Neighbourhood > Sports Venues > Aviva Stadium
Dublin’s Iconic Home of Rugby & Football
Just 25 minutes from The Grafton Hotel, Aviva Stadium is one of Ireland’s most famous sporting and concert venues, hosting over 50,000 fans for international rugby, football, and major global events. Whether you’re in Dublin for a match, a concert, or a stadium tour, staying central means you’re close to the action, and even closer to the city’s best food, nightlife, and culture.
Planning a family getaway with your kids who love sports? Make sure to check out Aviva Stadium daily tours where you can see the home dressing rooms, players tunnel, press conference room and more. Each tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and is perfect for the whole family.
Check The Aviva Stadium website for up to date prices and opening hours.
Connolly Station To Aviva Stadium
Aviva Stadium is located in Ballsbridge, just 2 km from the hotel. Getting there is very simple:
-
Walking: 20–30 minutes from St Stephen’s Green Park or Trinity College
-
Taxi: Just 10–15 minutes
-
DART: Walk 10 minutes to Pearse Station, then take the DART to Lansdowne Road (4–6 minutes)
This definitely makes The Grafton Hotel one of the most convenient hotels for rugby fixtures, concerts, and international events.
Parcheggio presso The Grafton Hotel
Please note that each local car park operates its own system. At APCOA Drury Street, you can enjoy a discounted rate of €20 for 24h and a €4.50 hourly rate.
It's very simple, you will receive a ticket entering the car park and to avail of the discount, please present it to the reception team on check out and the discount will be applied.
The parking is located just 56m (184ft) from the hotel, just a short stroll away.
Eating at The Grafton Hotel Before Your Event
Make your match day or concert night even better with a visit to Bartley's, our lively bar and restaurant. Settle in for a relaxed pre‑event meal, enjoy a crafted cocktail, or share small plates with friends before heading to the stadium.
Our menus are designed for every kind of occasion, from quick bites to full dinners, and the warm, buzzing atmosphere makes it the perfect place to start your evening.
When the event is over, return to Bartley’s for a nightcap and unwind just steps from your room.
What’s On at Aviva Stadium
AerLingus College Football Classic - TCU v UNC
Date: 29th of Aug
College football returns to Dublin with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, a huge event that brings thousands of American fans to Aviva Stadium. Expect marching bands, tailgate energy, and an unforgettable sporting spectacle.
Staying at The Grafton puts you right in the centre of the action, with plenty of space to celebrate before and after the game.
UEFA Nations League - Republic of Ireland v Austria
Date: 1st of Oct
Ireland faces Austria in this key UEFA Nations League fixture, drawing football fans from across Europe.
The atmosphere at Aviva Stadium is always electric for international matches, and The Grafton offers the ideal location for supporters.
UEFA Nations League - Republic of Ireland v Kosovo
Date: 17th of Nov
Ireland faces Kosovo in this key UEFA Nations League fixture, drawing football fans from across Europe.
With passionate home support and a lively stadium atmosphere guaranteed, it’s set to be one of the standout fixtures of the campaign.
Autumn Nations 2026
Date: 6th, 14th and 21st of Nov
Ireland return to Aviva Stadium for the Autumn Nations Series 2026, welcoming the southern hemisphere top rugby nations to Dublin for three unforgettable international matches.
Staying at The Grafton gives you the perfect base for the series, close to the stadium, close to the nightlife, and ideal for making a full weekend of every fixture.
Noah Kahan
Date: 17th of Jul 2027
This highly anticipated live event brings Noah Kahan to Aviva Stadium in 2027 for an unforgettable show packed with crowd‑favourite songs, and a sing‑along atmosphere that will bring fans together for a memorable summer night.
The Grafton is ideally located for concertgoers.
Guinness Men's Six Nations Championship 2027
Date: 5th of Feb & 13th of Mar 2027
The Six Nations 2027 brings two massive home fixtures to Aviva Stadium, with Ireland set to host England and France, two of the championship's biggest rivals.
These are the games fans look forward to all year, high stakes, huge crowds, and an atmosphere like nowhere else in rugby.
The Perfect Location For Your Aviva Stadium Events
The Grafton Hotel puts you in the ideal spot for any Aviva Stadium event, close enough to reach the stadium in minutes, yet right in the heart of the city's most vibrant neighbourhood, Dublin 2. Whether you’re here for a match, a concert, or a weekend away, our central location means you can enjoy the best of the city before and after the event.
No matter who you’re travelling with, we have a room that fits your stay perfectly. Families and groups can spread out in our spacious Family Room, designed for comfort and convenience with room for everyone. Solo travellers or couples looking for a stylish city break will love the Deluxe King, offering a calm, modern space to unwind after a big night at the stadium. And if you’re travelling with friends for a concert or match weekend, our Twin Rooms and Superior Rooms give you the perfect blend of comfort and flexibility.
From The Grafton, you can walk to the stadium, hop on the DART, or grab a quick taxi, and when you return, you’re steps away from Dublin’s best bars, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s the perfect base for making the most of your Aviva Stadium experience.