Croke Park, Dublin

Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years. Dubliner’s commonly refer to it as “Croker”. Croke Park is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Since 1884, the site has been primarily used by the GAA to host Gaelic games (such as the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and Senior Hurling Championship) and music concerts by major international acts. The stadium also hosted the famed 1996 Notre Dame vs Navy college football game and is the proposed setting for the 2014 Croke Park Classic. With its capacity to seat 82,300 people, it is the third largest stadium in Europe.

The Croke Park Stadium Tour offers an indepth look at the history of this modern sporting arena. Stadium tours take place on a daily basis throughout the year. Please note that while they are working on introducing a match day tour, currently the Stadium Tour is not offered on match days.

Visitors may also want to visit the GAA Museum at Croke Park. The GAA Museum was established to recognise and celebrate the GAA’s enormous contribution to Irish sporting, cultural and social life. The museum details the history of the GAA at home and abroad through its’ vast collection of artifacts such as hurleys, jerseys, trophies, programs, etc.

Located in the midst of everything Dublin, Croke Park is a short 15 minute walk from the main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street.

Travel to Ireland to see the Croke Park Classic

Croke Park Classic - Penn State vs UCF

Croke Park Classic

UCF and Penn State, in conjunction with the Gaelic Athletic Association, will travel across the Atlantic Ocean to open the 2014 football season. The Croke Park Classic is scheduled for August 30, 2014 in Dublin Ireland.

Travel to Ireland to see the Croke Park Classic

2013 Sporting Events in Ireland

From wold class horse racing to the biggest and best cultural festivals and concerts, there is never a shortage of excitement in Ireland. Here are a couple of the upcoming sporting events taking place throughout Ireland this Fall. Why not plan your travel to Ireland to include one of these amazing events?

All Ireland Hurling Final
September 8, Croke Park, Dublin
The GAA Hurling Championships commences in May with matches taking place around the four provinces of Ireland. Hurling is one of the world's oldest and fastest games, and the different countries will take part, showcasing amazing skill and courage. The tournament culminate with the exciting All-Ireland final being staged in Dublin at the GAA's national stadium, Croke Park, on Sunday, September 8.

All Ireland Football Final
September 22, Dublin, Croke Park
The GAA Football Championship starts in May, with matches being played around Ireland. Counties progress from the four Provincial Championships through to the All-Ireland Championship. The tournament culminates in the thrilling All-Ireland Final, which is held in Croke Park on Sunday, September 22.

Dublin City Marathon
October 28, Dublin
This will be the 34th year of the Dublin Marathon, which is run through the historic Georgian Streets of Dublin, Ireland's largest and capital city. Dublin is home to a quarted of the country's almost four million people. Dublin is only an hour by air from most UK and European cities, and more than half of the expected entry of 10,000 will be made up of overseas runners, many of whole will be returning to sample Irish Hospitality once more.

Autumn International Series
November, Dublin, Aviva Stadium
The end of year rugby union tests, known as Autumn Internationals, are a series of rugby union union test matches that are contested each year - usually November. Teams from the Six Nations Championship play against the competitors in The Rugby Championship; second-tier teams, such as those from North American and Pacific countries, also participate. Each side typically plays three of four Test matches and may choose to play games against provincial or "A" teams. In 2013, Ireland will play host to rugby 'giants' New Zealand and Australia.

Rugby League World Cup

November 9, Thomond Park, Limerick
Ireland v Australia in the Rugby League World Cup 2013. Its your chance to be in attendance at a world cup rugby event. Be there to experience the magic of this game in Thomond Park Stadium.

Leopardstown Christmas FestivalDecember 26, Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin
When its time to escape the turkey sandwiches, the Leopardstown Christmas Festival offers an exhilarating day out for sporting fans, socialities and is the big Christmas catch up for friends and family. The racing is top rate, with 6 Grade one races over the four-days.

Travel to Ireland this Fall. Take part in one of these amazing sporting events for a once in a lifetime vacation experience. Travel with Celtic Tours World Vacaitons

Sunset Kayak Trip - Lakes of Killarney

Watch The Sun Set In The West Over Killarney National Park & Dingle On This Magical Kayak Trip

Kayak silently past rustling islands and sleepy swans. Land at the mystical 6th century abbey ruins on Innisfallen Island and hopefully glimpse some of Ireland's last native red deer. Return by kayak to Ross Castle in twilight, and possibly moonlight, as nightfall creeps over the oak and yew woods.

