About Tolka Park
Constructed in 1953, Tolka Park first hosted local side Drumcondra, who won three league titles and beat Bayern Munich at the ground in 1962! The ground had its first floodlight game in 1953, but fell into disrepair after Drumcondra folded in 1972. Shelbourne had been playing spioradically during the time when Home Farm took over after Drumcondra's demise, and permanently moved into the ground in 1989 when the Farm moved back into their own ground.
Shelbourne made countless renovations to the ground, that's hosted Irish Internationals, the Setanta Cup final and a game of the Rugby League World Cup! The ground also plays host to the Irish Rugby League team. Shamrock Rovers had several spells at the ground during its 'homeless' years.
Shelbourne made countless renovations to the ground, that's hosted Irish Internationals, the Setanta Cup final and a game of the Rugby League World Cup! The ground also plays host to the Irish Rugby League team. Shamrock Rovers had several spells at the ground during its 'homeless' years.
Away Fans
Away fans in Tolka Park are housed in the Riverside End which is big, and quite comfortable. Fans have access to their own shop and chipper, and enter and exit through their own gate. The away setup in Tolka is very contained and trouble rarely happens within the stadium. Fans are advised to be cautious outside the stadium as assaults have taken place as recently as last year.
Directions
From Dublin Town Centre: The quickest way is up O Connel St and up Dorset St, which becomes the Drumcondra Road, go over the Tolka Bridge and turn right, the ground is on the right hand side.
From North of Dublin: Take the Swords Road road from the airport towards the city. This becomes Drumcondra Road at the Whitehall junction. Continue all the way, and Tolka Park is the left turn after the Cat and Cage pub.
Public Transport: There are plenty of bus routes that serve the area around Tolka Park. These include 3, 11, 11A, 11B, 16, 16A which all leave from O'Connell St. The 36, 36A leave from Parnell Square, and the 41, 41A, 41B, 41C leave from Eden Quay. Those leaving from O Connell St tend to be the most frequent.
From North of Dublin: Take the Swords Road road from the airport towards the city. This becomes Drumcondra Road at the Whitehall junction. Continue all the way, and Tolka Park is the left turn after the Cat and Cage pub.
Public Transport: There are plenty of bus routes that serve the area around Tolka Park. These include 3, 11, 11A, 11B, 16, 16A which all leave from O'Connell St. The 36, 36A leave from Parnell Square, and the 41, 41A, 41B, 41C leave from Eden Quay. Those leaving from O Connell St tend to be the most frequent.
Parking
On approaching Drumcondra, there is usually reasonably safe parking areas on the left turn sidestreets on the way up towards the Tolka Bridge. There's also parking on the Ormond Road just off the Richmond Road.
Food & Drink
Outside the Ground: There's plenty of chippers and shops along the Drumcondra Road which are perfectly suited for the pre-match meal!
Pubs: Kennedy's and Fagan's both lie next to the Tolka Bridge, although the latter isn't the most welcoming to away supporters (Anyone with colours can consider themselves lucky to get in!). That leaves Kennedy's, which is the perfect bar for an away supporter. Full of room, sport on the television and decent pints.
Inside the Ground: As stated, away supporters have their own shop and chipper, which means less queues, something always welcome!
Pubs: Kennedy's and Fagan's both lie next to the Tolka Bridge, although the latter isn't the most welcoming to away supporters (Anyone with colours can consider themselves lucky to get in!). That leaves Kennedy's, which is the perfect bar for an away supporter. Full of room, sport on the television and decent pints.
Inside the Ground: As stated, away supporters have their own shop and chipper, which means less queues, something always welcome!