Last Update:
November 4, 2025
For all Premier League matches, then segregation is put in place, with away fans being allocated the Riverside Stand, which is accessed from the Richmond Road turnstiles to the right of the Main Stand.
Only the central covered seated section of the Riverside Stand is open. Although a couple of columns and the pitchside floodlight pylons may impede the view of the pitch, the stand roof is low enough to keep you dry on a rainy day and allow fans to create a good atmosphere.
In 2018, Dublin City Council announced its intention to build a new municipal stadium on the Dalymount Park site, home of Bohemians FC.
As part of this move, it has been agreed that Shelbourne FC will vacate their Tolka Park home and groundshare the new Dalymount Park Stadium with Bohemians.
The new 6,000-capacity stadium is part of a wider regeneration plan for the area and follows the sale of Dalymount Park by Bohemians FC to Dublin City Council in 2015. Since then, the scheme has continued, and the Council has recently approved further funds for additional detailed planning.
The overall cost is believed to be around €36 million, which is a substantial amount in anyone’s book. If the scheme does go ahead, construction is expected to take two years to complete. While construction takes place, Bohemians will ground-share Tolka Park with Shelbourne for two seasons. Below is a video showing the proposed designs for the new stadium, which do look quite smart.
Although it will be a shame to see the loss of two historic character grounds, which it will replace. Plus, quite a sizeable number of Shelbourne fans would prefer to stay at Tolka Park, rather than move to the new proposed stadium.
The New Dalymount Park
The above video was produced by Dublin City Council and made publicly available via YouTube.
Over the years, Tolka Park has not only hosted memorable football matches but also welcomed a variety of well-known figures from sports, politics, and entertainment.
From legendary Irish internationals to visiting global stars, the stadium has often been a stage for more than just League of Ireland action.
Whether it was Roy Keane’s celebrated return in Manchester United colours, President Michael D. Higgins joining in centenary festivities, or even the Harlem Globetrotters showcasing their skills on a specially built court, Tolka Park’s guest list reflects its enduring place in Dublin’s sporting and cultural life.
Without wishing to sound too cliché, a visit to Tolka Park is a unique experience, but the ground itself faces an uncertain future. Proposals to ground share a new stadium to be built at Bohemians FC (see below) are being considered. For different reasons, only two sides of the ground are currently open.
Located in the Drumcondra District in the northern suburbs of Dublin, not far from Croke Park GAA Stadium, the ground finds itself hemmed in by the River Tolka and the residential streets of Richmond Road and Grace Park Road.
Approaching the ground from the bustling shopping street of Drumcondra Road Lower, the stadium emerges from behind a row of Victorian terrace houses and low-level flats on the right side of Richmond Road. Here, opposite the playing field and Drumcondra FC changing room hut, we find the Main Stand, with its whitewashed stone walls and red barrel roof boldly displaying Shelbourne’s club colours.
Layout
The Main Stand runs almost the entire length of the pitch and has a deck of modern red plastic seats raised above a narrow paddock, with a pair of perspex dugouts on the pitch centre line somehow squeezed in along the touchline. There are several columns along the front of the stand, which may impede your view of the pitch; however, with the low roof, you will always stay dry in the rain, and the slightly claustrophobic nature of this side of the ground means you always feel like you could reach out and touch the players from the bottom row of seats.
Opposite is the Riverside Stand, which is also shaped by the River Tolka’s curving path, as seen from the tapering open ends. The stand, formerly a steep pitch-length terrace, is built on a concrete base raised above the riverbank, with the whitewashed rear boundary wall being several metres above the river level.
The stand, as it looks today, still has a central covered section with a television gantry. The roof has five supporting columns, which, along with the pitchside floodlight pylons, may impede your view of the game. The colourful seats on this side are bolted to the concrete steps with around 21 rows beneath the roof. Since photos for this website were taken, the seats have been removed from the open portions of the stand on either side of the covered area and are now unused for spectators.
Both ends are currently unused. The Ballybough End has effectively fallen into disrepair. What was an open terrace that had a large seating deck installed upon it, now looks a sorry state, with around half of the seats now removed, leaving only the upper half of the SFC outline letters visible.
