Croke Park expansion

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Replying To letsgetgoing: "To clarify a couple of things re train transportation near Croke Park. Drumcomdra railway station is on the Sligo/Maynooth line heading for Connolly Station. This line passes Croke Park behind Hill 16. This line has served Croke Park for years and there is often a long Q on match days at Drumcondra Station. (Well managed by CIE with safety barriers) There is a second railway line at the Canal end of Croke Park that comes from Heuston Station and the tunnel under the Pheonix Park. There is no railway station very near Croke Park for this line. The only place the two railway lines are in close proximity to each other is at the far end of Whitworth Road (near Des Kelly's/ Brian Boru Pub) where a new and very large Metro Station will hopefully be built. It would be expected that many GAA supporters would arrive at this station in the future from several directions. It would make a lot of sense to have a frequent railway shuttle service from this metro station to Croke Park or Drumcondra station on match days whenever it is built, as it is a long (wet?) walk for older people. They might have to open a new station near the Canal end for this shuttle service, so there would not have an ongoing impact on the Sligo railway line. Don't think this idea was discussed in the metro planning? If they can open a new railway station for a few days of the Ryder Cup why not also for Croke Park (Ongoing Match days/concerts/conferences etc) Sorry for being do long winded." Well, at least that explains the original query of why there's no service between Heuston and Drumcondra on match days. Long story short is that there's no line between both places. Thanks for the info. Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 4007 - 15/05/2026 16:33:51 2673199 Link
Replying To Pikeman96: "Will admit I didn't realise they use that sort of queueing system at Drumcondra Station on match days. I've only ever been there at "ordinary" weekday times. Doubt though that there are many there to wait for a train just to Connolly. That's where the Wexford terminates, and I often land in there myself on All-Ireland days (but sadly, no Wexford team involved in them!). The walk to Croke Park is just 20 minutes, and particularly if you want to stop into a shop or a pub along the way, people are far more inclined to just walk it rather than look for another train. Would be the same on the way back - may as well just walk down to Connolly rather than queue at Drumcondra to get a train for just one stop, and then queue again to get on another one. But anyway - have been dragged down some odd rabbit holes since I first started posting on this site, but never found myself thinking about train stations and railway platforms before. Maybe time to leave it so!" Connolly can be a good alternative after some games where it can be a long wait for supporters queuing for the Maynooth train. You're pretty much guaranteed a seat too. Can be a bit mad queuing in Drumcondra to get into the station and up on the platform. The trains to Croke Park from Maynooth can be too packed, especially for older people and if you're bringing children. Not sure why or how they manage to squeeze people in at some stages after Confey. Doesn't look safe. GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8760 - 15/05/2026 17:50:45 2673219 Link
Replying To Pikeman96: "Well, at least that explains the original query of why there's no service between Heuston and Drumcondra on match days. Long story short is that there's no line between both places. Thanks for the info." There's IS a direct route from Heuston to Drumcondra and vice versa. A commuter train goes from Dublin Connolly via Drumcondra & Heuston to Hazelhatch and vice versa during the week. It doesn't explain why there's no service on matchdays, much like in the same way you can't get a train to the Docklands at the weekend either. The gas thing is that there would be plenty of space for a station at the back of the handball alley which, if used with Drumcondra, would be a game changer. Whether it would be financially viable to have a station is one thing as it would require a serious level of engineering to make it work but it would be possible. If the DART underground ever sees the light of day, it might be worth doing but I can't see it happening unless a bigger project gets the go ahead. Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 2412 - 17/05/2026 17:22:16 2673587 Link
Replying To Square_B: "There's IS a direct route from Heuston to Drumcondra and vice versa. A commuter train goes from Dublin Connolly via Drumcondra & Heuston to Hazelhatch and vice versa during the week. It doesn't explain why there's no service on matchdays, much like in the same way you can't get a train to the Docklands at the weekend either. The gas thing is that there would be plenty of space for a station at the back of the handball alley which, if used with Drumcondra, would be a game changer. Whether it would be financially viable to have a station is one thing as it would require a serious level of engineering to make it work but it would be possible. If the DART underground ever sees the light of day, it might be worth doing but I can't see it happening unless a bigger project gets the go ahead." I dunno. Have just gone onto the Irish Rail website and put in that I want to travel from Connolly to Hazelhatch on a random day this week (I went for Wednesday). Most of the options it gives me are to first get the LUAS to Heuston and take a train from there. No mention of a train via Drumcondra to Heuston. For the odd one that does mention Drumcondra, the next stop is Park West and Cherry Orchard. That's a good bit further out than Heuston. And from there, it goes Clondalkin Fonthill - Kishoge - Adamstown - Hazelhatch. No mention of it going via Heuston. Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 4007 - 17/05/2026 18:54:47 2673614 Link
