Páirc Esler (Newry)

Páirc Esler is a GAA stadium located in Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is home to the Down GAA team and is named after Peter J. Esler, a former Secretary of the Down County Board. The stadium has been the venue for many high-profile GAA games and is a prominent landmark in the town of Newry.

General information

Arena capacity: 20,000 spectators

Address: Newry, County Down, BT34 2QX

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 54°9′47″N 6°20′5″W

Year of construction: 1954

Field: grass lawn with dimensions of 138 × 81 m

Seating plan of Páirc Esler

The seating is divided into four main stands: the Newry Road Stand, the Clanrye Stand, the Canal End Stand, and the Hill 16 Stand. The Newry Road and Clanrye stands are the main stands and offer covered seating, while the Canal End and Hill 16 stands are uncovered. The seating plan is designed to provide a good view of the pitch from every angle, with the Newry Road Stand offering the best views. The seating is arranged in a bowl shape, which helps to create an intense atmosphere during matches.

Where to buy tickets?

Tickets for events at Páirc Esler can be purchased online through various ticketing websites, such as Ticketmaster and Eventbrite. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the stadium box office on match days, subject to availability. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as popular events can sell out quickly.

How to get there?

Páirc Esler is located in Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland. It is easily accessible by car and public transportation.

By car: If you’re driving to the stadium, you can use the following address for your GPS: Páirc Esler, 12 Old Warrenpoint Road, Newry, Co. Down BT35 8HN. There is a large car park available on-site for visitors.

By public transportation: If you’re traveling by public transportation, you can take a train to Newry train station, which is approximately 2 miles from the stadium. You can then take a taxi or a bus to the stadium. The stadium is also serviced by local bus routes.

Where to eat and sleep?

There are a few options for places to eat and sleep near Páirc Esler. Here are some suggestions:

Eating options:

• The Bank Bar & Bistro: located in Newry city center, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes including burgers, seafood, and vegetarian options.
• The Whistledown Hotel: has a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
• The Brass Monkey: a pub and restaurant in Newry city center with a wide range of dishes including seafood, steaks, and vegetarian options.

Sleeping options:

• The Whistledown Hotel: a 3-star hotel located just a 10-minute drive from Páirc Esler, with 21 rooms and a restaurant on site.
• The Mourne Country Hotel: a 3-star hotel located about a 15-minute drive from the stadium, with 43 rooms and a restaurant and bar on site.
• Canal Court Hotel: a 4-star hotel located in Newry city center, about a 10-minute drive from the stadium. It has 112 rooms and a restaurant, bar, and fitness center on site.

Facilities

Páirc Esler has a range of facilities for visitors. The stadium includes a main stand, terraced areas, and corporate hospitality suites. The venue also has extensive parking facilities for visitors, with both on-site and nearby parking available. Inside the stadium, there are a number of food and drink outlets, including bars, cafes, and fast-food outlets. Additionally, there are merchandise stores for fans to purchase team apparel and memorabilia. The stadium is also equipped with first aid facilities and disabled access, including designated seating areas and accessible parking spaces.

History

The stadium opened in 1965 and is the home ground of the Down GAA football and hurling teams. It was named after Peter Esler, a local Gaelic footballer who was killed during the Second World War. Páirc Esler has undergone several renovations throughout the years. It has hosted many significant GAA matches, including the 1994 All-Ireland Football Final between Down and Dublin, as well as numerous Ulster Senior Football and Hurling Championship matches.