Croke Park Dublin

• By: Dublin Doer
• On: 28/10/2008 11:09:15
• In: Dublin Things to do and see
• Comments: 0

The GAA was founded in1884 to revive and nurture traditional games and pastimes which were being steadily eroded by emigration. Since its foundation the site has been used by the GAA for the playing of Gaelic Games. The association purchased the site in 1913 and named it Croke Park to honour its 1st patron, Archbishop Croke of Cashel.

Croke Park is the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association, known to one and all as the GAA. It is the main stadium of the GAA and is the largest in the country accommmodating over 82,300 people. "Croker" has been at the heart of Gaelic Sports games for over a hundred years. Since the GAA broke with tradition in 2007 and allowed international rugby and soccer matches to be staged in Croke Park the stadium has become the place to be for all major sporting events in this country. The players from all codes of sports have found that trotting out onto this hallowed ground is inspirational in helping them to give of their best.

Back in 1972 the great Muhammad Ali fought Blue Lewis in the stadium an event that was Televised Live to America - a major happening back then. Since then other artists, including U2 and Robbie Williams have staged concerts there.

But Croke Park is not just a sporting stadium. With over 5,000 square metres of space for exhibitions, conferences and meetings as well Croke Park Stadium is a versatile location for large and small events. For event planners and conference delegates the high quality food and drink served with a friendly Irish smile ensures that Croke Park is a serious consideration for all such events in Dublin. Add to these Crokers location on the edge of the city centre and youre sure of a successful event.

To find out what Croke Park and The Gaelic Games tradition means to the Irish people do try and be there for an All-Ireland Final. But since tickets are so hard to come by put your best efforts into procuring an All-Ireland Semi-Final ticket. Just to be part of the excitement on one of these days is the thrill of a lifetime.

If youre out of luck on the ticket front go visit the GAA Museum. There you will get a taste of what the GAA and Croker mean to the Irish people. This Museum was established to give full and honourable recognition to the GAA's enormous contribution to the promotion and the survival of the Irish national heritage of sports. It tells too of the major role played by the GAA in the cultural revival in Ireland. Tours of the extensive grounds are run several times a day.Croke park website

Parking is available on-site for up to 600 vehicles but only on non-match and non-concert event days. However, the stadium is minutes from the city centre and easily accessed by a regular public transport service.

Bus, Rail, DART and LUAS can all bring you to within easy walking distance of the stadium.

Visit Croke park stadium guide website