It seems like an annual event that a big American Football Game gets hosted in Dublin. Up until now, these have mainly been College Football matches. However, news dropped in February 2025 that Dublin’s Croke Park stadium is to host something even bigger – an NFL game involving the Pittsburgh Steelers. If you are visiting Dublin for American Football, here’s a guide of what you could and should do during your stay in the Emerald Isle.
The Day of the American Football Game
The Pittsburgh Steelers game will be hosted in Croke Park Stadium. Home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Croke Park is the headquarters for the Irish sports of Gaelic Football and Hurling.
Located on the north side of the city, Croke Park is walkable from the city centre – 20 minutes from O’Connell street. Alternatively, you can catch the train to Drumcondra Station which is just beside the stadium.
Croke Park
Not just a stadium, Croke Park is woven into the cultural fabric of Ireland. The most obvious example of this being that Croke Park was the location for the first Bloody Sunday in 1920. British forces stormed the pitch during a football match between Dublin and Tipperary and indiscriminately murdered 14 people (including one player – Michael Hogan).
One of the stands in Croke Park now bears the name of Hogan in memory of that awful day. The Hogan stand is my favourite location to watch a game in Croke Park. The other stands are:
- The Cusack Stand – named after Michael Cusack who founded the GAA in 1884.
- The Davin Stand – named after Maurice Davin, the GAA’s first President. Also known as the Canal End given the proximity to the Royal Canal.
- Hill 16 – the name comes from the incorrect rumour that this raised standing area was built from the rubble of O’Connell Street following the 1916 rising when the British Army pounded the rebel forces in the capital’s main thoroughfare. Despite not being true, the Hill 16 name stuck.
Tours of Croke Park
If you wanted to familiarise yourself with the stadium, I would highly recommend the stadium tour of Croke Park. The tour includes the GAA museum, access to the players changing rooms and some amazing skyline views from the very top of Croke Park.
If you want to see a game of Gaelic Football or Hurling, there will definitely be matches taking place all across the city during your stay in Ireland. You can contact me via my facebook, instagram or email me directly at paddy@wildirishwalks.ie and I can let you know what games would suit you best.
While many outsiders can grasp Gaelic Football quite quickly, people find Hurling a different animal altogether. Jokingly described as a mixture between Hockey and murder – Hurling is the fastest field game in the world can be an amazing spectacle to behold.
Pubs to visit on Croke Park Game Day
I know I shouldn’t stereotype but I do imagine anyone visiting Dublin for American Football will be fond of a few beers. While tailgating isn’t a thing in Ireland, pubs near the match day venues draw big crowds for pre game drinks and can be a lot of fun.
My favourite bar near Croke Park is Phil Ryan’s (also known as the Hogan Stand pub). Ryans fits the bill as an old school Dublin boozer which transforms and buzzes with atmosphere on match days. Other great spots are McGrath’s beside Drumcondra train station and Fagan’s or Kennedy’s a little further away from the stadium.
Pubs to visit if the game is in the Aviva Stadium
While the Pittsburgh Steelers game takes place in Croke Park, college football games are sometimes held in the Aviva Stadium. Located across the city, The Aviva is co-owned by the Irish Soccer and Rugby Associations.
I would recommend either Slattery’s or The Beggar’s Bush as good pubs to try out if you are visiting Dublin for American Football in the Aviva.
Drinks in Dublin
Continuing on the drinks theme, here are some amazing pubs to try out during the rest of your stay while visiting Dublin for American Football.
- Mulligan‘s – Poolbeg Street
- One of my favourite pubs in Dublin. The Guinness is sublime and the vibes are always good.
- Kehoe‘s – South Anne Street
- Great spot just off Grafton Street. When the weather is nice, drinkers spill out to the street and mingle together in the sunshine.
- Neary’s – Chatham Street
- A real cosy spot. You have it made if you manage to grab a spot in the snug on the ground floor.
- The Long Hall – George’s Street
- Bruce Springstein’s favourite pub when he visits Dublin. The Boss knows what he is doing. The Long Hall is an authentic Dublin pub with beautiful Guinness and always draws a nice crowd.
- The Cobblestone – Smithfield
- Located in the trendy area of Smithfield, the main attraction of the Cobblestone is the regular traditional Irish music sessions held here.
- Toners – Baggot Street
- You have a lot of pubs on Baggot street. It makes for a great area for a pub crawl. In my opinion, the best bar on the street is Toners. You have the option of having a pint in the small front bar or going outside to the fantastic beer garden out the back.
- Devitt’s – Camden Street
- Like Baggot Street, Camden Street is a more lively area of Dublin. Devitt’s provides a great base to explore this part of the city. They usually have live music upstairs too.
Temple Bar
None of the above pubs are located in the most well known nightlife area of Dublin which is Temple Bar. While Temple Bar is certainly a great spot, the prices there can be a bit extortionate. Despite this, Temple Bar remains extremely popular with tourists. The area is busy and great fun but I wouldn’t recommend spending too much time (and money) there. My personal preference would be to go to some of the pubs listed above where you are more likely to find locals having a drink.
Where to Eat When Visiting Dublin for American Football
Dublin has a huge array of great places to eat. Some of my recommendations are:
- The Winding Stair – Ormond Quay
- Views of the Ha’pennny Bridge and the River Liffey to accompany your top quality food.
