American College Football returns to Ireland in August 2023 bringing with it over 15,000 Americans making the trip to support their teams. The Aer Lingus College Football Classic has been happening in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for several years now, each year drawing a bigger crowd than the last. Locals are delighted to witness this spectacle of skill and talent alongside US fans who show as much enthusiasm for their national sport as we do for ours. Secure the perfect 4-star accommodation in Dublin for your trip. Whether you have a ticket for the American football game in Aviva Stadium or want to watch it in a pub, Ashling Hotel is ideally located. Book our guaranteed best available rates only on our website.
American Football in Ireland
This year, we expect to see the streets filled with stars and stripes to welcome two formidable teams – Notre Dame and Navy, who last met in Dublin in 2012 in a sold-out arena. The Aer Lingus College Football Classic takes place on 26th August in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and is expected to be attended by around 50,000 people from Ireland, Europe, and the US. The clash between Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish from Indiana and Navy Midshipmen from Maryland will mark the third time the pair have gone head-to-head in Dublin. We’re guaranteed a great game with all of the action we expect from American Football with a uniquely Irish twist. Marcus Freeman’s team will take on Ken Niumatalolo’s side to face off in the Week Zero game on Saturday, August 26th witnessed by a sell-out stadium crowd. Aviva Stadium is home to the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Football Association of Ireland and has been the home of College football in Europe since Boston College played in 1988.
Getting to Aviva Stadium from Ashling Hotel Dublin
Getting around Dublin is easy when you know where you’re going. Dublin City Centre is walkable for moderately fit people and getting from one side of the city to the other will take about 40 minutes from end to end. The Aviva Stadium is located in one of Dublin’s nicest suburbs, Ballsbridge, and is easily accessible by road or rail. The best way to get there from Ashling Hotel is by bus. Bus number 145 departs from Heuston Station every 10/15 minutes and will take you to within a 5-minute walk of the stadium – or even closer to a local pub for one on the way! The bus costs €2 with a leap card or €2.60 cash (exact change only). If you want to take the train or tram, it will take a little longer but it’s a bit more scenic. Take the red line tram to Tara Station where you can change to a DART to Lansdown Road.
A Unique Irish Experience
While you’re in Dublin to watch the football, make the most of your time on either side of the match. Dublin is a vibrant city with so much to do, whether you’re here for a boozy weekend or as part of a family trip. There are museums and galleries to visit, parks to explore and more shopping than you could hope for. The hop-on hop-off bus will give you a great tour of Dublin allowing you to jump on and off at the best attractions. The closest stop to our Dublin Hotel is Phoenix Park. Pop into the Guinness Storehouse to learn more about this historic beer. Catch a showing of Riverdance in Gaiety Theatre or enjoy the atmosphere in Temple Bar pubs where you can enjoy live Irish music and dancing.
Book the perfect Dublin hotel accommodation at Ashling Hotel. Our location at the edge of the city means you’re always a short walk from the action and can still enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. Our comfortable, spacious bedrooms are ideal for couples, groups, and families. Our best available rates are exclusively available on our website. We look forward to welcoming guests from the US, Ireland and elsewhere for this annual football spectacle that must be seen to be believed.
