| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Team(s) | Ireland national rugby & football teams AerLingus College Football Classic |
| Opened | May 14, 2010 – built on the site of the former Lansdowne Road Stadium |
| Capacity | 51,700 (all-seated) |
| Best Value Seats | Upper-level corners & end-zone sections – good views at mid-tier prices |
| Premium Seating | ~10,000 premium seats + 1,300 corporate boxes |
| Top Venue Events | Six Nations & Autumn rugby tests, UEFA qualifiers, Europa League Finals |
| Nearby Bars/Eats | “The Bath” and Rody Boland’s pubs in Ballsbridge; Temple Bar a short bus ride |
| Closest Hotels | Ariel House, Butler’s Townhouse, Ballsbridge Hotel within walking distance |
| Transit Access | DART to Lansdowne Road station or LUAS/bus + 20–30 min walk from city centre |
| Unique Highlights | Wavelike translucent roof to reduce neighbour impact; UEFA Category 4; award-winning design with a curving, reflective façade |
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Tickets to Ireland Matches
Here’s how to get your hands of tickets for Ireland games:
Official IRFU Website: For rugby matches, head to irishrugby.ie where you can browse fixtures and purchase tickets directly. Registration is usually required.
FAI Ticketing: Football matches are handled through fai.ie. Again, you’ll need to register and join their database for the best chance at tickets.
Season Tickets: Both rugby and football offer season ticket packages, though these often have lengthy waiting lists. Worth getting your name down if you’re planning to be a regular.
Club Allocations: Many rugby and football clubs across Ireland get small allocations for big matches. Check with your local club—you might get lucky.
Hospitality Packages: Premium packages are available through both organizations and include everything from pre-match meals to post-match functions. Pricey, but comprehensive.
Resale Market: Official resale platforms operate for sold-out matches, though be prepared to pay premium prices. Avoid unofficial sellers—too risky and you might end up locked out.
Supporters Clubs: Join official supporters clubs for better access to away tickets and priority booking for home matches.
For the biggest matches (Six Nations deciders, major tournaments), getting tickets can be fierce competitive, so planning ahead is essential.
Aviva Stadium Seating Plan
The stadium seats 51,700 for most events, though this can be adjusted depending on the configuration. Here’s the updated seating plan to help you find your bearings once you’ve secured tickets.
Best Seats At Aviva Stadium
Tier 1 – Excellent Views:
- Lower West Stand (Rows 15-25): Perfect height for the action, close enough to hear the players but high enough for tactical overview
- Lower East Stand (Rows 15-25): Mirror image of West Stand, excellent sightlines and atmosphere
- North Stand Lower (Central sections, Rows 10-20): Behind the posts but central positioning gives great views of the action
Tier 2 – Very Good Views:
- Upper West Stand (Front rows 1-10): Elevated view without being too far from the action, excellent for taking in the full pitch
- Upper East Stand (Front rows 1-10): Similar to Upper West, great tactical view of the game
- South Stand Lower (Central sections): Behind the opposite posts, good atmosphere particularly for rugby matches
Tier 3 – Good Value with Solid Views:
- Upper North Stand (Front rows): Higher up but still excellent views, often better value than sideline seats
- Upper South Stand (Front rows): Similar positioning to Upper North, good compromise between price and view
- Lower West/East Stand Corners: Angled view but still close to the action, often available when central sections sell out
What to Avoid:
- Back rows of Upper tiers: Can feel quite distant from the action
- Extreme corner sections: Awkward viewing angles
- Behind pillars: Though rare in the Aviva’s design, check your specific seat location
Top Tips:
- Rows 15-25 in the Lower tiers are the sweet spot for most events
- For rugby, being behind the posts (North/South stands) can be brilliant for conversions and drop goals
- The Aviva’s bowl design means there really aren’t many bad seats – even upper tier offers decent views
The stadium’s steep rake means even higher seats maintain good sightlines, but those Lower tier central sections around row 15-20 are genuinely the best non-premium seats in the house.
Premium Clubs at Aviva Stadium
The Aviva Club: The main hospitality hub featuring multiple restaurants and bars. Members enjoy pre-match dining with menus designed by top Irish chefs, plus access to exclusive events throughout the year.
West Stand Hospitality: Premium dining experiences with panoramic views of the pitch and Dublin Bay. Multiple package options available from casual dining to fine dining experiences.
Executive Lounges: Private lounges serving premium food and beverage packages, perfect for corporate entertaining or special celebrations.
The Green Room: An exclusive space for VIP guests featuring contemporary Irish cuisine and premium beverage selections.
Note that availability varies by event, and some areas may be configured differently for concerts versus sporting events.
