Best Ground /fans experience

[Guitd]

It s that time of year again best 11/best attendances etc what's the fans views on grounds visited this season are the improving or getting worse ? What's your favourite

[D24Saint]

Improved: ED / terryland , Worst : United Park it's a terrible dump & twenty quid for the pleasure. , Favourite: Dalymount is always my favourite away ground , great view , great atmosphere, great club bar.

[Dalymountrower]

Worst grounds, Pats and Drogs
.Best:Dundalk, as long as you don't go to the away sections

[ATFC-1887]

Not much to choose from in the 1st Division but my favourite was Tolka and least favourite was Waterford/Wexford. Waterford is too far from the pitch and Wexford is far too open. Lack of atmosphere there the night they won the league was shocking.

[White Horse]

Best: Inchicore (proper football ground, good view from the stand)
Worst: Hunky Dorys (needed a tetanus booster afterwards)

I was a bit disappointed with both Terryland and Markets Field. I had heard great reports about both but they didn't meet my expectations. The views from the away corner in Terryland are poor, while the stand in the Markets Field is miles from the action.

[nigel-harps1954]

Athlone - Good to get visiting there this season again. Possibly one of the best main stands in the League of Ireland, unfortunate that the rest of the ground looks like a desolate wasteland.

Cabinteely - While it's far from perfect, it's a grand First Division ground. Not sure why they kept the temporary seating in the ground for the entire season when they weren't letting people sit in it outside of their opening game vs Wexford. A small covered stand on the far side of the stepped terrace and Stradbrook would be a lovely little First Division ground. Great bar there.

Cobh - Made my first visit to St Colmans Park this season. Brilliant bar, lovely little ground, very enjoyable visit.

Shelbourne - Tolka Park has definitely seen much better days. Sad that it's gone into such ruin. Still has a great bar and a bit of atmosphere about the place yet.

UCD - Belfield Bowl is a great little ground. Sets a great precedence for smaller First Division teams.

Wexford - Needs a lot of improvement for Premier Division. Coldest ground in Ireland (move over Bray). Best clubhouse in the country, but the ground isn't too great for spectators.

Waterford - Easily the best ground in the First Division, but it's just annoying the pitch is so far away from the stands.


Overall, UCD, Waterford, Athlone and Cobh make for grand experiences. Cabinteely needs work. Shelbourne need to do something drastic about Tolka...preferably knock the place down and build fresh. Wexford, with a few upgrades, could be a grand spot.

Less said about atmospheres the better though as far as First Division goes.

[outspoken]

Not much to choose from in the 1st Division but my favourite was Tolka and least favourite was Waterford/Wexford. Waterford is too far from the pitch and Wexford is far too open. Lack of atmosphere there the night they won the league was shocking.
Ahahahahahahaahahah I was there when they won the league it was one of the best atmospheres I've seen all season, the standing was literally shaking there singing section was that loud that night. But whatever.

[Jofspring]

Terryland probably the best away one for me. Was the biggest home support I've seen there last week and the biggest travelling support I've seen us bring. Views are decent from both sides, the newer stand is probably one of the best in the league and the old stand creates good noise. Turners Cross is always up there but I didn't manage to get down at all this season.

[outspoken]

Only ground I didn't visit this year was the brandywell so here goes

Bohs - Fantastic main stand and good noise when it gets going as a result, lack of facilities for away fans is frustrating though as it's impossible to get food at HT and the jacks is miles away.

Bray - Sh1thole, no atmosphere.

Cork - Best ground in the country, although toilets for away fans are a disgrace.

Dundalk - Less said the better.

Drogs - See above

Finn Harps - Best chipper in the league, handy toilets on away side but after that it's a horrible horrible dive, can't wait to see new ground built if it ever comes, although credit to the harps fans when it's full and the atmosphere is right there's still something a bit special about the place.

Galway - Second best ground behind Turners. Fantastic view from main stand, fantastic atmosphere and fantastic faculties with easy access, maybe it's better than turners overall.

Limerick - New ground is a massive improvement but hate being behind the goals and food is a marathon away for away fans. Work needed mr Sullivan, who was looking for feedback when we were down there. Nice to see him welcoming fans it must be said, only one who did. And saying he didn't expect Conor O'Donnell to be so sh1te was a highlight of the season 😂

Sligo - Fantastoc atmosphere in the away end with the low roof, good toilet and parking facilities, decent food services but the restricted view kills it. 4 stars.

Shamrock Rovers - I don't like tallaght it always feels soulless due to the open ends. Excellent facilities all round though. 4 stars.

St Pats - Proper football stadium, easy access to toilets although it would be great to see an away end chipper. 3.5 stars.

