Football in Dublin

Soccer—called football in Europe—is very popular in Ireland, largely due to the euphoria resulting from the national team's successes since the late 1980s. However, the places where you can watch it aren't ideal—they tend to be small and out-of-date. Lansdowne Road Stadium (62 Lansdowne Rd., Ballsbridge. 01/668-4601), a vast rugby stadium, is the main center for international matches. The old stadium was demolished and is currently being replaced by a state-of-the-art arena. In the meantime, soccer and rugby games will be played at Croke Park—the first time in history so called "foreign games" will be allowed on the Gaelic Athletic Association's hallowed turf.

League of Ireland matches take place throughout the city on Friday evening or Sunday afternoon from March to November. For details, contact the Football Association of Ireland (80 Merrion Sq. S, Southeast Dublin. 01/676-6864).