MacHale Park (Castlebar)
MacHale Park is a GAA stadium in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland. It is the home of the Castlebar Mitchels GAA and Mayo GAA Gaelic football teams. It is named after John MacHale, Catholic Archbishop of Tuam from 1831 to 1881.
General information
Arena capacity: 25,369 spectators
Address: Castlebar, County Mayo, F23 AC90, Ireland
GPS coordinates for the navigator: 53°51′14″N 9°17′4″W
Year of construction: 1931
Construction cost: IR£1,700 million
Field: grass lawn with dimensions of 137×82 m
Seating plan of MacHale Park
MacHale Park is a GAA stadium located in Castlebar, County Mayo, in the west of Ireland. The stadium features both covered and uncovered seating areas. The seating plan is as follows:
- The main stand is located on the eastern side of the pitch and has a capacity of approximately 7,000 seats. It is covered and offers excellent views of the pitch.
- The uncovered stand is located on the western side of the pitch and has a capacity of approximately 5,000 seats.
- The terrace is located behind the southern goalpost and can accommodate up to 16,000 standing spectators.
- The uncovered stand at the northern end of the stadium has a capacity of approximately 10,000 seats.
MacHale Park is the home ground of the Mayo GAA football and hurling teams and also hosts other major GAA events throughout the year.
Where to buy tickets?
Tickets for events at MacHale Park can be purchased from a variety of sources, including:
- Mayo GAA website: Tickets can be purchased online through the official website of the Mayo GAA. The website typically lists upcoming fixtures and provides a link to purchase tickets online.
- Ticketmaster: Tickets may also be available for purchase through the Ticketmaster website or at one of their physical locations.
- Local GAA clubs: Many local GAA clubs in the Mayo area may also sell tickets for events at MacHale Park.
- On the day of the event: Depending on availability, tickets may also be available for purchase at the stadium on the day of the event.
It is recommended to check with the Mayo GAA or the event’s organizers to confirm ticket availability and purchase options, as they may vary depending on the event.
How to get there?
MacHale Park is located in Castlebar, County Mayo, in the west of Ireland. There are several ways to get to the stadium, including:
- Car: If you are driving, MacHale Park is located just off the N5 road, which connects Castlebar with other major towns and cities in the area. There is a car park located adjacent to the stadium, which provides parking for both cars and coaches.
- Bus: There are several bus services that operate to Castlebar from other towns and cities in the area. Bus Eireann provides regular services to Castlebar from Galway, Sligo, and other major towns. Private coach companies may also provide services to Castlebar for specific events.
- Train: Irish Rail operates a train service to Castlebar from Dublin, Galway, and other major cities. The train station is located approximately 1.5 km from the stadium, and taxis are readily available at the station.
- Bicycle or walking: If you are staying in Castlebar, you may be able to cycle or walk to the stadium, depending on your location. Castlebar is a small town, and many hotels and guesthouses are located within a short walking distance of the stadium.
It is recommended to check the Mayo GAA or the event’s organizers for any specific transport arrangements or recommendations for the event you are attending.
Where to eat and sleep?
Castlebar has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. There are several hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, and self-catering apartments located within a short distance of the stadium. Some popular options include The Harlequin Hotel, The Ellison Hotel, and the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre.
There are several restaurants and cafes located in Castlebar that offer a range of dining options. Many of these are located within a short walking distance of the stadium. Some popular options include Rua Cafe, The Pantry Cafe, and House of Plates.
MacHale Park also has several food and beverage outlets located within the stadium. These outlets typically offer a range of hot and cold food and drink options, including burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and soft drinks.
It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, particularly if you’re attending a major event at the stadium, as rooms may fill up quickly. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check with the Mayo GAA or the event’s organizers for any specific recommendations or arrangements for dining and accommodation options during the event.
Facilities
MacHale Park is a modern sports facility that offers a range of facilities for visitors. Some of the key facilities include:
- Pitch: The playing surface at MacHale Park is a high-quality natural grass pitch, which is regularly maintained to ensure optimal playing conditions.
- Changing rooms: There are several changing rooms located within the stadium, which are used by players and officials.
- Corporate facilities: The stadium offers a range of corporate facilities for business events, including conference rooms and meeting rooms. These facilities can be booked in advance through the Mayo GAA or the stadium management team.
- Parking: There is a large car park located adjacent to the stadium, which provides parking for both cars and coaches.
- Accessibility: The stadium is fully accessible, with facilities for wheelchair users and other visitors with disabilities.
It is recommended to check with the Mayo GAA or the event’s organizers for any specific facilities or services that may be available for the event you are attending, as these may vary depending on the event.
History
The stadium was opened in 1931 and was originally known as McHale Road Park, after the road it is situated on. In 1967, the stadium was renamed in honor of John MacHale, an important figure in the history of Irish nationalism and the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland. Over the years, MacHale Park has undergone several renovations and upgrades. The stadium is widely regarded as one of the finest sports facilities in Ireland and is a popular venue for major GAA events, including the Connacht GAA Senior Football Championship and the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.