Aviva Stadium Tour

Overview

The Aviva Stadium is Ireland's premier international sports venue — a 51,700-seat stadium in Ballsbridge that hosts Irish rugby and football internationals. Designed by Populous, its distinctive crescent shape was engineered to minimise shadow on neighbouring houses.

Highlights

• Architecture: The transparent, undulating ETFE façade glows at night — one of Europe's most striking modern stadium designs.
• Behind the Scenes: Tours include home and away dressing rooms, the players' tunnel, presidential suite, and pitchside.
• Lansdowne Road Heritage: Built on the site of the world's oldest international rugby ground (1878).

History

The original Lansdowne Road ground hosted its first international match in 1878. The current Aviva Stadium, built at a cost of €410 million, opened in 2010 after the demolition of the old ground.

Visitor Tips

• Tours run on non-match days, typically at 10:00, 12:00, and 14:00.
• Take the DART to Lansdowne Road station — the stadium is adjacent.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.