Biggest Stadiums Hosting Gaelic Sporting Events

Ireland is one of a handful of nations that offers more seating capacity at stadiums than the overall population of the country. The country impresses with a wide range of stadiums for various sporting events. However, one of the most popular is undoubtedly Gaelic Games, and Ireland has the stadiums to prove that it’s a trendy spot in the country.

Croke Park

Croke Park is located in Dublin on Jones Road. It’s considered as both the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The stadium has been around since 1884 and has witnessed several expansions and re-developments since it was constructed. The stadium can play host to 82,300 spectators, which makes it the third-largest stadium in Europe. The stadium is predominantly used for Gaelic Games, including the annual All-Ireland finals in football and hurling. The stadium also plays host to various music concerts.

Semple Stadium

The ground on which Semple Stadium is constructed was initially referred to as Thurles Sportsfield. Local townspeople acquired the stadium before it was transferred over to the Gaelic Athletic Association. In 1972, the stadium changed its name in honour of the renowned Thurles Blues captain, Tom Semple. The stadium is situated in Thurles, County Tipperary and plays host to Gaelic hurling and football. It comes with a 53,000 seating capacity and is considered the second biggest stadium in Ireland.

Gaelic Grounds

The Gaelic Grounds is considered the first GGA stadium that is situated in Limerick City. The stadium is regarded as home turf for the city’s hurling and football teams. Construction of the stadium started back in 1926 when a 4.9-hectare farm was purchased with the sole objective to construct a sporting ground. The stadium can host a total of 49,866 spectators and has played host to several sporting events, including the International Rules Series between Australia and Ireland. The stadium made history back in 2014 when it played host to the semi-final between Mayo and Kerry as opposed to the game taking place at Croke Park.

Fitzgerald Stadium

This stadium serves as the primary GGA stadium within Killarney. The stadium is named after the famous Dick Fitzgerald, who was one of the first players of the Gaelic Athletic Association. More than 20,000 spectators gathered at the stadium to watch the very first match. More than 50,000 spectators gathered at the stadium to witness the Munster hurling final in 1950 between Cork and Tipperary. During the 1970s, developments managed to increase the overall seating capacity of the stadium to just over 39,000. After several renovations and expansions over the years, the stadium now has a seating capacity of over 43,000.

Other Gaelic Stadiums in Ireland

Apart from the stadiums mentioned above, the country also has the MacHale Park stadium, the St Tiernach’s Park, Pearse Stadium, Casement Park, Breffni Park, O’Moore Park, Healy Park, Nowlan Park, O’Connor Park, Wexford Park, and Brewster Park where spectators can enjoy a wide variety of Gaelic Games annually.