Upcoming Events at Aviva Stadium
The Aviva consistently hosts Ireland’s biggest sporting and entertainment events. From Six Nations rugby and international football to the annual College Football Classic, there’s always something happening. The stadium also welcomes major touring acts—though be prepared for sound restrictions that mean concerts typically wrap up by 10:30pm to keep the Ballsbridge neighbors happy. Here is a list of upcoming events and some highlights:
Aer Lingus College Football Classic
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic has become one of Dublin’s most anticipated annual sporting events, transforming the Aviva Stadium into a slice of American college football each August. What started as a novel idea has grown into a massive celebration that brings thousands of American visitors to Dublin for a long weekend of craic.
Future Matchups:
- 2026: TCU (Texas Christian University) taking on North Carolina.
- 2027: Pittsburgh (Pitt) will face off against Wisconsin, continuing the tradition of bringing Big Ten and ACC conference powers to Irish soil.
The Experience: It’s not just about the game itself—the entire weekend becomes a festival. American fans arrive days early to explore Dublin, often making it their European holiday base. The atmosphere is brilliant, with American-style tailgating (adapted for Irish licensing laws) and a genuine sense of occasion that’s infected local sports fans. Here is a guide for American college football fans.
Local Impact: The game has become popular with Dubliners too, many of whom had never seen American football before. The spectacle, pageantry, and different sporting culture make it a fascinating day out, even if you don’t know a touchdown from a field goal.
Rugby Internationals: The bread and butter of the Aviva calendar, featuring Six Nations matches, November internationals, and other test matches.
Football Internationals: Ireland’s home European and World Cup qualifiers, plus friendly matches.
Euro 2028: Selected as one of the host venues for the European Championships, with multiple matches planned including potential knockout rounds.
Getting to Aviva Stadium
The beauty of the Aviva is its location—you can literally walk from the city center in about 30 minutes, though there are plenty of faster options.
By DART
Lansdowne Road Station: Right beside the stadium—you literally can’t miss it. The DART runs every 10-15 minutes from the city center and connects with suburbs north and south. This is your best bet for hassle-free travel.
From the city center, it’s just one stop from Pearse Street or two from Tara Street. The walk from the platform to the stadium gates is less than two minutes.
By Dublin Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area:
- Route 4: From the city center via Ballsbridge
- Route 7: Through Ballsbridge from various parts of the city
- Route 18: Connects with suburbs and city center
- Route 45: Links with south Dublin suburbs
The closest bus stops are on Lansdowne Road and Shelbourne Road, both within easy walking distance.
By Luas
While there’s no direct Luas service, you can take the Green Line to Sandymount and walk (about 15 minutes), or connect with the DART at various stations.
Driving
Not recommended for match days. The area around the stadium becomes jammed, and parking is extremely limited. If you must drive:
- Pre-booked parking: Available through the stadium’s official partners
- Local business parking: Some nearby businesses offer parking, but book in advance
- Street parking: Very limited and heavily restricted on match days
Walking/Cycling
The stadium is easily walkable from the city center—about 25-30 minutes from Temple Bar area. Cycling is popular with secure bike parking available, though spaces fill up quickly on big match days.
Taxi/Ride-sharing
Expect delays getting away from the stadium after events. The taxi rank is on Lansdowne Road, but you might be better off walking to a nearby hotel or shopping center to avoid the crowds.
Restaurants Near Aviva Stadium
The Ballsbridge and Sandymount areas offer excellent dining options within walking distance:
Fine Dining:
- The Schoolhouse Hotel Restaurant: Upmarket dining in a converted Victorian schoolhouse
- Roly’s Bistro: Dublin institution known for excellent Irish cuisine and buzzing atmosphere
- Clontarf Castle: A bit further out but worth it for the medieval setting and modern Irish menu
Casual Dining:
- Donnybrook Fair Food Hall: Gourmet food court perfect for pre-match bites
- Herbstreet: Popular for wood-fired pizza and casual Mediterranean fare
- Juniors Deli: Local favorite for sandwiches and light meals
International Cuisine:
- Dada: Moroccan restaurant with excellent tagines and couscous
- Paulie’s Pizza: New York-style pizza that’s become a local obsession
- Kites Chinese Restaurant: Reliable Chinese takeaway popular with locals
Best Pubs Near Aviva Stadium
The Schoolhouse Bar: Part of the Schoolhouse Hotel, this spot gets packed before rugby matches. Good pint and decent food, though expect crowds on match days.
The Bridge 1859: A proper local with a good atmosphere, especially popular with rugby supporters. Gets very busy before international matches.
Kiely’s of Donnybrook: A bit of a walk but worth it—traditional Dublin pub with excellent Guinness and a friendly crowd that mixes locals with match-goers.