The Drumcondra End on the West side contains a modern seated stand but is closed due to structural concerns. Hopefully, the Club will be able to reopen it sometime this season. The Club did well to squeeze in this stand at the time, as this end of the ground has always been a narrow wedge of land shaped by both the post-war housing on Richmond Road and a bend in the River Tolka. This box-shaped, cantilever-roofed stand makes the most of the land available, with a single deck of red seats elevated above the ground-floor players’ dressing rooms. Every seat offers an unobstructed view of the pitch, and despite being only half the width of the pitch, it looks pretty imposing.
Ownership
Tolka Park is a property of Dublin City Council, and Shelbourne are just one of seven football clubs to use the ground since its opening in 1953. Shelbourne moved to the ground in 1989 to take up a long-term lease previously held by Home Farm FC.
A few things capture the spirit of Shelbourne F.C. quite like the chants that echo around Tolka Park on matchdays. From traditional terrace songs to newer creations that celebrate the club’s players and identity, these chants form the heartbeat of the Shel’s support.
They are more than just words set to rhythm, they are an expression of loyalty, pride and the unbreakable bond between fans and their club. For both lifelong supporters and those discovering Shelbourne anew, these chants tell the story of a club steeped in Dublin football culture and kept alive by the voices of its passionate followers.
- I’ve Been an Auld Redsman
- Wise Men Say
- S-H-E-L and S
- Dean Delany
- Masters of the Game
Tolka Park, the historic home of Shelbourne F.C. in Dublin, has long been a showcase for the passion of its supporters, with tifos being the most vivid expression of that devotion.
These choreographed displays of colour, banners, and symbolism transform the stadium into a theatre of football identity, uniting fans with a powerful visual message.
On matchdays, especially during heated derbies or important fixtures, the sight of giant flags unfurling across the terraces embodies both tradition and defiance, serving as a reminder that Tolka Park is more than just a venue; it is a stronghold of community pride.
The tifos displayed often reflect Shelbourne’s storied past and working-class roots while also looking forward, symbolising the club’s resilience in modern Irish football.
Below are some tifos that have been spotted at Tolka Park.
Tifo against Drogheda
The banner below was spotted at Tolka Park in October 2025 when Shelbourne F.C. hosted Drogheda for a Premier League Division clash.
There is a bar located under the Main Stand, but it is reserved for home supporters only. Around 5-10 minutes West along Richmond Road and then onto Drumcondra Road, you will find a good selection of pubs, including Kennedy’s and the Ivy House.
There are also numerous eateries and convenience stores in the vicinity of Drumcondra Railway Station. To find these pubs, with the Main Stand behind you, turn left along Richmond Road, left at the traffic lights onto Drumcondra Road for Kennedy’s, or right at the traffic lights for the Ivy House.
Ken informs: ‘Anyone coming from the Clontarf / Fairview direction could go to Brú House, which is just over a kilometre from Tolka Park and close to the Clontarf Road DART station. Brú House is run by the Brú brewery, but has a good selection of beers from other Irish microbreweries, and also does food. Finally, and probably most importantly, there is a bar under the Main Stand in Tolka Park, which can be accessed by anyone in the home sections. The beer is very reasonably priced, and the walls are covered in memorabilia. It gets busy before the game and at half time, so early entry into the ground is recommended.’
While the food at Tolka Park is far from revolutionary, you will likely find that the food on offer will be of a relatively good standard, and there will usually be something for everyone to enjoy.
Inside the stadium itself, there are plenty of hot food stalls, including some that are provided exclusively for the away fans, ensuring that all supporters are served promptly.
You can expect a variety of traditional football snacks to be on offer, including burgers and hot dogs.
Peri peri chicken wrap with waffle fries and peri mayo at Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc)
💶 €12 (£10) pic.twitter.com/SqG4Bh33Do
— Footy Scran (@FootyScran) October 7, 2022
By train
The nearest station is Drumcondra, which is situated just under a mile from the ground. It is served by trains from Dublin Connolly, which is a three-minute train ride away. Dublin Connolly can be reached by tram via the red line. Drumcondra can also be reached from Tara Street and Dublin Pearse Station, which are more centrally located in Dublin.
As you come out of Drumcondra station, turn left and walk along this road for around half a mile. Cross over to the other side of the road. After crossing the Tolka River, turn right onto Richmond Road, and the ground is on the right.
By bus
A number of buses travel along Drumcondra Road from Dublin City Centre, close to Tolka Park. From O’Connell Street, you can catch either number 1, 11, 13, 16 or 44.
After crossing the bridge over the River Tolka and going through a set of traffic lights (with Millmount House on the left and Insomnia on the right), get off at the next stop.
