Croke Park is a major sporting venue and the home of Gaelic games, as well as occasional music concerts. It is an iconic stadium that is steeped in history and has been integral to Irish sporting and cultural life for more than one hundred years. It also serves as the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The stadium is located in Dublin and is one the largest stadia in Europe.
A tour of this great sporting venue is a unique experience, this excellent modern interactive visitor experience offers an in-depth opportunity to learn more about Ireland’s unique national games, Gaelic football and hurling. Hurling is the fastest field game in the world, and thought to be the oldest field game in the world, with its origins dating back to the Celts at the end of the ice age. Gaelic football unlike soccer allows players to handle the ball, with the goal bearing more of a resemblance to a rugby post than the net seen in soccer.
The tour commences with a video to demonstrate what the stadium is like on match day, how the atmosphere really comes alive, it certainly sets the mood. Visitors will trace the footsteps of legends on this guided tour, that takes in the team dressing rooms, warm up areas and media centre before going pitch-side by way of the player’s tunnel and taking a seat in the VIP area. You will be introduced to the history and unique traditions that are associated with these games. Savour the panoramic views from level 7, the top tier stand, thirty metres over the famous pitch.
Incorporated in the tour are the Exhibition Gallery and Interactive Games Zone. The GAA Museum has a new exhibition gallery that clearly demonstrates the story of Gaelic games from ancient times to current times. There is a huge collection of artifacts including, hurleys, jerseys, trophies, medals, programmes and much more, a Hall of Fame, as well as match footage. In the Interactive Games Zone you can test your own hurling and football skills, see how fast you can react, check out your passing skills and practice catching the ball.
The Etihad Skyline tour takes you to the roof of this symbolic stadium accompanied by a qualified tour guide, visitors climb to a walkway forty four metres (17 storeys high) above the ground where you get spectacular panoramic views of the capital, coastline and mountains, whilst information is given on Dublin’s key landmarks. The skyline tour incorporates five viewing platforms along Croke Parks 0.6 kilometre walkway.
Tours take place daily throughout the year. They are interesting and informative and cater to all ages, the guides are friendly, interactive and informative.
There is a cafe where you can enjoy light lunches and snacks. There is also a gift shop selling associated merchandise.