Wexford - Ferrycarrig is a strange one, as a FD ground it does the job but for PD the club will need to come up with a traffic plan as the night they won the league was a disaster. Clubhouse is best in the country and now has draft beer. Needs more toilets all around the ground. And yes it's cold. 3 stars. 2.5 at premier level.

Waterford - Was there in pre-season quality stands, grand parking, good toilets, decent food, decent shop. Running track isn't half as bad when your not ****ed. 4 stars.

Athlone - Nice little stand, excellent toilet facilities and decent car parking (petty they wouldn't tarmack the rest but as a LTFC fan I know how expensive that can be as we've looked into it several times). Could do with more food outlets but then again demand not there for FD games, was probably the best set up in terms of security and serving away fans when in the PD last season. All it's missing is 3 other stands, the place is zombie like. 3 stars

Longford - Our away end has improved with the new fence giving fans a great place to hang flags, looks very impressive on match day, main stand has finally sorted out its bird sh1te problem thanks to installing an electronic device that keeps the crows out, outside wall painted with a new sign, massive car parking facility, toilets need work, one of the best and the cheapest clubhouses in the country, brilliant food services for home and away fans (crowd depending), could do with making the shop more accessible and having somewhere to sell merchandise but no doubt there's been improvements made and that's all been down in large part to the supporters club, credit to everyone involved there.

So to recap,

Best - Cork/Galway
Worst - Dundalk/Drogs
Most improved - Galway.

[ATFC-1887]

Ahahahahahahaahahah I was there when they won the league it was one of the best atmospheres I've seen all season, the standing was literally shaking there singing section was that loud that night. But whatever.
You mean the 30 people in the corner singing and the rest of the ground making absolutely no noise. If you honestly think that was one of the best atmospheres all season you must not of been at many Premier games. It was terrible. But i suppose, this is coming from the lad who said Sheriff were the best side you seen too.

[outspoken]

You mean the 30 people in the corner singing and the rest of the ground making absolutely no noise. If you honestly think that was one of the best atmospheres all season you must not of been at many Premier games. It was terrible. But i suppose, this is coming from the lad who said Sheriff were the best side you seen too.

Il get the photos so coz there was easily 80 people in the singing section that night. Agree with you the rest of the stand was sat on their hands but the singing section more than made up for them.

[bluewhitearmy]

Ahahahahahahaahahah I was there when they won the league it was one of the best atmospheres I've seen all season, the standing was literally shaking there singing section was that loud that night. But whatever.

In fairness a good gust of wind would make that Wexford stand shake always worried I was about to die when we visited there.

[Charlie Darwin]

Shamrock Rovers - I don't like tallaght it always feels soulless due to the open ends. Excellent facilities all round though. 4 stars.
Third stand been given the go-ahead to start construction during the off-season. They've already done some of the preparatory work on the outside.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Great review Outspoken although I'm worried about how much food you eat at League of Ireland grounds.

[ForzaHoop]

Best grounds in the League are without any shadow of a doubt Tallght & Turners cross.
If Tallaght stadium had the 2 ends finished it would be best ground without any argument in the league

[White Horse]

I really don't understand the praise that Turners Cross gets. The away section I sit in is falling apart and the toilet facilities are as bad as anywhere else in the league.

People must be going to a different ground than I am.

[PartySaint]

Favourite: Dalymount is always my favourite away ground , great view , great atmosphere, great club bar.

Best view in the league in the Jodi but crap behind the goal.

But I love a trip to Dalymount.

I sat in the stand in Oriel for the first time this season, great view.

Good to have Galway and Longford back this season, two very enjoyable grounds to visit.

[Sean South]

On premier league grounds I prefer the older ones with some character like Dalymount, United Park and even Oriel Park. The Brandywell has that feel to it too. Places like Tallaght and no matter how much noise their ultras make or pyro lit off just has no edge to the place. Pity that Strokestown road is out so far from town, decent ground but having only one stand with a roof doesn't help it. Also they hadn't an away section for us last week which I didn't think was allowed anymore. The Showgrounds is very open too maybe if the Railway got a roof it would help. Turners Cross and Terryland are two of the recently developed grounds that seem to have got it right. Bray is a kip.

It's a pity all clubs follow the British model when developing grounds I'd prefer to see "safe standing" seats like you see in Germany but I guess that costs more.

[D24Saint]

Best view in the league in the Jodi but crap behind the goal.

But I love a trip to Dalymount.

I sat in the stand in Oriel for the first time this season, great view.

Good to have Galway and Longford back this season, two very enjoyable grounds to visit.

always sit in the stand in oriel for the most part a decent view apart from the away end goal is obscured by glass.

