Conference & Events
Croke Park has become one of the most prominent features of Dublin's northside cityscape. In proximity to the airport and the city centre, the stadium's imposing architectural splendour stands proud on 700,000 sq feet of the Irish capital. Inside, the contemporary design and spectacular views offer an exciting location for world class events.
The modern exterior is mirrored by bright, spacious, contemporarily designed interiors. Smooth marble and merbau hardwood flooring and clean cream and wood panelled wall surfaces combine to offer an airy, elegant ambiance. The concourses and suites are fitted with discrete lighting fixtures and plush leather furnishings.
Home to the Gaelic Athletic Association or GAA, Croke Park is at the heart of Irish sporting life. In 1993 a grand plan to completely reconstruct Croke Park was unveiled. This redevelopment has been the biggest single venture ever undertaken by an Irish sporting organisation.
Now a world-class stadium, Croke Park is the largest stadium in Ireland and the fourth largest stadium in Europe. Muhammad Ali fought here, Tina Turner and U2 performed here and the best of Australia's AFL talent have played here. In June 2003 the world was welcomed to Croke Park when it played host to the spectacular opening and closing ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Summer Games.
This interesting new venue offers the flexibility to suit receptions for 10 to 2,500 people, private dining, product launches, seminars, conferences, exhibitions, training courses, meetings, set-design and almost any event imaginable. The venue is highly versatile offering a wide range of large capacity conference rooms, smaller more intimate suites and 85 individual meeting rooms along with large indoor and outdoor concourses.
The stadium is comprised of three impressive stands, the Hogan, the Canal and the Cusack
Hogan Stand
The Hogan Stand facilities are accessed via the Jones Road entrance to the stadium. This stand has two large suites along with some smaller suites and meeting rooms.
Hogan Suite
With panoramic views of Dublin city, the Hogan Suite is our largest capacity suite. Suitable for conferences of up to 1,000 or dining for 800, with a 6m ceiling, this suite is ideally suited to large exhibitions and product demonstrations. Its uses can extend to fashion shows, examinations and gala functions. Immediately outside the suite, the large concourse offers impressive views over the hallowed playing ground below.
Facilities in this suite include full audio visual, three-phase power, ISDN, air-conditioning, electronic blackout or natural daylight and remote controlled lighting.
Hogan Mezzanine
Directly below the Hogan Suite is the Hogan Mezzanine. This suite can accommodate up to 600 theatre style or dining for 400. It offers a tremendous degree of flexibility and can be broken down into two smaller suites to suit groups of up to 200. Complete with bar and food service areas which can be enclosed by wall panels, it also features breakout, exhibition and reception areas overlooking the pitch.
Other facilities include three-phase power, ISDN, air-conditioning, electronic blackout or natural daylight and remote controlled lighting.
Cusack and Canal Stands
The Cusack Stand facilities can be accessed via St Josephs Avenue off Clonliffe Road. This stand has one large suite along with some smaller suites and meeting rooms. The Canal Stand links the Cusack Stand to the Hogan Stand, therefore the canal suites can be accessed via either stand.
Cusack Suite
The Cusack Suite overlooks both the pitch and the city. Another versatile suite, it can accommodate 2000 for a reception or 500 theatre style. With a high ceiling, this suite is also very suitable for exhibitions and events with a lofty elevation. A clever ramp system also allows cars to drive to the fifth floor making this the perfect venue for car launches and exhibitions.
Ash & Celtic Suites
At either end of the Cusack Suite lie the Ash and the Celtic Suites. Each boasts private bar facilities with capacity for 200 theatre style and 200 for dining and again has impressive views over both the city and the stadium.
Canal Suites
The Canal End Suites are a series of exquisitely presented reception rooms that connect the Hogan Stand to the Cusack Stand. With lower ceilings and a more intimate feel, they are ideally suited for dining for groups of up to 350 or for receptions hosting up to 600 guests.
Meeting Rooms
Croke Park offers a room with a view in all 85 meeting and syndicate rooms. These suites offer a bright, airy and modern ambience. They are the ideal choice for training courses, board meetings, conference breakout rooms, seminars, press conferences or team briefings. Located on level six of the stands, the meeting rooms all overlook the pitch.
