Aviva Stadium

The history of the site stretches back to 1872, when Lansdowne Road was first used for organised sport, making it one of the oldest continuously used rugby and football venues in the world.

Construction and opening

The original Lansdowne Road stadium was developed incrementally through the 19th and 20th centuries but by the early 2000s no longer met modern safety standards. The decision to build an entirely new stadium on the same footprint followed the collapse of alternative plans — Stadium Ireland and Eircom Park — both of which failed to progress. The old ground was demolished in 2007, and Populous (then HOK Sport) was appointed as architect. Construction took three years and the stadium officially opened in 2010. Aviva Group Ireland secured the naming rights in 2009; the deal was extended in 2018 and again in 2025, with the current arrangement running until 2030.

Major renovations

Because the stadium was constructed as an entirely new building, no major structural renovations have been necessary since opening. Ongoing upgrades have addressed technology — including LED floodlighting, a hybrid playing surface, and broadcast infrastructure — while the seating capacity of 51,711 has remained unchanged.

Notable moments

In 2011 the stadium hosted Ireland's historic test against the All Blacks (New Zealand) in a World Cup warm-up. The UEFA EURO 2020 group stage brought international tournament football to Dublin in 2021. In the Six Nations, Ireland's 2023 Grand Slam victory was celebrated at Aviva Stadium, marking the high point of the most successful era in Irish rugby history.

Aviva Stadium generates a distinct dual identity, serving two deeply passionate sporting cultures — football and rugby — each of which creates its own matchday character.

Fan culture

Irish rugby supporters are internationally noted for their warm hospitality and inclusive atmosphere, which contrasts with the intensity inside the bowl. On Six Nations weekends, Ballsbridge and the surrounding streets transform into a vast gathering point as tens of thousands of fans from across the island of Ireland — and from visiting nations — fill the pubs and restaurants from early morning. Football matchdays carry a more local flavour, with the Boys in Green fanbase remaining loyal regardless of results. The anthem Ireland's Call, performed before every international in both sports, is understood as a symbol of unity that transcends the island's political boundaries.

Big matches

Among the most celebrated football moments is Ireland's 1-0 defeat of Germany in a friendly in 2014. In rugby, fixtures against England and Wales in the Six Nations are typically sold out months before the day. The 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam win — clinched at Aviva Stadium — brought scenes of jubilation that defined a generation of Irish rugby. The UEFA EURO 2020 group stage gave the stadium a rare chance to host a major international tournament, drawing supporters from across Europe for three matches in Dublin.

Aviva Stadium is well served by public transport and straightforward to reach for both local and international visitors.

How to get there

• DART (commuter rail): Lansdowne Road station is immediately beside the stadium — the most convenient option from the city centre, taking approximately 8 minutes from Dublin Connolly
• Bus: Dublin Bus routes 4, 7, 8, and 45 stop nearby on Merrion Road
• On foot: From Dublin city centre (O'Connell Street) it is approximately 25-30 minutes walking south-east
• By car: Parking near the stadium on matchdays is extremely limited; park-and-ride or public transport is strongly recommended

Tickets and tours

Tickets for Republic of Ireland football matches are sold via the FAI (Football Association of Ireland); rugby tickets via the IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union). Six Nations fixtures against England or Wales sell out within hours of release. Stadium tours are available and can be booked online or at the box office.

Visitor tips

• When to arrive: At least 60 minutes before kick-off, especially for Six Nations matches
• Transport: The DART is the clear first choice; driving on matchdays is not recommended
• Weather: Dublin is frequently wet — a waterproof jacket is always advisable
• Where to eat: The Ballsbridge neighbourhood has a good range of restaurants and traditional pubs; Shelbourne Road is a popular pre-match gathering point