[Longfordian]

I've always liked the Richmond experience, moreso when McDowell's was open but if you get there early enough Tavey's is grand. The ground itself obviously is old but lt has a bit character to it and the low roof on the stand makes for a good atmosphere when you have a decent away following. I like Galway as well, very professionally run match night as well. Have never been a big fan of the Brandywell on the other hand.

[White Horse]

I've always liked the Richmond experience, moreso when McDowell's was open but if you get there early enough Tavey's is grand. The ground itself obviously is old but lt has a bit character to it and the low roof on the stand makes for a good atmosphere when you have a decent away following. I like Galway as well, very professionally run match night as well. Have never been a big fan of the Brandywell on the other hand.

Richmond is always my favourite away day experience.

You get the feeling of playing in a traditional football ground. For away fans, there is the option of a nice covered terrace, that helps create a great atmosphere, and a section in the stand for those who prefer to sit and have a good view.

Add in the good toilet facilities and the lack of a nasty atmosphere outside the ground.

All in all, the best in the league.

[Kingdom]

Third stand been given the go-ahead to start construction during the off-season. They've already done some of the preparatory work on the outside.

CD is it going to be at the Kiltipper end, or the Square end?

[outspoken]

Great review Outspoken although I'm worried about how much food you eat at League of Ireland grounds.

Haha cheers, the belly has come on a sight this season

[Martinho II]

Pity that Strokestown road is out so far from town, decent ground but having only one stand with a roof doesn't help it. Also they hadn't an away section for us last week which I didn't think was allowed anymore. The Showgrounds is very open too maybe if the Railway got a roof it would help. Turners Cross and Terryland are two of the recently developed grounds that seem to have got it right. Bray is a kip.

.

We didnt play ye last week. That was Sligo!

[osarusan]

Cork for atmosphere. Shame about their toilets for away fans.

Inchicore was nice as we were in the stand, not the terrace. decent toilets, Food available.

Tallaght is nice but a bit too open, and the noise dissipates so easily. The players could hardly hear us abusing them.

I hadn't been to Galway for at least a decade, and that new stand is lovely.

away section in Dundalk is fairly ugly...same broken glass was on the ground a year later.



But really, I don't give a sh!t about the ground or the experience, except maybe for having a roof over my head if it is raining. If we were winning that wouldn't matter either.

[Real ale Madrid]

I really don't understand the praise that Turners Cross gets. The away section I sit in is falling apart and the toilet facilities are as bad as anywhere else in the league.

People must be going to a different ground than I am.

New toilet facilities under construction - but Dundalk fans giving out about away facilities is more than a tad ironic surely.

[White Horse]

New toilet facilities under construction - but Dundalk fans giving out about away facilities is more than a tad ironic surely.

Why? I give out about the facilities in Oriel Park too.

[LOI_Fanatic]

Square End of the ground. It'll be interesting to see if it fills in the corners,or if they'll be left open.

[Real ale Madrid]

Why? I give out about the facilities in Oriel Park too.

Well then you are just grumpy so :)

[Sean South]

We didnt play ye last week. That was Sligo!
Never mind the avatar!

[Charlie Darwin]

Square End of the ground. It'll be interesting to see if it fills in the corners,or if they'll be left open.
The two existing ends were designed to lope around and connect with any additional stands, so the corners will be filled.

[nigel-harps1954]

So, Tallaght is going to become a mini Croke Park really.

[Dunny]

Tallaght is a decent stadium.Cold stone dead when a loi match is on but a decent stadium none the less.For a stadium that is hardly ever packed on any occasion i dont why SDCC want to put an extra 2 wings on it? Planning for the future,when shams take the world over :D
I put 2 bedrooms on my 6 bedroom bachelor villa recently ;) You have to live in hope

[nigel-harps1954]

Tallaght is a decent stadium.Cold stone dead when a loi match is on but a decent stadium none the less.For a stadium that is hardly ever packed on any occasion i dont why SDCC want to put an extra 2 wings on it? Planning for the future,when shams take the world over :D
I put 2 bedrooms on my 6 bedroom bachelor villa recently ;) You have to live in hope

God forbid anyone showing a bit of ambition..

Besides anything else, Shamrock Rovers aren't the only ones who get use out of the stadium. Development opens up the opportunity to host concerts and other such events.

Plus, if it was completed, there'd be no need for temporary stands in Tallaght once Dundalk qualify for Europa League or Champions League next season and inevitably have to head to Dublin to host their home games.

[Dunny]

God forbid anyone showing a bit of ambition..

Besides anything else, Shamrock Rovers aren't the only ones who get use out of the stadium. Development opens up the opportunity to host concerts and other such events.

Plus, if it was completed, there'd be no need for temporary stands in Tallaght once Dundalk qualify for Europa League or Champions League next season and inevitably have to head to Dublin to host their home games.
Oh wait,what other side are getting a council granted stadium?

