Aer Lingus College Football Classic · Dublin 4 · August 2026
The first ever NCAA regular-season college football game on Irish soil. Tens of thousands of American fans descending on Dublin 4. Hotels are selling out fast — here is everything you need to plan your trip.
Where to Stay · Dublin 4
The national stadium sits in the heart of Dublin 4 on Lansdowne Road. The best hotels are within walking distance or a short DART ride. Book now — Dublin 4 hotels fill up weeks in advance for major events and August 2026 availability is already tight.
A 17th century Georgian mansion set in private grounds. 5-star experience, 10 min walk to the stadium. Dublin's most elegant hotel address.
Via Booking.com · Free cancellation available
Charming boutique townhouse in the heart of Booterstown. 4 min walk to the DART, excellent breakfast, warm Irish welcome.
Via Booking.com · Free cancellation available
Contemporary hotel on Merrion Road, 15 min walk to the stadium. Modern rooms, great transport links, reliable Irish chain.
Via Booking.com · Free cancellation available
💡 Pro tip: Book at least 2 nights. Dublin 4 is one of Ireland's finest postcodes — you'll want a full day to explore Ballsbridge, Booterstown and the coast before or after the game. Many fans are making a full Ireland trip of it.
Transport · Getting There
The DART coastal railway is the easiest way to reach the stadium. The Lansdowne Road DART stop is directly outside the stadium gates.
Dublin Airport is approximately 45 minutes from the national stadium by taxi or transfer. Options include:
Driving to the stadium on match day is strongly discouraged. Parking is extremely limited and the surrounding roads are closed. If you're hiring a car for exploring Ireland, leave it at your hotel on game day and take the DART.
Compare Car Hire Rates →The smartest move is to stay in Dublin 4 itself. Booterstown and Ballsbridge are both within walking distance or a 2-stop DART ride from the stadium. No transport stress on match day.
See Dublin 4 Hotels →Game Tickets · August 2026
Tickets for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic are sold through Ticketmaster Ireland. Demand is extremely high — this is a once-in-a-generation event for Irish college football fans and the Irish-American community.
TCU Horned Frogs vs UNC Tar Heels — National Stadium, Dublin 4, Ireland. August 2026. The first NCAA regular-season college football game ever played on Irish soil. Tens of thousands of American fans expected to travel to Ireland for this historic event.
Dublin 4 · Before & After the Game
Dublin 4 is one of the finest postcodes in Ireland. Here's how to make the most of your time before and after the game.
Ireland's #1 tourist attraction. 7 floors of history ending with a pint at the Gravity Bar with a 360° Dublin skyline view. 20 min from Dublin 4 by DART.
Book Tickets →
Ireland's most iconic university and its 1,200-year-old illuminated manuscript. Sells out daily in summer — book before you travel.
Book Timed Entry →
Where the leaders of the 1916 Rising were executed. Ireland's most powerful historic site — unmissable for anyone with Irish heritage.
Skip the Queue →
Wake up on match morning and walk the coastal path from Booterstown to Blackrock. One of Dublin's most beautiful stretches of coastline right on your doorstep.
Explore Dublin 4 →Pre-Game · Pubs & Restaurants
Dublin 4 is packed with excellent pubs and restaurants within walking distance of the stadium. Here are the best spots to gather before kickoff.
A legendary Donnybrook pub that fills up fast on match days. Traditional Irish pub atmosphere, great pints, 10 min walk from the stadium.
Ballsbridge institution since 1992. Classic Irish cooking, warm service, perfect for a pre-game dinner. Book well in advance for event weekends.
Reserve a Table →Converted Victorian schoolhouse on Northumberland Road. Excellent pre-match dining, great bar, historic setting. A Dublin 4 institution.
Reserve a Table →💡 Book restaurants in advance. Dublin 4 restaurants fill up completely on major event weekends. If you're planning to dine on the evening before or after the game, book at least 2-3 weeks ahead.
Beyond Dublin · Explore Ireland
Most American fans travelling to Dublin for the CFB Classic are making it a full Ireland holiday. Here are the best day trips from Dublin 4.
3.5 hours from Dublin. Ireland's most iconic natural landmark. Best done by hire car at your own pace.
Hire a Car →
4.5 hours from Dublin. Ireland's most famous scenic drive. Killarney National Park, mountain passes, Atlantic coastline.
Hire a Car →
45 minutes from Dublin. Ancient monastic site at Glendalough, stunning mountain scenery. Perfect half-day trip before the game.
Book Day Tour →Don't Miss Out · Book Now
August 2026 is one of the biggest events in Dublin's sporting calendar. Hotels within walking distance of the stadium are already filling up. Book now to secure your preferred property.