Catering
Onsite caterers, Fitzers, offer the full range of F�ila Bia approved menu options. These menus can be tailored to suit your particular event with any special requirements catered for. Menu options include breakfasts, light lunches, finger buffets, fork buffets or full service lunch and dinner options.
The following menus are an example of what is on offer. As menu prices are subject to change, please liaise with your Events Executive when choosing a menu option.
Sample Lunch Menus
For a working lunch choose from the following starters and main courses followed by dessert, tea or coffee.
Starters
Baked salmon fillet with oriental salad, chilli and lime cream
Chilled melon with assorted fruit and a mango coulis
Plum tomato and mozzarella cheese salad with basil and olive oil
Caesar salad with fresh parmesan and garlic croutons
Terrine of pork with balsamic dressed leaves and apricot chutney
Main Courses
Herb grilled supreme of chicken with a forest mushroom and pearl onion cream
Served with spring onion and herb mash with a seasonal vegetable assortment
Baked fillet of marinated salmon with a leek and mussel cream
Served with red pepper and saffron cous cous with tossed greens in lime oil
Roast honey-glazed tenderloin of pork with a cider and apple cream
Served with garlic and thyme roasted potatoes and braised root vegetables
Braised shank of lamb with a rosemary and garlic jus
Served with carrot and turnip puree and colcannon mash
Herb grilled fillets of sea trout with a lemon and chive butter sauce
Served with tossed seasonal greens and baby potatoes with ginger butter
Braised beef steak with pearl onions and shiitake mushroom sauce
Served on a bed of chive mash with tossed seasonal greens
Desserts
Hazelnut and chocolate mousse with dark chocolate sauce
Bittersweet lemon tart with a citrus anglaise
Passion fruit bavaroise with a red berry compote
Chocolate and orange marquise with cointreau and almonds
Baked pecan pie with roast pears and cinnamon anglaise
Bailey's Irish cream torte with red berry coulis
Tea / Coffee
Price
�35.00 with dessert
�30.00 without dessert
Includes VAT @ 13.5%
Sample Fork Buffet Menus
For a working lunch or casual meal choose from the following main courses which are served with your choice from our salad selection followed by dessert, tea or coffee.
Main Courses
Tender chicken pieces with sweet pepper and mango in a lemon grass scented cream sauce
Traditional lamb casserole with button mushrooms, shallots, rosemary and pearl onions
Julienne of beef with green peppers, water chestnuts and black bean sauce
Baked salmon, brie and spinach strudel with a lobster bisque sauce
Stir fried pork marsala saut�ed in olive oil with wild mushrooms, marsala wine and cream
Served with savoury steamed rice or baby boiled potatoes
Selection of Salads
Tossed seasonal leaves with a balsamic dressing
Cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, fresh basil & olive oil
Roast mediterranean vegetables with roasted cherry tomatoes
Penne pasta with basil pesto & freshly shaved parmesan
Iceberg lettuce with avocado, cottage cheese, sunflower seeds and lemon oil
Selection of sliced regional breads
Desserts
Hazelnut and chocolate mousse with a dark chocolate sauce
Bittersweet lemon tart with citrus anglaise
Chocolate and orange marquise with cointreau and almonds
Summer berry torte with elderberry essence
Baked pecan pie with roast pears and cinnamon anglaise
Tea / Coffee
Price
�25.00 with dessert
�20.00 without dessert
Includes VAT @ 13.5%
GAA Museum & Stadium Tours
The GAA Museum, right in the heart of the stadium complex, is a living history of the country's most important sporting and cultural organisation. Complete with interactive elements, viewing theatre, archives and memorabilia spanning over a hundred years, a visit to the Museum is a memorable experience for anyone visiting Croke Park. The Museum tour is self guided to allow the visitor to amble about at leisure.
Event organisers also have the option of allocating time for their delegates to take a guided tour through the stadium itself to capture the essence of what makes Croke Park a truly unique venue. The tour offers an indepth look at one of the most historic and modern sporting arenas in the world. The guided tour brings visitors to the dressing rooms, through the players' tunnel and then pitch-side, offering a glimpse of what players experience on a match day. The tour also includes the VIP area and press centre, as well as premium and corporate levels
Croke Park is located on the northside of Dublin and is framed by Jones Road, Clonliffe Road, St. Josephs Avenue and the Royal Canal. The stadium is approximately five minutes drive from O'Connell Street in the city centre and 20 minutes from the airport. The main entrance to the Hogan Stand is located on Jones Road. The Cusack Stand entrance is accessed via St. Josephs Avenue, off Clonliffe Road. There is parking available at the stadium for non-match events.