The Aviva Stadium Bar: If you have premium tickets, the bars inside the stadium itself are excellent, particularly the Aviva Club bar.
Sinnott’s Bar: Classic Dublin pub in the heart of Ballsbridge, popular with both locals and visitors. Known for good traditional Irish music sessions.
The Punch Bowl: Relaxed pub with outdoor seating when the weather permits—rare enough in Dublin to be worth mentioning!
Most pubs in the area get absolutely jammers before big matches, so arrive early or be prepared to queue.
Hotels Near Aviva Stadium
Luxury Options:
- The Conrad Dublin: Five-star luxury in the heart of the city, about 20 minutes’ walk to the stadium
- The Fitzwilliam Hotel: Boutique luxury on St. Stephen’s Green, easy DART connection
- The Shelbourne: Dublin’s most famous hotel, perfectly located for stadium access
Mid-Range Options:
- The Schoolhouse Hotel: Unique converted Victorian school right in Ballsbridge
- Travelodge Dublin City Centre: Good value and well-located for public transport
- Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge: Modern hotel very close to the stadium
Budget Options:
- Drury Court Hotel: City center location with good public transport connections
- Brooks Hotel: Boutique feel without the luxury price tag
- Dublin City Inn: Basic but clean accommodation in the city center
Unique Stays:
- The Davenport: Historic hotel with character, popular with rugby supporters
- Hilton Dublin: Modern hotel with good facilities, easy access to DART
Book well in advance for major rugby weekends—particularly Six Nations matches—as accommodation fills up quickly and prices rise significantly.
Things to Do Near Aviva Stadium
RDS (Royal Dublin Society): Just next door to the stadium, hosts everything from dog shows to concerts. Worth checking what’s on during your visit.
Herbert Park: Lovely Victorian park perfect for a pre-match stroll or post-match wind-down. Great playground if you’re traveling with kids.
Sandymount Strand: Beautiful beach walk just 10 minutes from the stadium. Perfect on a nice day, though this being Dublin, that’s not guaranteed!
The National Print Museum: Small but fascinating museum in nearby Beggar’s Bush, ideal if you want to kill time before a match.
Ballsbridge Village: Compact area with boutique shopping, cafes, and traditional pubs. Good for browsing if you’re early for your event.
Dublin Bay: Take the DART one stop further to Sandymount and enjoy coastal walks with views across the bay.
The AIB Building: Historic headquarters featuring beautiful architecture, though it’s just for looking unless you’re into banking.
Local Markets: Ballsbridge hosts occasional farmers’ markets—worth checking if you’re in the area on a weekend.
Other things to do in Dublin:
Guinness Storehouse at St. James’s Gate is Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction and a pilgrimage site for beer lovers worldwide. This seven-story experience takes you through the brewing process of Ireland’s most famous export in the original brewery where it all began in 1759. The highlight is the Gravity Bar on the top floor, offering 360-degree views of Dublin while you enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. Learn how to pull the perfect pint yourself, explore the history of the iconic advertising campaigns, and discover why Guinness genuinely tastes different in Ireland. The experience typically takes 1.5-2 hours and ends with arguably the best panoramic views in Dublin.
Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo offer one of Europe’s largest enclosed parks at 1,750 acres – bigger than Central Park and Hyde Park combined. The park is home to wild deer roaming freely, Dublin Zoo (one of the world’s oldest), and the official residence of Ireland’s President. Dublin Zoo houses over 400 animals and is particularly famous for its successful breeding programs and conservation work. The park itself offers cycling paths, walking trails, sports pitches, and the famous Phoenix Monument. You can easily spend a full day here exploring both the zoo and the vast parklands, perfect for families or anyone wanting to escape the city bustle.
Kilmainham Gaol provides a sobering but essential Dublin experience that tells the story of Irish independence through its restored Victorian prison walls. This former prison housed many of Ireland’s political prisoners and leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. The guided tour through the eerie cells and corridors is both haunting and fascinating, ending in the execution yard where 14 leaders of the Easter Rising were shot by British forces. The experience provides crucial context for understanding modern Irish history, politics, and culture. Nearly everyone who visits calls it one of the most moving and educational experiences in Dublin, essential for understanding why Ireland is the country it is today.
The beauty of the Aviva’s location is that you’re close enough to the city center to easily explore Dublin’s main attractions before or after events. Temple Bar, Trinity College, and Grafton Street are all easily accessible by DART or a pleasant walk.
Stadium Tours
Aviva Stadium Tours: Available year-round (except on event days), offering behind-the-scenes access to the changing rooms, tunnel, and pitch. The tour includes the museum showcasing Irish rugby and football history. Popular with visitors and locals alike—book in advance as they often sell out.