Then walk back to the traffic lights, cross the road and turn left at Insomnia into Richmond Road. The entrance to the ground is on the right.
By car
From the North
Follow the M1 Southbound past Dublin Airport, the road then becomes the N1 at Santry. Keep following the N1 towards Dublin City Centre. You will see the entrance gates to Tolka Park on the right-hand side.
From the West
Follow the N4 from Lucan towards the western suburbs of Dublin. At the M50 Junction 7, join the motorway and head north, exiting at Junction 6. Turn right and head towards Dublin on the N3 Navan Road. You will see Phoenix Park on the right-hand side. As the road kinks around to the left, you will see the spire of St. Peter’s Church on the right-hand side, with the floodlights of Bohemian’s Dalymount Park on the left.
Continue over the next crossroads, then at the following crossroads, turn left onto the N1 Drumcondra Road Lower, passing beneath the railway bridge of Drumcondra Station. Turn right onto Richmond Road. Tolka Park is on the right-hand side with turnstiles for all parts of the ground at the rear of the barrel-roofed old Main Stand.
From the South
Follow the N11 from Bray into the South suburbs of Dublin. Once past Donnybrook Rugby Ground, you may find it quickest to use Dublin’s Outer Orbital Route rather than continue towards the busy Saint Stephens Green, Dublin Castle, River Liffey and City Centre Shopping area route. To do this, turn left at Junction 54 onto Grand Parade, which runs alongside the canal. Continue on the road to Junction 64 at Phoenix Park, then turn left at Junction 65 onto Infirmary Road.
Follow the North Circular Road to the right and avoid Phoenix Park. Once you have reached Junction 67, turn left onto Old Cabra Road, then at the crossroads, turn right onto the N3 Cabra Road.
You will then see the floodlights of Bohemian’s Dalymount Park on the left. Continue over the next crossroads, then at the following crossroads, turn left onto the N1 Drumcondra Road Lower, passing beneath the railway bridge of Drumcondra Station. Turn right onto Richmond Road. Tolka Park is on the right-hand side with turnstiles for all parts of the ground at the rear of the barrel-roofed old Main Stand.
Where to park your car near Tolka Park
Tolka Park is located in a residential area, so public transport is highly recommended. With that in mind, parking spaces for private cars in the immediate vicinity are limited. Still, here are some options worth exploring:
On-Street parking
You can park on the streets near Shelbourne F.C. stadium, especially on Richmond Road, which is directly outside the venue. However, Dublin City Council controls parking activities, so you will be required to have a ticket with a seven-day validity.
Most importantly, matchgoers are advised to avoid parking in Grace Park Avenue or Grace Park Gardens, as doing so would not only obstruct road use but also inconvenience residents.
Ierne Sports Club
You can check out Ierne Sports Club, located on Grace Park Road, for private parking. This place is close to Tolka Park, with parking charged at a flat rate of €10.
Whitehall Park and Ride
Whitehall Park and Ride is the other option for parking your car near Shelbourne F.C. stadium. This is a free parking spot located behind Whitehall Church. Use Collins Avenue for easy entry.
If you plan to visit Tolka Park and watch some games this coming season, you may also want to check out some of the popular attractions near the stadium, listed below.
Tolka Valley Park
This is a 140-hectare regional park situated approximately one to two kilometres from the stadium. The place offers scenic views and is ideal for visitors seeking to experience the natural world in its raw form, as they observe various wildlife.
Walking trails at Tolka Valley Park are the perfect gift for nature lovers looking for an escape from busy city life.
Boom Bridge
Boom Bridge is a must-see if you visit Tolka Valley Park. This landmark location is only a 25-minute walk from Shelbourne F.C.’s home stadium. A drive to the location takes approximately 10 minutes.
This Bridge is a site of mathematical and historical significance where William Rowan Hamilton, a famous mathematician, formulated quaternions.
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is regarded as Europe’s largest urban park, bigger even than Hyde Park in London and Central Park in New York.
It houses the president’s residence, various international embassies, Dublin Zoo, flower gardens, and excellent cycling trails. You may also encounter different wildlife, including deer.
A trip from Tolka Park to this destination takes approximately 15 minutes by car and up to 45 minutes on foot.
Jameson Distillery Bow Street.
Jameson Distillery Bow St. is also known simply as the Jameson Distillery, and it is a former Irish whiskey distillery in which Jameson Whiskey was distilled until 1971.