No Previous Kayaking Experience Is Needed.

Experience this magical adventure on Celtic Tours World Vacations Choose Your Own Adventure self-drive vacation to Ireland.

Choose Your Own Irish Adventure

Choose your own Irish Adventure: Whatever your idea of adventure, Celtic Tours World Vacations has the perfect trip to Ireland for you! This exciting new self-drive vacation pairs 6 nights accommodations & a car rental with your choice of sightseeing package, with 4 options to choose from. Travelers to Ireland can choose from the following 4 options: Northern Ireland Adventure, Iconic Adventure, Medieval Adventure and the Ultimate Adventure. Each sightseeing package is jam packed with exciting opportunities for a true Irish adventure.

Northern Ireland Adventure
Experience the majestic beauty of the North of Ireland. This package is perfect for the photog – visiting ancient Neolithic sites, the intriguing natural wonder of the Giants Causeway and more!
Iconic Adventure This package brings you the best of Ireland – kiss the blarney stone, ride in a jaunting car and take a musical pub tour of Dublin.

Medieval Adventure
Step into Ireland’s lively and colorful Medieval past with a medieval themed vacation filled with castle banquet feasts, traditional music and art, spectacular cathedrals, medieval ruins, fully-restored 12th century houses and old world villages – you can even learn about the ancient art of falconry and fly a hawk on a Hawk Walk.

The Ultimate Adventure
Take a walk on the wild side of Ireland on this once in a lifetime adventure. Fly a hawk on a private Hawk Walk, eat with your hands at a traditional banquet feast, kayak the lakes of Killarney at sunset, take a jaunting car ride, have a pint at Guinness Storehouse and join in on a musical pub tour in Dublin - the Ultimate Irish Adventure!

Whatever your idea of adventure, Celtic Tours’ new self-drive package “Choose Your Own Irish Adventure” is the perfect vacation for you.

Royal County Down

Royal County Down
New Castle, County Down

Royal County Down is located in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, the links stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole.

The narrowest ribbons of fairways thread their way through as impressive a set of sand dunes as could be imagined. The fairways are surrounded by purple heather and golden gorse, so beautiful to look at but so punishing for any who may stray from the prescribed path.

The ‘bearded’ bunkers are world famous and feature overhanging lips of marram, red fescue and heather. The greens are fast and many are domed, rejecting any shot lacking conviction. This is a true test of any player’s command of the traditional bump and run, the preferred way to play any links.

Ireland is home to over 408 Golf Clubs, 53 of them links courses, choosing can be difficult. So our golf experts, at Celtic Tours, have played the courses and tailored itineraries to suit the average and expert golfer alike. Golf at Royal County Down on Celtic Tours North and East Links Golf Tour of Ireland.

The Ancient Art of Falconry

The ancient art of Falconry is reputed to be the oldest sport in the world. Evidence suggests that the art of falconry may have begun in Mesopotamia, China or Mongolia around 2000BC, as a means of catching food for yourself and your family.

Falconry spread westwards reaching the shores of Europe long before the end of the first millennium. Historically, Falconry was a popular sport and considered a status symbol among the nobles of medieval Europe and Asia. It was largely restricted to the noble classes due to the commitment of time, money and space. Falconry continued to be symbolic of status in art, long after it was popularly practiced.

Falconry is an art that requires long hours, constant devotion, finesse, subtlety and skill. The falconer must train a bird of prey to fly free, hunt and then return to captivity. A beginning falconer should begin with knowledge; learning about the various gaming birds, their stages of life, characteristics, prey, car, feeding and suitability for the falconer and the hunting environment.

Ireland’s First School of Falconry, at Ashford castle, offers visitors the chance to experience the ancient art of Falconry first hand on a private Hawk Walk. They specialize in lessons using beautiful Harris hawks, but in addition to hawks the school is home to a variety of eagles, owls and falcons. Within minutes of arriving, you will have a hawk on your glove and be setting off to fly your hawk or hawks in the gardens and woodlands surrounding Ashford Castle.

Ashford Castle is a medieval castle, located deep in the heartland of Mayo and set against a spectacular backdrop of forests, lakes and mountains. The stately architecture, surrounded by magnificent gardens makes Ashford Castle, a place where time stands still. Ashford Castle was built in 1228 for the de Burgo family, whose surname became the Burkes or Bourkes. They owned the castle for 3 and a half centuries until it was purchased by Noel Huggard in 1939. He opened the estate as a hotel, which became renowned for the provision of its country pursuits, such as angling, shooting and falconry.