About the GAA Museum
The GAA Museum was established to commemorate, recognise and celebrate the GAA's enormous contribution to Irish sporting, cultural and social life since its foundation in 1884. It was officially opened on 1st September 1998 by Joe McDonagh, President of the GAA, in the presence of An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D.
Croke Park is the home of Ireland's unique national games of hurling and football. The GAA Museum in Croke Park has been designed to facilitate an experience of an integral part of the fabric of Irish life and heritage. A visit to the museum offers you an opportunity to gain a unique insight into these games
� Historic exhibits and databanks give you an insight into the origins and development of hurling and gaelic football and the GAA's role in the Irish cultural revival and national movement.
� Touchscreen technology brings you the historic moments, great players and great games
� Specially designed interactives allow you to test your skills in hurling and gaelic football
� Stadium tours of Croke Park offer an indepth behind-the-scenes look at one of the most historic and modern sporting arenas in the world.
Opening hours
(Open all year round)
Monday - Saturday: 09.30 - 17.00
Sunday:* 12.00 - 17.00
*Except on match days when the museum opens at the same time as the turnstiles. On match days the museum is accessible to Cusack Stand ticket holders only and regular museum admission rates apply. The museum remains open until one hour after the end of the main match.
Admission
Museum Only
Adult: �5.50
Student/Senior �4.00
Children (under 12) �3.50
Family (2 adults + 2 children) �15.00
Museum and Croke Park Stadium Tour
Adult: �9.50
Student/Senior: �7.00
Children (under 12): �6.00
Family (2 adults + 2 children): �24.00
*For group bookings please see General Information
How to get here:
By road: Access from Clonliffe Road, down St. Josephs Avenue.
By bus: From O'Connell Street routes 3,11,11A,16,16A,123
By rail: The Museum is 15 minutes walk from Connolly Station and O'Connell Street
Contact us:
GAA Museum
Croke Park,
St. Joseph's Avenue
Dublin 3
Tel: + 353 (0) 1- 819 2323
Fax: + 353 (0) 1 819 2324
E-mail: [email protected] Croke Park is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (G.A.A), Ireland's major sporting organisation. Croke Park is located in north Dublin. Its current capacity is 82,300. History The area now known as Croke Park was originally an Athletics Course popularly known as Jones Road Sportsground and owned by a Maurice Butterly. From the foundation of the GAA in 1884 this sportsground was used by the organisation regularly for Gaelic Games and Athletics. In 1896 the 2 All-Irelands for 1895 were played in the ground signifying the growing importance of the suburban plot for the ever expanding GAA. Recognising the potential of the Jones Road sportsground a GAA member, Frank Dineen, borrowed much of the �3,250 asking price and bought the ground personally in 1908. Only in 1913 did the GAA come into exclusive ownership of the plot when they purchased it from Dineen for �3,500. Once bought, the ground became known as Croke Park in honour of Archbishop Thomas Croke, one of the GAA's first patrons. In 1913 Croke Park had 2 stands on what is now known as the Hogan stand side and grassy banks all round. In 1917 the rubble from the Easter Rising in 1916 was used to construct a grassy hill on the railway end of Croke Park to afford patrons a better view of the pitch which by now hosted all major football and hurling matches. Immortalised as Hill 16 it is perhaps one of the most famous terraces in the world. On November 20, 1920 Croke Park was the scene of a massacre by the Black and Tans. British soldiers raided the ground, shooting indiscriminately into the crowd killing 13 during a Dublin-Tipperary football match. The dead included 11 spectators and 2 players, Jim Egan and Michael Hogan. The latter, Tipperary's captain, gave his name posthumously to the Hogan stand built three years later in 1924. These shottings, on a day of which became known as Bloody Sunday, were a reprisal for the assassination of 14 British intelligence officers by Michael Collins' G Squad earlier that day. In the 1920s the GAA. set out to create a high capacity stadium at Croke Park. Following the Hogan stand, the Cusack Stand, named after Michael Cusack from Clare (who founded the GAA and served as its first secretary), was built in 1927. 