The best places to eat and experience near Croke Park for the final — and on the road back home
Far In With The Drumcondra, Park Gaa Croke Distance Stadium
So you're one of the lucky ones who’s managed to nab themselves a golden ticket for Croke Park this Sunday. That’s task one complete.
Next is remembering to wash your jersey, followed swiftly by planning your transport, then texting your granny to promise she’ll light a candle at Mass so your team reigns victorious.
Whether you’re waving the Banner or uppin’ the Rebels, you’re going to need to stay fed, watered, and entertained before and after the big showdown in the capital.
These reliable spots all serve great grub and are a short walk from Croke Park:
One of Dublin’s favourite new pastry haunts is perched humbly behind Croke Park at the top of Jones Road. Russell St Bakery is an unassuming powerhouse in its own right. Small but mighty, it pumps out world-class pastries, breads, treats, and coffees using Dublin’s Imbibe roasters.
From pistachio-filled cromboloni to silky flat whites, it’s the perfect place for a pre-match caffeine-and-treat pitstop.
If it’s celebrations — or commiserations — you’re seeking, get booked in for Mountjoy’s El Grito.The basement taqueria has ample room for you and your mates, and its menu of Mexican dishes and drinks is affordable and delicious.
It might be a far cry from a traditional All-Ireland dinner of pints followed by Supermac’s, but the atmosphere at El Grito always keeps the party going. A few tacos and frozen margaritas later and you’ll be laughing — regardless of the final score.
Slinging its authentic Italian wares since 2010, North Strand’s neighbourhood restaurant is an ol’ reliable.
Their repertoire includes (but is certainly not limited to) arancini, Aperol spritz, rustic carbonara pizzas, and heavenly ribbons of tagliatellle piled high with ragù.
It’s the kind of place that leaves you wondering how so many people can fit in it at one time, when you walk by and the front door swings open, all the while wishing you were in there yourself. Nab a booking and avoid the disappointment of a soggy bag of chips post-match.
Juno is a fine example of how being a jack of all trades can be a good thing.
By the Royal Canal, it’s one of the best pubs in the immediate area. It not only serves good cocktails, pints and grub — taking Irish classics like fish suppers and black pudding and giving them a lick of modernity — but it’s also a buzzy spot with plenty of room for you and your crew.
They also serve Beamish.
Famously a favourite watering hole of Bertie Ahern, Fagan’s of Drumcondra is the kind of place that will suit all palates.
The quality of their pints and service is stellar. Plus, there’s plenty of space in and outdoors — depending on how the weather plays.
We know that life doesn’t often quite go to plan. Especially not on a day as critical as the All-Ireland final.
Murphy’s Law will prevail, your match buddy will decide they don’t want anything “exotic”, you’re cutting it too fine and don’t have time to sit in to eat. Enter: Yeeros.
This Greek souvlaki eatery has three locations in Dublin, and their casual offering of fresh fillings served in a fresh pita, stuffed with fluffy curled chips, is as satisfying to the stomach as it is easy to eat on the go.
The brunch queues tell you everything you need to know about this vibrant neighbourhood spot. Relaxed, friendly and — most significantly — only taking walk-ins, One Society is the perfect match day destination.
A short walk from Croker, their pancakes or breakfast bun with roasties are essential match day fuel.
Power walk there after the game to beat the crowds and enjoy excellent wood-fired pizza, pasta, and the kind of decent wines that will bring smiles whether you win, lose or draw.
An oasis of peace and culture just beyond the bustle of O’Connell St and Parnell St, the Hugh Lane Gallery is a gem in the crown of North Dublin city.
Featuring ever-changing exhibitions, an interactive reconstruction of Francis Bacon’s studio, and a wonderful cafe downstairs, it’s a great shout for a dose of culture on a Saturday afternoon in the Big Shmoke.
Speaking of oases, a short trip on the bus or a city bike will have you up to North Dublin’s own botanical sanctuary in no time.
Drop in for the daily guided tour, or make it up as you go along, seeing who can find the funniest plant names.
A short stint in the humidity of the iconic curvilinear greenhouses will have all of your pre-match worries melting away.
A rule of thumb whenever I go on any trip is: Always pack the togs. You never know when the sea will come calling.
Pop up to Clontarf’s outdoor social hub, Bull Island,for a nerve-cleansing dose of vitamin sea off Dollymount Strand. Have a dip — if you dare — or simply watch others yelp as they take the plunge, smugly, and on dry land.
Grab a coffee or a toastie from the Happy Out cafe container and enjoy the coastal views of Dublin as you stroll along the sand.
This Georgian gem in Dublin 3 is oft-overlooked, even by most Dubliners.
Constructed in 1750 by Scottish architect William Chambers, the quirky heritage building is Tardis-like — its deceptive scale an impressive feat of neo-classic architecture.
Modest in size, but not in design, the casino (meaning, in this case, “little house”) makes for a fun nose around of a Saturday afternoon.
No trip out to North Dublin’s peninsular point is ever a waste. Take the Dart out; no matter the weather, a clifftop hike around Howth Head is a great way to get the blood flowing and some fresh sea air in the lungs.
Again, togs are worth packing in case you’re tempted by a dip at any one of Howth’s swim spots.
And if you’ve forgotten the clingfilmed ham sandwiches, you can stop off for some quality seafood and creamy pints at King Sitric overlooking the harbour.
The king of intra-Ireland travel pitstops is the Barack Obama Plaza. Not only are you greeted by a lifesize Mr Tayto outside and a cutout of the Obamas on the way in, but the range of choice for food is ideal for the whole family.
Whether you’re after a carvery, a garlic cheesy chip or a literal fuel top-up, the food stalls and services make this place a non-negotiable for many on the drive to and from Dublin.
Good coffee needn’t be an afterthought when you’re making the pilgrimage up to Dublin. Just off the M7 in North Tipp is where The Old Barracks slings a range of speciality coffees, beverages and snacks 7 days a week.
Give yourself the 15 minute driving break you deserve and chill out in the gorgeous conservatory space with an expertly-made cup of caff.
Another stopping point along the M7/M8 is the appropriately named Midway FoodCourt.
The Bakewell opens at 6:30am to accommodate any early birds on their travels, plus there’s a Chopstix, Freshii, Burger King and Subway to suit later diners of all tastes.
The Midway FoodCourt is open 24 hours, has EV charging points, Braeburn coffee drive-thru, free Wi-Fi and laptop charging stations to boot.