Lansdowne Road

Lansdowne Road Dublin: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Dublin’s Ballsbridge district, Lansdowne Road—now the site of Aviva Stadium—stands as a cornerstone of Irish sporting heritage and cultural life. Since its inception in 1872, this location has played host to milestone rugby and football events, legendary concerts, and vibrant community gatherings. Today, the stadium blends modern architecture with deep historical roots, offering visitors a unique experience at the heart of Ireland’s sporting soul (RugbyFootballHistory.com; Aviva Stadium Official Website).

Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a history buff, or a curious traveler, this guide provides everything you need: from the history and evolution of Lansdowne Road to practical tips on tickets, visiting hours, transport, accessibility, and discovering nearby Dublin attractions.

Introduction
History and Development
Sporting and Cultural Significance
Notable Events and Milestones
Visiting Lansdowne Road/Aviva Stadium
Matchday and Tour Experience
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Summary and Recommendations
References

History and Development

Origins and Early Years

The story of Lansdowne Road began in 1872 when Henry William Doveton Dunlop, a Trinity College graduate and prominent sports organizer, established a multi-sport facility on a leased marshy field alongside the River Dodder. The venue was named after the adjacent Lansdowne Road, itself named for William Petty-FitzMaurice, 1st Marquess of Lansdowne. The original grounds included a running track, cricket pitch, football fields, and tennis courts, making it a centerpiece for Dublin’s burgeoning sports scene (RugbyFootballHistory.com; Our Irish Heritage).

The stadium’s accessibility was bolstered by the nearby Lansdowne Road railway station, opened in 1870, which played a crucial role in transporting crowds and livestock to the Royal Dublin Society events (Transport for Ireland).

Expansion and Modernization

Over the decades, Lansdowne Road evolved to accommodate larger audiences and the growing popularity of rugby and football. The East Stand was built in 1927, followed by the West Stand in 1954, increasing capacity and transforming the venue into a national sporting hub (Wikipedia). The stadium’s unique design even allowed the DART rail line to run beneath the West Stand, ensuring unmatched accessibility.

By the early 2000s, the aging structure could no longer meet international standards. In 2007, Lansdowne Road was demolished and replaced by the state-of-the-art Aviva Stadium, which opened in 2010 with a capacity of 51,700 and a striking wave-like transparent façade (Aviva Stadium Official Website; The Game Galleria).

Sporting and Cultural Significance

Lansdowne Road has long been synonymous with Irish rugby and football. It hosted the world’s oldest rugby union Test match in 1878 (Ireland vs. England) and has been the venue for countless historic moments, including the Six Nations Championship, European football fixtures, and major athletics events (Our Irish Heritage; RugbyFootballHistory.com).

Beyond sport, the stadium has welcomed concerts by international stars such as U2, Michael Jackson, and Rihanna, as well as national celebrations and cultural gatherings (Aviva Stadium Historical Gallery).

Notable Events and Milestones

1875: First athletics international: Ireland vs. England
1878: First rugby union Test match: Ireland vs. England (the world’s oldest rugby Test venue)
1968: First major football (soccer) match: Waterford vs. Manchester United (European Cup)
1999: Heineken Cup Final: Ulster victory
2011: UEFA Europa League Final
Ongoing: Annual Six Nations rugby matches and Republic of Ireland football internationals (Aviva Stadium Official Website; RugbyFootballHistory.com)

Visiting Lansdowne Road/Aviva Stadium

Visiting Hours

Guided Stadium Tours: Usually available daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with 70-minute sessions. Hours may vary on match or event days.
Event Days: Gates open one to two hours before kickoff or concert start.
Check for Updates: Always confirm current times and ticket availability on the official website.

Tickets

Sports and Concerts: Prices range from €30–€80 for rugby and football matches; concert prices depend on artist and seating.
How to Buy: Purchase via the Aviva Stadium official site, Ticketmaster, IRFU, FAI, or authorized outlets. Only buy from official vendors to avoid counterfeit tickets.
Tours: Book online in advance to secure preferred slots (Football Tripper).

Getting There

DART: Lansdowne Road Station is directly adjacent to the stadium. Connect from city center stations like Pearse, Tara Street, and Connolly.
Bus: Multiple Dublin Bus routes serve the Ballsbridge area; extra services run on event days (Transport for Ireland).
Car: No public parking during events due to road closures; limited disabled parking by prior arrangement.
Walking/Cycling: Walking from the city center (20–30 minutes) is popular. No bike parking at the stadium during events for security reasons.
Taxis/Rideshare: Easily available, with journey times from central Dublin around 10–20 minutes.

Accessibility

Facilities: Accessible seating, restrooms, and entrances are available. Stewards provide assistance. Contact the stadium for specific needs (stadiumseatingplan.com).
Disabled Parking: By prior arrangement only.

Facilities and Amenities

Food & Drink: Wide variety of options, from local snacks to international cuisine.
Merchandise: Official team gear and souvenirs sold at stands and online (footballtripper.com).
Restrooms: Modern, accessible throughout.
First Aid & Baby Changing: Available on site.

Stadium Layout

Capacity: 51,700 for rugby/football, up to 65,000 for concerts.
Seating: Multiple tiers, color-coded entry routes; check your ticket for section and entry instructions (stadiumseatingplan.com).

Matchday and Tour Experience

On match days, the stadium buzzes with the energy of fans from across Ireland and beyond. Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy food and drink options, and explore the stadium.

Stadium Tours: Guided tours offer exclusive access behind the scenes, including the players’ tunnel, dressing rooms, and pitchside views—a must for sports fans and families. Book via the official website.

Nearby Attractions

Ballsbridge Neighborhood: Known for Georgian architecture, cozy cafes, and traditional Irish pubs.
Herbert Park: Ideal for a stroll or picnic.
Royal Dublin Society (RDS): Hosts exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events.
Dublin City Center: Easy access to Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, and the Book of Kells (rome2rio.com).

Accommodation: Options abound, from luxury hotels in Ballsbridge to budget stays in the city center (easytravel4u.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are Aviva Stadium’s opening hours?
A: Guided tours run daily between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Event gate times depend on the schedule—check the official website for updates.

Q: How do I buy Aviva Stadium tickets?
A: Purchase via the official site, Ticketmaster, IRFU/FAI, or authorized vendors.

Q: Is the stadium accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with accessible seating, restrooms, and dedicated support. Contact ahead for specific arrangements.

Q: Can I park at the stadium on event days?
A: No public parking due to road closures. Use public transport, taxis, or arrange disabled parking in advance.

Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: Herbert Park, RDS, Ballsbridge, and Dublin city center’s historic sites.

Summary and Recommendations

Lansdowne Road’s transformation into Aviva Stadium encapsulates Dublin’s rich sporting legacy and cultural vibrancy. Today, visitors enjoy excellent public transport links, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere for all fans and tourists. Whether attending a thrilling match, a concert, or a guided tour, planning ahead will ensure a smooth and memorable visit.