Replying To Pikeman96: "I dunno. Have just gone onto the Irish Rail website and put in that I want to travel from Connolly to Hazelhatch on a random day this week (I went for Wednesday). Most of the options it gives me are to first get the LUAS to Heuston and take a train from there. No mention of a train via Drumcondra to Heuston. For the odd one that does mention Drumcondra, the next stop is Park West and Cherry Orchard. That's a good bit further out than Heuston. And from there, it goes Clondalkin Fonthill - Kishoge - Adamstown - Hazelhatch. No mention of it going via Heuston." The train doesn't currently stop at Heuston... it goes via Heuston. There's actually a platform at Heuston on the southbound journey to Hazelhatch, but it doesn't stop. The entire point is that a train could operate all the way to Drumcondra from the Heuston side and particularly on matchdays from further out. With a little bit of investment, a northbound platform could be developed if required. In fairness, you'd be asking Irish Rail to think outside the box which would be tough for them at the best of times. Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 2412 - 17/05/2026 20:00:04 2673642 Link
Replying To Square_B: "The train doesn't currently stop at Heuston... it goes via Heuston. There's actually a platform at Heuston on the southbound journey to Hazelhatch, but it doesn't stop. The entire point is that a train could operate all the way to Drumcondra from the Heuston side and particularly on matchdays from further out. With a little bit of investment, a northbound platform could be developed if required. In fairness, you'd be asking Irish Rail to think outside the box which would be tough for them at the best of times." Again, I dunno. I've never been on a train travelling from Drumcondra to Hazelhatch, so can't say for sure. What I do know is that the maps on both the Irish Rail site for that trip, and on Google Maps too, don't show that route as going through Heuston, and it passes a distance to the west of it instead. Maybe those maps don't reflect reality, but would seem strange that if a train passes through Heuston, that it wouldn't stop there. Am much more familiar with Connolly Station, since that's where the Wexford train operates from. Am unaware for example of any train simply passing through there but not stopping there. But now I'll maybe be hit with examples of ones that do just that! Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 4007 - 18/05/2026 09:39:01 2673744 Link
Replying To Pikeman96: "Again, I dunno. I've never been on a train travelling from Drumcondra to Hazelhatch, so can't say for sure. What I do know is that the maps on both the Irish Rail site for that trip, and on Google Maps too, don't show that route as going through Heuston, and it passes a distance to the west of it instead. Maybe those maps don't reflect reality, but would seem strange that if a train passes through Heuston, that it wouldn't stop there. Am much more familiar with Connolly Station, since that's where the Wexford train operates from. Am unaware for example of any train simply passing through there but not stopping there. But now I'll maybe be hit with examples of ones that do just that!" I regularly get the train westwards from Drumcondra and you are correct in noting that a lot of the people here talking about running trains from Hueston have a pretty odd view of the logistics. As far as I can tell at least. BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4550 - 18/05/2026 10:12:23 2673750 Link
Replying To BarneyGrant: "I regularly get the train westwards from Drumcondra and you are correct in noting that a lot of the people here talking about running trains from Hueston have a pretty odd view of the logistics. As far as I can tell at least." I've seen trains to Newbridge passing through Drumcondra while waiting for Sligo line trains. Seanfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 915 - 18/05/2026 11:02:10 2673774 Link
Replying To Square_B: "There's IS a direct route from Heuston to Drumcondra and vice versa. A commuter train goes from Dublin Connolly via Drumcondra & Heuston to Hazelhatch and vice versa during the week. It doesn't explain why there's no service on matchdays, much like in the same way you can't get a train to the Docklands at the weekend either. The gas thing is that there would be plenty of space for a station at the back of the handball alley which, if used with Drumcondra, would be a game changer. Whether it would be financially viable to have a station is one thing as it would require a serious level of engineering to make it work but it would be possible. If the DART underground ever sees the light of day, it might be worth doing but I can't see it happening unless a bigger project gets the go ahead." There is no DIRECT train from Drumcondra railway station to Heuston railway station. See my previous post for the reasons. (Two different railways lines both ends of Croke Park). letsgetgoing (Roscommon) - Posts: 948 - 18/05/2026 11:11:52 2673786 Link
