GAA Museum at Croke Park in Dublin
Learn About The History of Gaelic Games And Take a Tour of Croker
The displays spread over three floors include a large amount of original audio recordings and film footage. They explain how the amateur sporting association (known throughout Ireland as the GAA) was formed in the late 19th century when the country was swept by what is now called 'the national awakening'.
GAA Formation Part of Irish National Awakening
This term refers to the rapid growth of interest in Irish culture and language during the decades preceding the Easter Rising against British rule in April 1916.
The GAA was already well established before the violence surrounding the Rising led to the destruction of many buildings in Dublin City Centre, less than two miles from Croke Park. Some of the rubble from the bombardments was used to construct a stand at the stadium which is still referred to as 'Hill 16'.
The displays also deal with the effect on the Association of the War of Independence and the subsequent Irish Civil War. This includes the notorious 'Bloody Sunday' incident when a mixture of British soldiers and Royal Irish Constabulary members invaded the Croke Park pitch and opened fire killing 10 people and wounding scores of others.
GAA Museum Has Display About Bloody Sunday Shootings
The attack on the players and spectators came just hours after agents of Republican Leader Michael Collins had killed 14 members of the British Intelligence Service at a number of addresses in the South Dublin area. One attack also took place at the Gresham Hotel in what is now O'Connell Street.
However, Irish politics and the violence which has at times surrounded them are just one part of the Museum. Visitors learn about the way in which the organisation is divided into local clubs from which players are drawn for matches at county and provincial levels.
It also charts the development of each of the four GAA sports which are Hurling, Football, Handball and Camogie, the female version of Hurling. There are interesting displays about some of the GAA's greatest stars and even a chance for visitors to try their hand with a hurley stick.
Croke Park Venue For Major Rugby Matches
Croke Park has become familiar to more than just Gaelic fans during the past two years. Lansdowne Road, Dublin's main rugby ground has itself been undergoing a transformation into a 50,000 seat stadium.
In the meantime 'Croker' as it is affectionately known has been the venue for matches in the Six Nations Rugby Tournament. Ireland won both this year's Grand Slam and Triple Crown, Their matches included a win over England in front a jubilant Croker capacity crowd.
Croke Park Guided Tours Available
Visitors to the Stadium can enjoy a guided tour of its impressive facilities. It can accommodate just over 83,000 spectators at a Gaelic match and around 125,000 at a concert event. The tour includes the changing rooms, practice facilities, the pitch and some of the highest vantage points within the stands.
There's a chance to see the VIP section where the Irish President Mary McAleese sits along with other politicians and special visitors as well as the Stadium's restaurants and bars. The guides always have interesting anecdotes which make the tour an enjoyable experience.
Croke Park Hotel Faces Stadium
Visitors staying at the four star Croke Park Hotel which faces the Stadium can enjoy discounted admission to both the Museum and the tour. The Croke Park Hotel is run by the Jurys Doyle Group.
Croke Park is always packed for major matches
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Croke Park - thousands off spectators at a match
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