1936 saw the first double-deck Cusack Stand open with 5,000 seats, and concrete terracing being constructed on Hill 16. In 1952 the Nally Stand was built in memorial of P. W. Nally, another of the GAA founders. Seven years later, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the GAA, the first cantilevered 'New Hogan Stand' was opened. Stadium Design Croke Park today, with redevelopements complete.In the 1980s the organisation decided to investigate ways to increase the capacity of the old stadium. The design for an 80,000 capacity stadium was completed in 1991. Gaelic Sports have special requirements as they take place on a large field. A specific requirement was to ensure the spectators were not too far from the field of play. This resulted in the three-tier design from which viewing games is possible: the main concourse, a premium level incorporating hospitality facilities and finally an upper concourse. The premium level contains restaurants, bars and conference areas. The project was split into four phases over a 14-year period. Phase one The first phase of construction was to build a replacement for Croke Park's Cusack Stand. Completed in 1997, this new stand is 180m long, 35m high, has a capacity for 25,000 people and contains 46 hospitality suites. Phase two Phase Two of the development commenced in late 1998 and involved extending the new stand to replace the existing Canal End. Phase three Phase Three saw the building of the new Hogan Stand. This required a greater variety of spectator categories to be accommodated including general spectators, corporate patrons, VIPs, broadcast and media services and operation staff. Extras included a fitted-out mezzanine level for VIP and Ard Comhairle along with a top-level press media facility. The end of Phase Three took the total spectator capacity of Croke Park to 79,500. Phase four After the 2003 Special Olympics, construction began in September 2003 on the final Phase Four. This involved the redevelopment of the Nally Stand and Hill 16 into a new Nally End / Hill 16 terrace. It was officially opened by the GAA Pesident Se�n Kelly on March 14, 2005. For logistical reasons, and to provide cheaper high-capacity space, the area is a terrace rather than a stand: the only remaining standing-room in Croke Park. It brings the capacity up to 82,300. Pitch The new pitch at Croke Park was laid during spring/summer 2002 in time for the Leinster hurling final but its use was limited in its first winter to minimise the damage ahead of the Special Olympics and All-Ireland Club finals, which took place on 17 March 2003. This was the first replacement of the pitch surface in the history of the stadium. Supplied and installed by Leicester-based, Hewitt's Sportsturf, the new surface is a DD GrassMaster Desso pitch. The yarn and DD GrassMaster system, comprises of a stable, free-draining base layer topped by a layer of compost-enriched sand. During installation computer controlled machines injected a special yarn into the ground to a depth of approximately 20cm leaving 2cm above the ground. A rye grass especially developed for Croke Park was then seeded between the artificial grass fibres. Once the natural grass has grown fully and the turf is dense, the artificial grass fibres carry out their work almost invisibly. This natural grass is hard-wearing, quick growing and has a quick recovery time, taking between only four and six weeks to grow. The close proximity of the stitching and the natural grass roots growing around the stitching is what gives the pitch its stability and is the key to the success of this type of surface. The system is employed in a number of English soccer stadia, including Anfield (Liverpool FC), Upton Park (West Ham United) and Villa Park (Aston Villa). Today There is great debate in Ireland regarding the usage of Croke Park. As the GAA was founded as an organisation to maintain and promote indigenous Irish sport, it has felt honour-bound throughout its history to oppose other, rival sports. Up until the early 1970s, rule 27 of the GAA constitution stated that a member of the GAA could be banned from playing its games if found to be also playing Soccer, Rugby or Cricket. That rule was abolished but a similar rule, #42, still prohibits the use of GAA property for "foreign" games. This is taken to mean the sports previously mentioned as the playing of two games of American Football on the pitch during the 1990s showed. Croke Park is Irelands biggest stadium. As such it would certainly make an excellent venue for the national Soccer and Rugby teams. As both of these sports already had a stadium (the smaller Lansdowne Road), the political will both within the GAA and the country of a whole for the opening of Croke Park was not strong. However, with upcoming redevelopment of Lansdowne Road shutting that stadium for three years from October 2005 the pressure is mounting for the GAA to share Croke Park.