Overview
Aviva Stadium sits on the historic Lansdowne Road site in Dublin’s Ballsbridge district, just two kilometres from the city centre. Opened on 14 May 2010, the 51,711‑seat bowl replaced the world‑renowned Lansdowne Road, which had been in use since 1872. Its translucent polycarbonate roof lets natural light flood the interior, while the curvilinear stands create an intimate atmosphere for every spectator. The venue is the joint home of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), making it the national stadium for both rugby union and association football.
History
The original Lansdowne Road was the oldest rugby test venue in the world until its demolition in 2007. It also hosted the first ever international athletic meeting in 1876, underlining the site’s long‑standing sporting pedigree. After a series of stalled stadium projects, the IRFU and FAI partnered to redevelop the site, forming the Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company (LRSDC). Construction began in 2007 and the new stadium was officially opened by Taoiseach Brian Cowen in May 2010. Since then it has hosted:
- Six Nations and Autumn Internationals for the Irish rugby team, including a record 19‑match home winning streak (2021‑2024).
- Republic of Ireland football fixtures, from Euro qualifiers to the 2024 UEFA Europa League final (referred to as the “Dublin Arena” for UEFA branding).
- Two European Champions Cup finals (2013, 2023) and the 2011 UEFA Europa League final.
- High‑profile concerts by Michael Bublé, Madonna, Taylor Swift and many others.
Sponsorship & Naming Rights
The stadium’s name reflects a ten‑year naming‑rights partnership with the insurance group Aviva, secured when the venue opened in 2010. Prior to that, the site was commonly referred to as “Lansdowne Road” – a name that still lingers in local conversation.
Architecture & Design
Designed by the global sports‑architecture firm Populous, Aviva Stadium blends striking aesthetics with functional innovation. Key features include:
- Elliptical bowl shape – four tiers (North, South, East and West) provide clear sight‑lines from every seat.
- Retractable roof – a lightweight polycarbonate membrane that can open or close in about 15 minutes, allowing events in any weather while keeping the interior comfortable.
- UEFA Category 4 status – the only stadium in Ireland meeting the highest UEFA standards, enabling it to host major international football tournaments such as Euro 2020, Euro 2028 and the UEFA Europa League final.
- Sustainability measures – energy‑efficient LED lighting, a water‑conservation system and a high‑performance heating/cooling plant that reduce the venue’s carbon footprint.
- Integrated technology – a massive video scoreboard, high‑quality sound system and stadium‑wide Wi‑Fi keep fans connected and immersed.
Major Events & Concerts
Aviva Stadium is a busy calendar hub. In sport, it is the home ground for:
- Ireland rugby – Six Nations, Autumn Internationals and occasional Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
- Republic of Ireland football – Euro and World Cup qualifiers, friendly internationals and UEFA competition matches. It was a host venue for several Euro 2020 matches and will host games for Euro 2028.
- Leinster Rugby – the provincial side stages its larger Pro14/United Rugby Championship fixtures and European Champions Cup knockout games here.
The venue also hosts a string of world‑class concerts, typically two per year, featuring artists such as AC/DC, Lady Gaga, Neil Diamond and Taylor Swift. Its capacity and acoustics make it a preferred stop on global touring circuits.
What to See & Do
Match‑day experience
Whether you’re watching a Six Nations clash, a Euro qualifier, or a summer concert, the stadium offers excellent sightlines from every tier. The lower tier brings you close to the action, the premium level (10,000 seats) adds extra legroom and lounge access, and the corporate boxes (1,300 seats) provide private suites with catering.
Guided stadium tours
For non‑event days, Aviva previously ran daily tours (10:00 am‑4:00 pm). Since 2020 the regular public tours have been suspended; tours are now only offered on selected event days or for private groups. Visitors should check the official website for the latest availability.
Shopping and dining
Multiple merchandise outlets sell official jerseys, caps and souvenirs. Food kiosks serve a range of options – from classic Irish pies to vegan and gluten‑free snacks – and several bars provide a quick pint of Guinness or a soft drink.
Sustainability & Innovation
Aviva Stadium’s environmental credentials are a core part of its design. LED lighting reduces energy consumption, while a rain‑water harvesting system supplies irrigation for the surrounding green areas. The high‑efficiency heating and cooling plant adjusts temperature quickly, helping to keep the indoor climate comfortable without excessive power use. These measures have earned the stadium recognition as one of Ireland’s most sustainable large‑scale venues.
