Overview
Finn Park sits on Navenny Street in the twin town of Ballybofey, County Donegal. It is the long‑standing home of Finn Harps FC, a club that has competed in the League of Ireland since the late 1960s. The stadium holds a safe capacity of 4,200 spectators, of which 351 are seated in the covered “Shed” stand. The ground’s layout is simple – three sides are open to fans while the River End behind the southern goal is closed to the public and used for ambulance parking. Despite its modest size, Finn Park exudes a community‑driven atmosphere that makes every match feel intimate.
History
The first recorded Finn Harps match at the venue took place in May 1954, and the ground hosted its inaugural League of Ireland fixture in 1969. In April 1971 the amateur Republic of Ireland side faced Yugoslavia here as part of the 1972 Olympic qualifiers, marking the stadium’s brief moment on the international stage. Over the decades the venue has been upgraded to meet modern safety standards, though the overall structure remains largely unchanged, preserving its nostalgic charm.
Recent developments include a €30,000 COVID‑19 upgrade in August 2020 that added new dressing rooms, a medical suite and additional toilets on the Gantry Side. A bar was introduced on the same side in July 2025, giving supporters a place to gather before and after matches. The club also launched a quirky “Name the Park” campaign, offering the chance for a sponsor or individual to rename the ground for the 2027 season – entries close on 22 May 2026.
Future plans are ambitious. After several stalled attempts, a fresh design for a 5,580‑seat stadium in Stranorlar received planning permission in 2024, with construction hoped to start in early 2026. Meanwhile, Finn Harps secured a grant to replace the natural grass pitch with artificial turf for the 2026 season, ensuring the Navenny Street venue remains viable for the women’s and youth teams.
Artificial Turf Upgrade (2026)
A €120,000 grant from the Irish Sports Council was awarded to Finn Harps in early 2026 to install a FIFA‑approved synthetic surface. The upgrade allows the ground to host matches year‑round, reduces weather‑related cancellations and provides a durable training pitch for the club’s women’s and under‑age squads.
What to See & Do
The Shed (Main Stand)
The Shed runs almost the full length of the pitch along Navenny Street. It combines a block of 350 seats near the halfway line with open terracing for standing fans. The stand houses the club’s press area, clubhouse, tuck shop and the main entrance for away supporters. A resident drummer often leads chants, adding a unique soundtrack to the matchday experience.
Town End
Located behind the northern goal on Chestnut Road, the Town End is an uncovered stepped terrace favoured by home fans. Its concrete rear wall gives the area a solid, traditional feel.
Gantry Side
Facing the Shed, the Gantry Side is dominated by a tall television gantry that straddles the halfway line. The terrace consists of four wide steps and includes the club shop, a newly added bar, and the additional dressing‑room and medical facilities installed in 2020.
River End
Behind the southern goal, the River End is a narrow sloped embankment named after the River Finn that runs behind it. It is normally closed to spectators but serves as a vehicle access route and houses the scoreboard.
Food & Drink
When fans are not segregated, the home catering area offers the legendary soup and a burger van. During segregation, away supporters rely on the burger van and the limited facilities on the Gantry Side.
Nearby Pubs
A short walk from the ground brings you to several local watering holes where you can soak up the post‑match buzz:
- The Dog House – Navenny Street, Ballybofey (F93 FN83)
- Gallen’s Bar – Navenny Street (F93 TXC2)
- Cheers Bar – Glenfin Street (F93 X529) These venues are popular with both locals and visiting fans.
Community Use & Events
Finn Park is more than a football stadium. It hosts Finn Harps Women’s League of Ireland matches, youth league fixtures and occasional school sports days. The venue is also hired for local charity runs and community festivals during the summer months, providing a gathering point for Ballybofey residents beyond match days.
Accessibility
The main entrance on Navenny Street provides step‑free access to the Shed and the Gantry Side. Wheelchair users can reach the seated block in the Shed via a ramp, and accessible restroom facilities are available on the Gantry Side. The open terraces do not have dedicated wheelchair spaces, so spectators requiring assisted seating are advised to contact the club in advance.
Nearby Attractions
If you have time before or after a game, consider a short drive to the scenic Assaroe – Abbey, Falls & Lake Area (Assaroe). The historic abbey ruins, cascading falls and tranquil lake make for a pleasant walk along the River Finn, showcasing the natural beauty that surrounds the town.
Practical Information
Ticket Prices (2026)
| Category | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Adult | 15 |
| Concession | 12 |
| Secondary School Student | 5 |
| Child (under 12) | 2 |
| LYIT Student (ID required) | 8 |
The official programme is available digitally for €2 or in print for €4. Tickets can be purchased at the club shop on match days or via the club’s online ticketing partner (check the club’s social media for the current link).
Getting There
By Car – The stadium is easily accessed from the N15. From the east, follow the N15 towards Sligo, cross the River Finn bridge, and turn left into Chestnut Road. A free‑after‑6 pm pay‑and‑display car park sits on the left, with another larger lot off Navenny Street. For high‑profile games, away fans are directed to a dedicated car park at Qunn’s Cash & Carry across Navenny Street.
By Bus – Regular Bus Éireann services run from Derry (≈45 km) and Sligo (≈90 km) to Ballybofey. The last Friday‑night bus from Derry departs at 22:32 from Butt Hall on Main Street.
By Train – The nearest railway stations are Waterside in Derry (Northern Ireland) and Sligo station (Republic of Ireland). Both require a subsequent bus or taxi transfer.
Facilities
The Shed contains a small seated block, a tuck shop and the main turnstile for away supporters. The Gantry Side now includes a bar, club shop and upgraded restroom facilities. The River End is closed to spectators but serves as ambulance access. The ground is wheelchair‑accessible via the main entrance on Navenny Street, though the open terraces do not have dedicated seating.
Contact & Further Details
For the latest match schedule, ticket availability and club news, follow Finn Harps on their official social media channels (Facebook, Twitter @FinnHarpsFC, YouTube). Direct enquiries can be made by phone at 074 9130070.
Finn Park may evolve as Finn Harps progresses towards a new stadium, but its role as a community hub in Ballybofey remains steadfast. Whether you are a die‑hard supporter or a curious visitor, the ground offers a genuine slice of Irish football culture.