The tour gives you access to areas you’d never see as a regular punter, including the players’ lounge and media center. Tours last about 75 minutes and are well worth it if you’re interested in the history and workings of the stadium.
Insider Tips for Aviva Stadium
Arrival & Entry:
- Arrive 90 minutes early for big matches – not just for pints, but because the DART gets absolutely mental close to kick-off. The queues at Lansdowne Road station can be fierce.
- Gate 1 and Gate 4 are usually quickest – most punters head to the obvious main entrances, but these side gates often have shorter queues.
- Download your ticket to Apple Wallet – the Wi-Fi around the stadium gets hammered on match days, and you don’t want to be that person holding up the queue trying to load a PDF.
Food & Drink Secrets:
- Pre-load at Kiely’s or The Bridge – stadium pints are €7+ and the queues at half-time are brutal. Get your drinking done beforehand.
- Level 3 bars are less crowded – everyone piles into Level 1 bars, but Level 3 often has shorter queues and the same overpriced pints.
- Bring a jacket with deep pockets – for, eh, “emergency snacks” since stadium food is extortionate.
- The coffee is actually decent – if you’re not drinking, the stadium coffee is surprisingly good and much cheaper than the alcohol.
Best Photo Spots:
- South Stand Upper, Row 1 – perfect overview shot of the entire pitch and Dublin skyline in the background.
- The bridge walkway outside – brilliant exterior shots with the DART tracks visible, very Dublin.
- Level 2 concourse – great interior architecture shots without crowds blocking you.
Weather Tactics:
- The roof doesn’t cover everything – despite what tourists think, you can still get soaked in certain sections when it’s lashing rain and windy.
- West Stand gets afternoon sun – if it’s a rare sunny day, West Stand can be brutal in summer. East Stand stays cooler.
- Dress in layers – Dublin weather changes faster than a VAR decision.
Transport Hacks:
- Walk to Sandymount after matches – avoid the DART crush by walking 10 minutes to Sandymount station. Much quieter and you’ll actually get on a train.
- Take the 45 bus to/from Dún Laoghaire – locals’ secret for avoiding the DART mayhem entirely.
- Park at Dundrum and take the Luas to connect with DART – if you must drive, this beats fighting D4 traffic.
Bathroom Strategy:
- Ground floor loos get rammed – head up to Level 2 or 3, always quieter.
- Go at 35 minutes, not half-time – beat the rush when others are still watching injury time.
- Ladies: Level 3 West Stand – usually the cleanest and least crowded.
Atmosphere Insider Knowledge:
- North Stand Lower for rugby atmosphere – where the hardcore rugby fans congregate, brilliant for singing.
- South Stand for football – where the FAI locates their most vocal supporters.
- Avoid sitting near away fans if you’re sensitive – away sections can get quite lively, especially for big matches.
Money-Saving Tips:
- Buy a programme outside – vendors sell them for €3 instead of €5 inside.
- Student discounts exist but aren’t advertised – flash your student card at the box office for certain matches.
- Season ticket holders sometimes sell at face value – check Twitter/Facebook on match day for legit resales.
Secret Spots:
- The viewing area on Level 4 – not many people know about this public area with brilliant views across Dublin Bay.
- The memorial garden – quiet spot outside the stadium honoring Lansdowne Road’s history, perfect for avoiding crowds.
Tech Tips:
- Stadium Wi-Fi is useless on match days – download maps, transport apps, and anything else you need beforehand.
- Battery banks are essential – your phone will die from searching for signal in the crowds.
- Turn on airplane mode during peak times – saves battery and you can still take photos.
Local’s Secret:
- The Schoolhouse Hotel lobby – if you’re early and it’s miserable out, their lobby is warm, has decent coffee, and they don’t mind if you sit for a while before heading to the match.
Post-Match Escape:
- Head toward the city center on foot – often faster than waiting for transport, and you’ll find quiet pubs along the way.
- The Herbert Park exit – most people head back toward Lansdowne Road station, but you can exit toward Herbert Park and catch buses from Ballsbridge instead.
For Tourists:
- The museum is worth it – even if you’re not doing the full tour, the small museum has genuine artifacts from Irish sporting history.
- Bring Irish euros – some vendors still only take cash, and the ATMs around the stadium charge mental fees.
Whether you’re here for a Six Nations thriller, an international football qualifier, or just curious about Dublin’s premier venue, Aviva Stadium offers a world-class experience in the heart of Dublin. With its perfect location, excellent transport links, and brilliant atmosphere, it’s no wonder it’s considered one of Europe’s finest stadiums.s
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.