In 1951, Ashford Castle played the backdrop to The Quiet Man starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. In its time, the castle has played host to many notable guests including: John Lennon, George Harrison, King George V of the UK, Oscar Wilde, Ronald Reagan, Ted Kennedy, Brad Pitt, Princess Grace and Pierce Brosnan to name a few.

While staying at Ashford Castle, you can enjoy a wide range of relaxing or exciting activities. Book a Spa treatment or Fly a Hawk in the School of Falconry, take a Picnic in the Walled Garden or catch Wild Trout or Salmon here, in one of the most famous fisheries in Ireland. Just 40 minutes from Galway city, and within easy driving distance of Shannon International Airport, Ashford Castle is perfectly situated to welcome all ages of visitors, from every corner of the globe.

Enjoy the majesty of staying in a medieval castle with Celtic Tours. Ashford Castle is a featured hotel on many of our Ireland vacations, including our Deluxe Deluxe Self Drive Vacation.

Golf Ireland: Carne, Enniscrone & Ballina

Great West Golf Package from $416 pp

No Weak Links! Enjoy 3 top courses - accommodations - car rental - and so much more!

Great West Golf Ireland Package
An experience like no other! Golf three of the finest courses; Carne, Enniscrone and Ballina.








This Irish Golf Vacation Package for four includes:

* Play three courses - at Carne, Enniscrone and Ballina
* 3-Nights Accommodations at selected hotel below (subject to availability at time of booking).
* Full Irish breakfast daily - except day of arrival.
* One dinner
* Van rental - standard shift. Upgrade to automatic available.
* Collision Damage Waiver included.
* FREE Celtic Tours 5-minute phone card
* Shannon Region 25% discount off entrance to the Shannon Regions top Attractions and Activities.

Golf + Downhill House Hotel
Oct 2010 Land - only $635 pp (based on 4 person)
Nov 2010 Land - only $442 pp (based on 4 persons)
Feb 01-Mar 31, 2011 Land - only $416 pp (based on 4 persons)
Apr 2011 Land - only $599 pp (based on 4 persons)

Golf + Luxury Mount Falcon Hotel
Oct-Nov 30 2010 Land - only $669 pp (based on 4 person)
Feb 01-Apr 30, 2011 Land - only $633 pp (based on 4 persons)

Extend your package - 3 nights Open B&B vouchers & Van rental from $218 pp!
Rates also available for non-golfers and larger parties with private driver.

With Celtic Tours - no small print and never any hidden charges!


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Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland

Aviva Stadium, a €410 million four level state-of-the art facility opened in May and has a seating capacity of 50,000. Aviva stadium was designed by Populous in conjunction with local Dublin-based Scott Tallon Walker. Populous, one of the world’s leading sports architecture firms, had previously been involved in projects such as Reliant Stadium, Heinz Field, Yankee Stadium, Camden Yards and the Sydney Olympic Stadium.

What an exciting venue to host the Notre Dame v Navy rematch in 2012! The two colleges previously played in Ireland in 1996 when Notre Dame triumphed over Navy in Croke Park. Notre Dame and Navy have played continuously since 1927, making the Notre Dame/Navy rivalry the longest continuous intersectional rivalry in college football.

“To see this stadium is to believe it has to be one of the finest venues in the world,” said Chet Gladchuk, the Naval Academy Director of Athletics. “Although modest in capacity, few stadiums anywhere has attended to the detail, aesthetics and fan comfort found at Aviva. I guarantee those who travel to Ireland and attend this event will enjoy an experience that will be awesome and a memory not to be forgotten. Navy is very much looking forward to our visit and the wonderful experience we expect our coaches, players, fans and friends will enjoy.”

Welcoming the event Aviva Stadium Director, Martin Murphy, said: “We are all delighted that Navy has chosen Aviva Stadium for their game against Notre Dame in 2012”. “We fully realise just how important this game is in the U.S. sporting calendar and we are looking forward to hosting what will undoubtedly be a fantastic event. The selection of Aviva Stadium for this game is a huge endorsement of the stadium and it is a terrific boost for Irish tourism as I have no doubt the teams’ fans will travel in great numbers. We are confident they will have a memorable time in Ireland.”