- Grano – Stoneybatter
- Reserve a table well in advance as this fab spot books out quickly. The reason being the amazing Italian food. Combine with drinks in the nearby Cobblestone.
- Pickle – Camden Street
- The best Indian food in Dublin. Close to Devitt’s pub and numerous other great bars along Camden Street,
- Bunsen – various locations
- Really tasty burger joint type place. Perfect if you are looking for something a little more relaxed.
History and Heritage
Dublin has a lot more to offer than just beer and sports. Founded in the 10th century as a Viking Settlement, Dublin gives visitors over 1,000 years of history to try to take in. Here are some really cool spots to help you understand what makes Dublin tick.
However, because I know you guys love your pints, I am going to include a nice pub recommendation alongside each of the below tourist attractions.
Book of Kells
Believed to date back to 800 AD, the Book of Kells has resided in Trinity College since 1661. The Old Library which houses the book is spectacular in itself. Given, the Book of Kells is one of Ireland’s greatest treasures, the crowds can be a little overwhelming. My recommendation would be to book a private tour which offers early access admission. This Book of Kells, Dublin Castle and Molly Malone Statue Tour has wonderful reviews and the guides provide some great insights into Dublin and its history.
Where to go for a drink after: Lincoln‘s Inn – Lincoln Place. Most famous as the location where James Joyce met the love of his life, Nora Barnacle.
Kilmainham Gaol
My number one recommendation for visitors coming to Dublin. The Kilmainham Gaol guided tour wonderfully tells the story of the executed leaders of the 1916 rising which sparked public outrage and Ireland’s War of Independence. Hear the devastating story of Joseph Plunkett. Plunkett, a leader of the Rising married his sweetheart Grace Gifford in the Gaol the night before his execution.
You need to book well in advance for this one.
Where to go for a drink after: The Royal Oak – Kilmainham Lane. Wonderful little pub with a fantastic pint of Guinness.
Glasnevin Cemetery
Glasnevin Cemetery became the final resting place of many of those executed in Kilmainham Gaol. The republican plot holds the remains of many individuals pivotal to the War of Independence. As such, it holds a significant place in the minds of Irish people. The guided tours of the cemetery are really fantastic. If you need a break from the morbidity of the graveyard, the wonderful Botanic Gardens are just next door.
Where to go for a drink after: The Gravediggers – Prospect Square. Many people say this has the best pint of Guinness in Dublin. There’s only one way to get in on the argument!
Guinness Storehouse
Back to the booze. Definitely a trend here. The tour of the Guinness Storehouse tops the bill as Dublin’s most popular tourist attraction. Many people feel a stay in Dublin is not complete without a visit here.
Where to go for a drink after: Harkin’s Bar – Echlin Street. If you are not satisfied after sampling the porter in the Gravity Bar within the Guinness Storehouse, Harkin’s Bar just around the corner would be my recommendation.
Jameson Distillery
Another alcohol related activity. This time, the Jameson Distillery. Discover how the world famous Water of Life is made and the history of this distinctly Irish product.
One great option you need to know about is combining the Guinness and Jameson experiences through this guided tour that includes both locations. Check it out here!
Where to go for a drink after: Walsh’s – Stoneybatter. Special mention to the Cobblestone which is the closest pub to the Jameson Distillery. However, since I’ve mentioned it already above, Walsh’s gets the nod here. Stoneybatter enjoys a reputation as a really cool hip area of Dublin. Well worth checking out.
Walking Tours of Dublin
My own preference to get to know a city has to be through a walking tour. You get to know the lay of the land a bit plus great local knowledge from the guides as you walk.
You have loads of options to choose from on viator but my recommendation would have to go with the Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour.
Another cool alternative to seeing the city would be the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. Home to Joyce, Beckett and Wilde among others, Dublin has seen some of the most famous writers in history. You can learn more about them while having a few pints. When I completed this tour, we stopped at four different pubs. Hopefully you can remember your new found knowledge by the end of it.
Walking and Hiking
Ok, this is a hiking website so I am saving the best until last. Despite being a big city, Dublin boasts some amazing walks. I have written extensively about amazing routes such as Howth Head, Killiney Hill and the Great South Wall Walk.
You can check out my article on the best walks in Dublin here.
In addition to walks within the city, Dublin luckily has the spectacular Wicklow Mountains on its doorstep. With Glendalough being the most famous walking site on the east coast and within easy driving distance, you have no excuse not to go.
You can self navigate with the help of my Glendalough walking guide. Alternatively, go along with an experienced guide with day tours often including other cool things. Check out this one which offers you the chance to see Glendalough and Powerscourt Waterfall.
Day Trips While Visiting Dublin for American Football
Speaking of day trips, I know that full day excursions to some of Ireland’s other landmarks are very popular with tourists. While they involve a lot of driving, they are definitely do-able. Just prepare yourself for a lot of time on a bus.
Have a look at the following and see if they would be of interest:
- Dublin to Cliffs of Moher, including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway
- Dublin to Belfast Black Cab, Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway
As mentioned above, I’m always happy to help. Please do get in touch should you have any questions about visiting Dublin for American Football.