you’re sure to find a place to suit your needs.
Soccer Comes To Croke Park
With Croke Park getting the go-ahead to host soccer and rugby fixtures along with Gaelic Football, the Irish public witnessed a glorious victory over England in the rugby, with a fired up Ireland side dismantling the English in a passionate encounter on the 24th January.
The fixtures against Wales and Slovakia look set to be tougher affairs, though Irish fans will be hoping the atmosphere of ‘Croker’ provides a springboard for the spluttering soccer team to turn their fortunes around.
Boasting a capacity of 82,500, this magnificent theatre of sport is the fourth largest stadium in Europe. Freshly renovated, it’s renowned for its superb atmosphere – just ask any Gaelic Games follower!
Getting To ‘Croker’
On Foot
It’s located in the Dublin 3 area in the centre of town and can easily be reached by bus, train or on foot. If you’re staying near O’Connell Street in the city centre then it’s just a short walk away:
· Walk to the top of the O’Connell Street where the Parnell Monument is located.
· Take a right along Parnell Street and follow this road until it becomes Summerhill.
· Take a left along the North Circular Road, followed by a right along Russell St which leads on to Jones Road where the stadium is.
By Train/Bus
If you’re travelling by train then you can pick up the DART to Drumcondra Station just a couple of minutes walk from the stadium, while Dublin Bus routes 51A, 11A, 11, 16 and 3 all service the area.
By Car
‘Croker’ is situated just to the north of the centre of the city, so if you’re renting a car to get there your better off is to leaving it in a car park in the city centre and strolling up as you won’t get a parking spot next to the stadium!
By Plane
If you’re flying in, Dublin Airport is about 6 miles away, and you can jump on the blue Aircoach from outside the Arrivals Hall to O’Connell Street in the town centre.
By Ferry
If you’ve sailed over the Irish Sea by boat then Dublin Port is just outside the city centre. Dun Laoghaire Ferryport is on the DART – just hop on the northbound line to Drumcondra Station.
Publife in Dublin
Dublin’s Fair City is world famous for it’s pulsating party atmosphere. After watching the soccer you can immerse yourself in the buzz, the booze and the banter of one of the greatest party capitals in the world!
Make for Fagans on the Drumcondra Road where the Guinness is good, and hit the iconic Hill 16 bar for a session as you reminisce the highs and lows of the match over a pint or ten!
Other pubs in the area include James Grills, The Big Tree, Barry’s Hotel and Cassidy’s on Camden Street, a well known bar for sports followers.
Of course you don’t have to stick around the stadium, you can head to the lively clubs and pubs of Temple Bar for a hefty session, or retire for a quiet jar around O’Connell Street. Either way you’re gauranteed to enjoy yourself in the party atmosphere of Ireland’s capital.
Of course we’d be delighted to hear what you’ve got to say… so give us a shout and let us know how you got on. Any suggestions, opinions and even stories are more then welcome… you know where to find us!