The distillery is located just off Smithfield Square and is a very popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours, tutored whiskey tastings, and more.
Here are other notable attractions to check out near the Shelbourne F.C. stadium:
National Botanic Gardens
The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, located in Glasnevin, just a short walk from Tolka Park, stand as one of Dublin’s most treasured green spaces. Established in 1795, the gardens are not only a haven of natural beauty but also a centre of learning, research and conservation.
The garden covers an area of 19.5 hectares, offering a serene escape where visitors can wander through tree-lined avenues, exploring themed gardens, and marvel at the elegant Victorian glasshouses. These glasshouses, such as the Palm House and Curvilinear Range, are architectural gems in their own right, housing exotic species from across the globe and creating a striking contrast with the traditional Irish landscape.
Other attractions
- Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum
- Belvidere House, Drumcondra
- Croke Park & GAA Museum
- Our Lady’s Park, Drumcondra
Shelbourne FC share an intense rivalry with three different clubs in the local area.
The first of which is St. Patrick’s Athletic, a fierce, long-standing derby that has always, and likely will always, see huge demand for tickets from both sets of fans whenever it is played.
Next up is the ‘Ringsend Derby’, a fixture contested between Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers, it was originally formed as a result of both sides being established in the Ringsend area of Dublin.
Finally, there is the club’s local derby with Bohemian FC, with whom they could potentially share a ground in the future. This is a rivalry born out of proximity with the home grounds of the pair, the closest of any two stadiums in the league.
Shelbourne F.C. have played in different stadiums throughout the club’s history. Havelock Square, Sandymount Road, South Lotts Road, and Bath Avenue are the notable grounds they previously called home.
Tolka Park has been the club’s home stadium since 1989. The venue, previously owned by Dublin City Council, has been used by several other football clubs in Ireland. Tolka Park also serves as the home stadium for the women’s senior team.
Originally, Tolka Park had a capacity of 9,680, but that has been scaled down over the years to 4,750 due to safety regulations.
The stadium has hosted several high-profile matches, including Champions League Qualifiers, UEFA Cup, and UEFA Youth League.
Most recently, during the 2025/26 season, Tolka Park has been approved to host the UEFA Europa Conference League matches.
Future redevelopment of the venue is expected, especially after the club announced in April 2024 that they had secured a 250-year lease of the ground. They immediately embarked on redeveloping Tolka Park, aiming for an additional 1,000 seats.
Redevelopment priority has been given to Ballybough and Drumcondra stands, with re-seating and re-roofing of both the Riverside and Richmond Road Stands also roped in the plans. Renovations are expected to be completed by December 2026.
- 2024 – 4,500
- 2023 – 1,444
- 2022 – 4,150
- 2021 – 267
- 2020 – 1,554
- 2019: 1,074 (First Division)
Shelbourne FC is committed to ensuring Tolka Park is accessible for all. They do this by implementing key principles of equality and inclusion police. These include:
- Equal opportunities for all, including disabled supporters and visitors at Tolka Park.
- Promoting an all-inclusive environment at Tolka Park by ensuring disabled supporters are safe and have the necessary facilities at their disposal.
- Shelbourne F.C. promotes a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination. This ensures that fans, regardless of background and challenges, are treated equally, even when it comes to booking match tickets.
Disabled supporters visiting Shelbourne F.C.’s stadium should note that wheelchair spaces are available in specific sections of the stadium, namely sections A, D, and E.
The club has also designated places for elderly supporters to ensure their safety and comfort at the venue.
Tickets for all games go on general sale and are available from the Shelbourne website.
For supporters looking to buy tickets for Shelbourne F.C. home matches, note that you can do so on a match-by-match basis. Visit the club’s website and select the game for which you need tickets.
Tickets for home matches during the 2025 season at Tolka Park are priced as follows:
- Adults – €22
- Seniors/students – €17
- Youths aged between 13 and 17 – €14
- Children Under 12 – €10
Tolka Park hospitality tickets
With hospitality tickets at Tolka Park, you get a chance to watch matches with utmost comfort, while also getting the best views. On top of that, you get a complimentary drink and an immersive match experience. However, the premium seats can be quite pricey.
Unfortunately, the Shelbourne F.C. website does not expressly list the pricing for seats in this category.
The programme is now in electronic format only and is free. Programmes are available to download from the Shelbourne website.
Ground Layout
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