Family & Accessibility
The stadium is fully wheelchair‑accessible with lifts, designated seating, accessible restrooms and dedicated parking. Families will find baby‑changing facilities in most restrooms and wide concourse routes that accommodate strollers. The stadium’s audio‑visual system includes captioning for the deaf and hearing‑impaired, and free Wi‑Fi ensures that younger visitors can stay connected.
Event Highlights & Calendar
- Six Nations Rugby (February–March) – the peak period for stadium atmosphere; tickets sell out quickly.
- Euro 2020 (June 2021) and upcoming Euro 2028 – Aviva hosted several group‑stage matches and will again be a key venue.
- 2024 UEFA Europa League final – a recent high‑profile football event.
- Summer concerts – major international acts typically perform in July and August.
Check the stadium’s official site for the full 2026‑2027 calendar and ticket release dates.
Practical Information
Getting there
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| DART | Lansdowne Road station is directly beside the stadium; southbound services from Connolly or Pearse stations stop here. |
| Bus | Dublin Bus routes 4, 7, 7a, 18 and 77a serve stops within 600 m of the entrance. |
| Luas | Green Line (Charlemont) and Red Line (Point Village) are a 2 km walk away. |
| Car | On‑site parking is limited to pre‑booked accessible spaces. Nearby public car parks (e.g., Q‑Park Grand Canal Square, Park‑Rite IFSC) are recommended; fees vary by provider and are payable on entry. A 1 km car‑free zone is enforced on event days. |
| Bike | Secure bike racks are provided at the main entrances. |
| Walking | The stadium is about 3 km (≈2 mi) south of O’Connell Bridge – a 35‑40 minute walk through the city centre. |
| Taxi / Ride‑hail | Typical fare from the city centre is €8‑€10; journey takes 10‑15 minutes depending on traffic. |
Ticketing
- Match tickets are sold through the IRFU (rugby) or FAI (football) official websites and via Ticketmaster for concerts.
- Tour tickets – regular tours are not currently running; when offered they can be purchased on‑site or online. Check the stadium’s website for any special event‑day tours.
Opening hours (tours)
Tours are currently suspended (as of 2023). Visitors should consult the official site for any future reinstatement.
Facilities
- Seating – 51,711 all‑seated, with wheelchair‑accessible sections on each tier.
- Restrooms – Ample facilities, including baby‑changing stations.
- Wi‑Fi – Free throughout the venue.
- Accessibility – Lifts, ramps and dedicated parking; see the stadium’s accessibility page for full details.
- Merchandise – Official store on the concourse.
- Food & drink – Multiple kiosks offering Irish and international cuisine, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options.
Safety & ground rules
Security checks are routine; large bags and prohibited items are not allowed. All visitors must comply with the stadium’s ground‑rules, which are posted on the official website.
Planning your visit
- The Six Nations rugby championship (February–March) is the peak period for stadium atmosphere – tickets sell out quickly, so book early.
- For concerts and high‑profile matches, check the event calendar on the official site to confirm dates and ticket availability.
- If you plan to combine a stadium tour with a match, remember that tours do not run on match days.
Nearby Attractions & Extensions
After a match, explore the surrounding Ballsbridge neighbourhood, known for its Georgian townhouses and leafy streets. A short walk brings you to:
- Trinity College – home of the Book of Kells.
- Guinness Storehouse – Ireland’s famous brewing museum.
- Dublin Bay – perfect for a seaside stroll or a quick ferry ride to Howth.
- Arbour Hill – a historic military cemetery where leaders of the 1916 Rising are buried; a quiet place for reflection.
- RDS (Royal Dublin Society) Gardens – a short bus ride away, offering exhibitions, a large park and seasonal events.
- Collins Barracks (National Museum of Ireland) – located near Arbour Hill, showcasing military history and artefacts.
Aviva Stadium is more than a sports venue – it is a modern monument to Irish sporting heritage, architectural innovation and community spirit. Whether you’re cheering on the Irish rugby team, singing along at a world‑class concert, or simply exploring the behind‑the‑scenes world on a special event‑day tour, a visit to Aviva Stadium adds a memorable chapter to any Dublin itinerary.