Be part of the excitement!

Over 12,000 Notre Dame fans traveled from the US to be a part of the 1996 Notre Dame and Navy game.  The draw for the 2012 Notre Dame v Navy rematch is expected to be far larger than the 1996 game and seats are filling quickly.

Now is the time to reserve your guaranteed space!

INDIVIDUALS LAND RATES NOW AVAILABLE!

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Irish Road Bowling

The ancient sport of Irish Road Bowling is played on public roads throughout West Cork, offering boisterous competition, cheering fans and shouting wagers. Travelers who happen upon an Irish Road Bowling game sometimes feel that they’ve stepped into an alternate universe. But can be quickly filled in by a number of onlookers.

The game is similar to golf only the “bullet” is lofted towards a finish line. The player or team with the fewest shots wins the game. The iron ball used is the size of a tennis ball, weighing 1.75 pounds.With distances along country roads being up to 4 km, great skill is used to loft bullets around tight curves and negotiate gradients.

Irish Road Bowling has been played throughout Ireland longer than anyone can remember. History suggests that Irish Road Bowling was once more widespread than it is today with games being played in Scotland, the north of England and in North America up until the 19th century. Today, Irish Road Bowling is being reintroduced into the Irish communities throughout the world but most games can be viewed only in County Cork and in the extreme north of Ireland in County Armagh. Both areas have their own unique styles of game.

As the game is played on public roads (usually secondary), it is advised when approaching a host of men on either side of the road, shouting and peering intently to pull over and follow any advice given.

Irish Road Bowling is quite an exciting sport with bets on both sides, inciting shouting and wagers often giving advice to the bowlers. The event can be quite a spectacle and one really good way to learn more about the history of Irish sport.

If Irish Sports is your fancy, you can also check out the GAA Museum and Croke Park in Dublin. Croke Park is somewhat famous among Americans for the 1996 Notre Dame v Navy game and is the suggested host for the upcoming 2012 Notre Dame v Navy rematch. Learn more about this exciting Irish sporting event at Celtic Tours.

Ireland Golf Links Courses

A links golf course, is the oldest style of golf course, first developed in Scotland but most common in Ireland. The word comes from the Scots language and refers to an area of coastal sand dunes. Links are located in coastal areas, on sandy soil, often amid dunes, with few water hazards and trees. This reflects both the nature of the scenery where the sport happened to originate, and the fact that only limited resources were available to golf course architects at the time. Any earth moving had to be done by hand, so it was kept to a minimum.

The challenges of links golf fall into two categories. Firstly the nature of the courses themselves, which tend to be characterized by uneven fairways, thick rough and small deep bunkers known as “pot bunkers”. Secondly, due to their coastal location many links courses are frequently windy. This affects the style of play required. As many links courses consist literally of an “outward” nine in one direction along the coast, and an “inward” nine which returns in the opposite direction, players often have to cope with opposite wind patterns in each half of their round.

Ireland is home to over 408 Golf Clubs, 53 of them links courses, choosing can be difficult. So our golf experts, at Celtic Tours, have played the courses and tailored itineraries to suit the average and expert golfer alike. For a limited time only these packages are on sale!

Click Here for more information on Celtic Tours’ Golf Packages

Croke Park: Dublin

Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years. Dubliner’s commonly refer to it as “Croker”. Croke Park is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Since 1884, the site has been primarily used by the GAA to host Gaelic games (such as the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and Senior Hurling Championship) and music concerts by major international acts. The stadium also hosted the famed 1996 Notre Dame vs Navy college football game and is the proposed setting for the 2012 Notre Dame vs Navy rematch. With its capacity to seat 82,300 people, it is the third largest stadium in Europe.

The Croke Park Stadium Tour offers an indepth look at the history of this modern sporting arena. Stadium tours take place on a daily basis throughout the year. Please note that while they are working on introducing a match day tour, currently the Stadium Tour is not offered on match days.

Visitors may also want to visit the GAA Museum at Croke Park. The GAA Museum was established to recognise and celebrate the GAA’s enormous contribution to Irish sporting, cultural and social life. The museum details the history of the GAA at home and abroad through its’ vast collection of artifacts such as hurleys, jerseys, trophies, programs, etc.

Located in the midst of everything Dublin, Croke Park is a short 15 minute walk from the main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street.

Learn More About Our Ireland Vacations