City guides · Dublin · Updated November 2026
Dublin match day guide: Croke Park, the Aviva and Leopardstown
By the Irish Sports Betting Sites team
In short: Dublin hosts Ireland’s biggest sporting days: GAA at Croke Park, rugby and football internationals at the Aviva Stadium, and top racing at Leopardstown. All three are easy to reach by public transport from the city centre.
The venues
| Venue | Sport | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Croke Park | GAA | Ireland’s largest stadium and home of the All-Ireland finals. A 20-minute walk from O’Connell Street. |
| Aviva Stadium | Rugby, football | Home of Ireland’s rugby and football teams, beside Lansdowne Road DART station. |
| Leopardstown | Horse racing | Top flat and jump racing in south Dublin. Busiest at Christmas and in February. |
Getting around on match day
Croke Park is walkable from the city centre. For the Aviva, take the DART to Lansdowne Road. For Leopardstown, the Luas Green Line runs nearby and shuttle buses run on big race days.
Before and after the game
Drumcondra’s pubs are the traditional meeting points before Croke Park games. Ballsbridge and Baggot Street are busy before games at the Aviva. See our best pubs to watch GAA in Dublin.
Match day tips
- Check the venue’s website for ticket, bag and travel rules before you travel.
- Plan your journey home, as taxis and buses are busy straight after big games.
- If you have a bet, decide your budget before the day and keep it small.
FAQs
How far is Croke Park from the city centre?
About a 20-minute walk from O’Connell Street.
Which DART station is closest to the Aviva Stadium?
Lansdowne Road, right beside the stadium.
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