Fitzgerald Stadium (Killarney)

Fitzgerald Stadium is the principal GAA stadium in Killarney, Ireland, and is the home championship venue for the Kerry senior football team. It is named in honour of one of the first great players of the Gaelic Athletic Association, Dick Fitzgerald.

General information

Official website: fitzgeraldstadium.com

Arena capacity: 38,000 spectators

Address: Killarney, County Kerry, V93 P892, Ireland

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 52°3′59″N 9°30′29″W

Year of construction: 1936

Construction cost: €4.8 million

Field: grass lawn with dimensions of 144 x 82 m

Seating plan of Fitzgerald Stadium

The seating plan for Fitzgerald Stadium is divided into several sections:

1. The Nally Stand: This is the main stand at the stadium and is located on the western side. It has a seating capacity of approximately 7,000 and provides an excellent view of the pitch.
2. The O’Sullivan Stand: This stand is located on the eastern side of the stadium and has a seating capacity of approximately 4,000.
3. The Lewis Road Stand: This stand is located behind the goals at the northern end of the stadium and has a seating capacity of approximately 3,500.
4. The Killarney Advertiser Stand: This stand is located behind the goals at the southern end of the stadium and has a seating capacity of approximately 3,500.
5. The Terrace: This is the standing area of the stadium and is located at the northern end of the pitch. It has a capacity of approximately 19,000.

The seating plan can vary depending on the event being held at the stadium, but generally follows this layout.

Where to buy tickets?

Tickets for events at Fitzgerald Stadium can be purchased from a variety of sources, depending on the event and the organizers. Here are some options:

1. Kerry GAA website: For Gaelic football and hurling matches involving the Kerry team, tickets can be purchased online through the Kerry GAA website.
2. Ticketmaster: Some events at Fitzgerald Stadium may be sold through Ticketmaster, a popular online ticketing platform.
3. Event organizers: For concerts and other events at the stadium, tickets may be sold directly by the event organizers. Check the official website or social media pages of the event for more information.
4. Local shops: Some local shops in Killarney may also sell tickets for events at Fitzgerald Stadium. Check with shops in the area for availability.

It’s always a good idea to buy tickets in advance, as events at Fitzgerald Stadium can be popular and may sell out quickly. Be sure to check the official sources for tickets to avoid scams or overpriced tickets from unofficial sellers.

How to get there?

Fitzgerald Stadium is located in the heart of Killarney town in County Kerry, Ireland. Here are some ways to get there:

By car

Killarney is well connected by road, with major routes including the N22 from Cork and the N71 from Kenmare. There is a car park adjacent to Fitzgerald Stadium which is available for use during events.

By train

Killarney is serviced by regular train services from Dublin and other major cities in Ireland. From the train station, it is a short walk or taxi ride to the stadium.

By bus

Bus Eireann operates regular services to Killarney from Dublin, Cork, and other major cities in Ireland. The bus station is located in the center of town, just a short walk from Fitzgerald Stadium.

By taxi

Taxis are widely available in Killarney and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance through a taxi company.

Walking or cycling

If you are staying in the town center, Fitzgerald Stadium is within easy walking or cycling distance. Many of the town’s hotels and guesthouses are located within a few minutes’ walk of the stadium.

Where to eat and sleep?

Killarney is a popular tourist destination with a wide range of options for eating and sleeping. Here are some suggestions:

Where to eat:

1. The Laurels Pub and Restaurant: Located just a short walk from Fitzgerald Stadium, The Laurels is a popular spot for traditional Irish food and live music.
2. The Smokehouse Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the heart of Killarney town and serves a range of locally sourced seafood and meat dishes.
3. The Cellar at The Ross: This stylish restaurant is located in the basement of The Ross hotel and serves modern Irish cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients.
4. Treyvaud’s Restaurant: This family-run restaurant has been serving fresh, locally sourced food for over 20 years and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Where to sleep:

1. The Killarney Park Hotel: This 5-star hotel is located in the center of Killarney town and offers luxury accommodations and excellent dining options.
2. The Ross Hotel: This boutique hotel is located just a short walk from Fitzgerald Stadium and features stylish rooms and a lively bar and restaurant.
3. The Europe Hotel & Resort: This 5-star hotel is located on the shores of Lake Killarney and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
4. The Gleneagle Hotel & Apartments: This family-friendly hotel is located just a short drive from the town center and offers a range of accommodations, including self-catering apartments.

Facilities

Fitzgerald Stadium offers a range of facilities for visitors and spectators, including:

• Concessions and refreshments: Concession stands are available throughout the stadium, offering a variety of food and drink options.
• Restrooms: There are restrooms located throughout the stadium, including accessible facilities for those with disabilities.
• Parking: There is a car park adjacent to Fitzgerald Stadium which is available for use during events.
• Accessibility: The stadium has facilities for wheelchair users and those with disabilities, including accessible seating and restrooms.
• Merchandise: Merchandise stands may be available during events, selling official team or event merchandise.
• First aid: There are first aid stations located throughout the stadium for emergencies or medical assistance.
• Media facilities: The stadium has media facilities for journalists and broadcasters, including press boxes and interview areas.

Note that the specific facilities available may vary depending on the event being held at Fitzgerald Stadium.

History

The stadium was originally built in 1936 and named after the Fitzgerald family, who were prominent landowners in the area. Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major redevelopment in the 1990s that increased the seating capacity to its current level. Fitzgerald Stadium has hosted many memorable sporting events over the years, including All-Ireland Gaelic football finals and international soccer matches.