[seand]

So, Tallaght is going to become a mini Croke Park really.

Yes. But with just a diet of association football :)

[SalvadorSanchez]

always sit in the stand in oriel for the most part a decent view apart from the away end goal is obscured by glass.

Hey Dundalk, Physics called, they said your glass isn't working......

[nigel-harps1954]

Oh wait,what other side are getting a council granted stadium?

Drogheda?

[CuanaD]

I've always liked the Richmond experience, moreso when McDowell's was open

Anyone know what the future is for McDowells?
It was always the thing that made Richmond my fave ground.

[Nesta99]

I was going to say that Rovers were looking to expand the stadium so as to cope with ticket demands from Dundalk in future. Then after reading a few posts realised that SDCC's will likely be the home venue for Dundalk next July on indefinitely for nights in Europe. At least rental money will go back to public coffers.

[Charlie Darwin]

The aim was always to finish the stadium with four stands once it was affordable. The council has an unexpected surplus and building prices are still down on where they were, so it makes sense to get it done, especially as they'll be looking to compete for the same sort of events as the apparently 10,000-capacity Dalymount.

[Paddyfield]

Best experience? No mention of the Mon Dog. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[colonelwest]

The aim was always to finish the stadium with four stands once it was affordable. The council has an unexpected surplus and building prices are still down on where they were, so it makes sense to get it done, especially as they'll be looking to compete for the same sort of events as the apparently 10,000-capacity Dalymount.

Inter club slaggings aside fair play to SDCC for having some semblance of cop on to get it done now, which is a rare occurance at the best of times in this league never mind the country and those that run it.

[White Horse]

Fair play to the councils in Dublin for getting behind their teams. Between Shamrock Rovers and Bohs, there are millions being spent on providing facilities.

I wish other councils would follow their example.

[redobit]

Fair play to the councils in Dublin for getting behind their teams. Between Shamrock Rovers and Bohs, there are millions being spent on providing facilities.

I wish other councils would follow their example.

Most councils outside Dublin haven't a pot to p1ss in.

[brendy_éire]

No noticeable change in grounds this year for me.

Sigo/Drogheda still the worst. Sligo has been made slightly better due to the fact that that anti-climb paint is now fully dry and you can lean on the wall. You can now actually see the whole pitch. Not great if it's raining though.
Best in the League, IMO, is still UCD. Perfect for what the club requires.

I would add that Bohs have been messing with my love of Dalymount recently, by constantly switching the stands we're sent to. Much prefer the Jodi. Was bad form earlier in the season they sent some of our fans into the Jodi and some into the Des Kelly, then wouldn't let us across to the chippy at half time. Would really put me off making the trip down in future.

[Mr A]

Enjoyed my trip to Tolka this year- there may be two stands out of use but the ones that are open are good and the bar is very nice.
Athlone remains a bit soulless, perhaps because they're having a bad year so crowds were low. It's improved by the building on the far side- although not part of the ground it helps it feel more enclosed.
Cobh is one of my favourite trips. There's a slight air of madness about the place that I enjoy immensely.
Cabinteely was pretty good. Because there's a bar and it did not rain too much. There were a ridiculous number of security staff there, no idea what they were expecting.
Have not made it to the Bowl yet but Friday night will tell the tale.
Didn't make Waterford this year but don't like the distance from the pitch or from pubs (great town to visit though) and have never made Wexford (but seems like a nice town).

[nigel-harps1954]

I'm glad someone else said UCD. Despite the fact they put poles down through the stand for the roof, it's the best small ground in the league bar none. Despite Athlone having a better single stand ground in terms of the stand itself and viewing, UCD utilised the rest of the ground well, putting trees and fences around the pitch and having the gantry on the opposite side of the ground.

[dundalkfc10]

Best for atmosphere: Drawda
Worst for atmosphere: Tallaght
Best for viewing game: Bray
Worst for viewing game: Sligo (cant see one of the corners)

Before anyone starts on not seeing the ground from Oriel, I know!

[Martinho II]

No noticeable change in grounds this year for me.

Sigo/Drogheda still the worst. Sligo has been made slightly better due to the fact that that anti-climb paint is now fully dry and you can lean on the wall. You can now actually see the whole pitch. Not great if it's raining though.
Best in the League, IMO, is still UCD. Perfect for what the club requires.

I would add that Bohs have been messing with my love of Dalymount recently, by constantly switching the stands we're sent to. Much prefer the Jodi. Was bad form earlier in the season they sent some of our fans into the Jodi and some into the Des Kelly, then wouldn't let us across to the chippy at half time. Would really put me off making the trip down in future.

pardon my ignorance what on earth is anti climb paint?