Replying To BarneyGrant: "I regularly get the train westwards from Drumcondra and you are correct in noting that a lot of the people here talking about running trains from Hueston have a pretty odd view of the logistics. As far as I can tell at least." The trains wouldn't be running from Heuston per se, however it would be possible as I've outlined. Certainly anyone coming on special trains to Croke Park from further afield should have the option of going direct to Drumcondra. Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 2412 - 18/05/2026 12:34:45 2673835 Link
Replying To letsgetgoing: "There is no DIRECT train from Drumcondra railway station to Heuston railway station. See my previous post for the reasons. (Two different railways lines both ends of Croke Park)." But there's a DIRECT ROUTE between the two... and a platform on the southbound line at Heuston. Special match day trains from any starting point that terminates in Heuston could be directed to Drumcondra on match days... if Irish Rail were bothered to put on a train to accommodate fans. Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 2412 - 18/05/2026 12:49:51 2673847 Link
Trains run from Kildare/Portlaoise through the Phoenix Park Tunnel, stopping at Drumcondra, Connolly, Tara Street, Pearse, and Grand Canal Dock. The 757-yard Phoenix Park Tunnel runs beneath the park, linking Heuston Station's lines to the Dublin-Sligo line near Glasnevin. It only accommodates Monday-to-Friday commuter trains operating between Portlaoise, Newbridge/Hazelhatch, and Grand Canal Dock, bypassing Heuston Station to serve the city center. Dublin Stations: Hazelhatch through Phoenix Park Tunnel, stopping at Drumcondra, Connolly, Tara Street, Pearse, and Grand Canal Dock. Doesn't operate as far as I can see on weekends. arock (Dublin) - Posts: 4975 - 24/05/2026 10:47:59 2674977 Link
Replying To Square_B: "But there's a DIRECT ROUTE between the two... and a platform on the southbound line at Heuston. Special match day trains from any starting point that terminates in Heuston could be directed to Drumcondra on match days... if Irish Rail were bothered to put on a train to accommodate fans." 100% agree - but there is nowhere near the capacity on Irish trains to even think about this; at best an hourly service with at most around 600-700 people on a train. Even when a 3-4 extra trains are put on - no more than 2,500 can get to a match by train. We can imagine a service where plenty more match special trains are put on; but Irish Rail don't have anywhere near the carriages needed and have way too many bottlenecks on the lines. Even coming from Sallins or Newbridge where there is a slightly better service - most practical option is to drive. I think this is something that the GAA should be more vocal on - not just Croke Park but grounds all over the country. brianb (Kildare) - Posts: 509 - 26/05/2026 10:03:53 2675624 Link
Replying To brianb: "100% agree - but there is nowhere near the capacity on Irish trains to even think about this; at best an hourly service with at most around 600-700 people on a train. Even when a 3-4 extra trains are put on - no more than 2,500 can get to a match by train. We can imagine a service where plenty more match special trains are put on; but Irish Rail don't have anywhere near the carriages needed and have way too many bottlenecks on the lines. Even coming from Sallins or Newbridge where there is a slightly better service - most practical option is to drive. I think this is something that the GAA should be more vocal on - not just Croke Park but grounds all over the country." I always park in Maynooth and get the very regular trains in and out. Seanfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 915 - 26/05/2026 18:43:29 2675863 Link
Anyone shed light on the decision to open hill 16 or keep closed from one match to another dickie10 (UK) - Posts: 985 - 31/05/2026 12:12:15 2676717 Link
Replying To dickie10: "Anyone shed light on the decision to open hill 16 or keep closed from one match to another" You are really worried about this aren't you! BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4550 - 31/05/2026 12:39:48 2676724 Link
Replying To dickie10: "Anyone shed light on the decision to open hill 16 or keep closed from one match to another" It really is as simple as somebody has pointed out in the other place where you asked. Dublin "Parnell Pass" terrace ticket holders are entitled to buy a ticket on Hill 16 for any championship matches played there. There's no big conspiracy going on. Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 4007 - 31/05/2026 13:10:18 2676732 Link
Replying To Pikeman96: "It really is as simple as somebody has pointed out in the other place where you asked. Dublin "Parnell Pass" terrace ticket holders are entitled to buy a ticket on Hill 16 for any championship matches played there. There's no big conspiracy going on." Indeed. Legion of the Rearguard now. Thousands of faithful. Pretty much same people who are club members and who support hurlers too. Hopefully the hurlers might tempt out the dry day stand sitters next Saturday. BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4550 - 01/06/2026 18:42:32 2677087 Link
Replying To Fionn: "Katie @ Croke Park is a done deal now apparently..... September 5th." https://www.rte.ie/sport/boxing/2026/0603/1576600-taylors-croke-park-finale-set-to-be-confirmed-on-friday/ At last…. Fionn (Dublin) - Posts: 5282 - 03/06/2026 14:55:53 2677637 Link
Replying To Fionn: " Replying To Fionn: "Katie @ Croke Park is a done deal now apparently..... September 5th." https://www.rte.ie/sport/boxing/2026/0603/1576600-taylors-croke-park-finale-set-to-be-confirmed-on-friday/ At last…." Did they pick up tab for Hearn? BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4550 - 03/06/2026 15:20:57 2677648 Link

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Croke Park expansion