Limerick FC | Markets Field | Football Ground Guide

Last Update: May 16, 2024

Limerick Football Club returned to their spiritual home of Markets Field, 31 years after the Club left the stadium in 1984. Markets Field was used as a Greyhound Stadium for many years, but when a new Greyhound track opened in another part of Limerick, Markets Field was abandoned and soon fell into disrepair. Limerick FC and other partners came together to see if they could once again play at the historic ground. Five years later and an investment of around €4m, has seen the dream become a reality. Although originally a Gaelic Games ground, Limerick FC spent their most successful seasons at Market Fields and so it has always been looked upon fondly by club and supporters alike.

The current North (Main Stand) was refurbished as part of bringing Markets Field up to League standard. The stand itself is all seated and sits astride the halfway line. It runs for around a third of the length of the pitch, is covered, but has a number of supporting pillars running across the front of it. One ‘hangover’ from the greyhound days means that the stand is set back from the playing area, as there is still a gap to its front where the greyhound track would have once been. On the West side of the stand is a separate building that houses a corporate area. This has a portion of open terrace to its front. On the eastern side of the North stand is also another portion of open terracing. Opposite is a small open terrace, called the Popular side, which has the team dugouts located at its front. As the dressing rooms and players tunnel are located on the opposite side in the North Stand, then this leads to quite a procession of players and officials going across the pitch at half and full time.There is also a raised platform on this Popular Side which is used as a television gantry. Beyond this terrace are some factory units and the back of Limerick College, which are not eactly the most attractive looking of buildings. Originally it had been planned to build a new covered seated stand on this side of the stadium, but alas it hasn’t materialised.

At the East end of the stadium, a small temporary stand has been erected. This is around 10 rows high and has a capacity of 360 seats. It is situated directly behind the goal and has sizeable open areas to each side, which could be used as flat areas for supporters. However, the stand is covered. Opposite at the West (Markets Field) end, is a small open terrace for away supporters. Beyond this end the spire of Saint John’s Cathedral can be clearly seen. The stadium is completed with a set of four tall floodlight pylons.

Away fans are allocated the Markets Field Terrace at one end of the stadium. This area is open to the elements so hope that it doesn’t rain! Entrance to the stadium is by ticket only and away supporters can purchase them from the ticket booth at the corner of Mulgrave Street and Markets Field Terrace. Limerick is generally an enjoyable and hassle free day out.

Gary Spain recommends Jerry O’Dea’s Bar on Mulgrave Street, which is five minutes walk from the away turnstiles. Also just across the road from the Main Stand is ‘The Track Bar’ which also has a handy fish and chip shop located next to it. Otherwise the city centre is only a 10-15 minute walk away, where there are plenty of bars to be found.

From the East
Follow the M7 Motorway from Nenagh, then on the western outskirts of Limerick turn off at Junction 29 and head towards the City Centre on the N24/R527. Go straight across two roundabouts and after passing a petrol station on your left, you will reach a set of traffic lights (pedestrian crossing). Go through the lights and take the next right and then immediately left into Greenhill Road, which becomes Garryowen Road. Markets Field is a half a mile down this road on the left.

From the North
Follow the R445 from Shannon Airport & Ennis towards Limerick and then continue on the N20 around the city until you reach Junction 29 (signposted N24/Waterford). Then take the N24/R527 towards Limerick, then as From The East above. Although this is a longer route, it does avoid Limerick City Centre, as the traffic congestion can be quite bad.

From the South
Follow the M20 from Mallow and continue onto the N20 towards Limerick. When you reach Junction 29 (signposted N24/Waterford)m take the N24/R527 towards Limerick, then as From The East above.

Car Parking
There is no parking at the stadium itself. However there is plenty of street parking in the area. Away fans should find it convenient to park on Mulgrave Street.

Despite being one of the largest cities in Ireland, Limerick is not part of Ireland’s main line network. To reach the city take the Dublin Heuston to Cork service, alighting at Limerick Junction for an immediate (in most cases) branch line connection through to Limerick Colbert and Galway. Journey time from Dublin Heuston to Limerick Junction is 1 hour 35 minutes with a good number of services throughout the day. Limerick Junction to Limerick Colbert takes around 25 minutes. Despite the ground being only ten minutes walk away from Limerick Colbert station, the last service back to Limerick Junction and the Cork-Dublin main line departs at 20.45, returning you back into Dublin at 22.55.

Proceed out of the main station and then turn right along the main road out front. Take the next right hand turn into Sexton Street and then proceed straight across the set of traffic lights. At the next set of lights (with the Horse and Hound pub on one corner) turn right into Mulgrave Street. Then take the next left into Rossa Avenue. The away supporters turnstiles are at the top of this road, on the corner with Greenhill Road.

Bus Eireann service 12/X12 runs daily from Dublin Airport and Busaras through to Limerick via Portlaoise, Roscrea & Nenagh, taking around 3 hours 15 minutes from Dublin City Centre. Unfortunately once again, despite the coach station being right next to the ground,the last service back to Dublin in the evening departs at 20.30 with the next service being at 5.30am the following morning.

The Bus station is located next to the Corbert Railway Station, so for walking directions to Markets Field see ‘By Train‘ above.

Limerick operates a category system (A & B) whereby the most popular matches cost more to watch. Category A prices are shown below with Category B prices in brackets.

Home fans*

North Stand (Seating): Adults €18 (B €15) OAP’s/Students €12 (B €10) Under 12’s €7
Popular Terrace: Adults €15 (B €12) OAP’s/Students €12 (B €10) Under 12’s €7
North Terrace: Adults €15 (B €12) OAP’s/Students €12 (B €10) Under 12’s €7
West Terrace: Adults €15 (B €12) OAP’s/Students €12 (B €10) Under 12’s €7

Away fans*

East Stand (Seating): Adults €18 (B €15) OAP’s/Students €12 (B €10) Under 12’s €7
East Terrace: Adults €15 (B €12) OAP’s/Students €12 (B €10) Under 12’s €7

* Discounts of up to €3 per Adult Ticket and €2 Concessions/Under 12’s can be gained if the ticket is purchased online. In addition, Family Tickets for the North Stand are also available but only available online.

Official Programme €4

Limerick FC Fixture List (takes you to the official Limerick FC Website).

Waterford and Cork City.

Record Attendance
10,000 v Southampton
UEFA Cup 1st Round, 16th September 1981

Average Attendance
2019: 448 (First Division)
2018: 998 (Premier Division)
2017: 1,607 (Premier Division)

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