Getting tickets to the All-Ireland Finals in Gaelic football and hurling is a highly sought after endeavor for fans of Gaelic games. With crowds of over 80,000 packing into Croke Park stadium in Dublin for the showpiece events of the GAA calendar, demand far outweighs supply when it comes to tickets. This causes great competition among fans trying to secure the coveted match tickets both in Ireland and abroad. However, there are some key steps fans can take to try and obtain All-Ireland final tickets through official channels.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for the All-Ireland finals typically go on sale 6-8 weeks prior to the match dates. The exact on-sale dates are announced by the GAA as the finals draw nearer. For the 2023 finals, prospective dates for tickets to go on sale are likely to be in July or early August. Fans need to monitor the GAA website and social media platforms as well as local media for announcement of the precise ticket sale launch dates. Acting swiftly once tickets go on sale gives fans the best chance of securing their seats.
Where can you buy tickets?
The main way to buy All-Ireland final tickets is directly through the GAA’s authorized ticket seller, Ticketmaster. Tickets sell out extremely quickly when they go on general release online through Ticketmaster. Fans need to be logged in right as tickets launch for sale to try and beat the huge demand. Only tickets sold directly by Ticketmaster can be trusted as valid for entry.
Some limited tickets may also be made available through GAA county boards and local clubs. Check with your county board and local clubs to see if they have an allocation of tickets to sell to members. Do not buy from unauthorized ticket sellers online or classified ads as these are likely to be fraudulent.
Ticket prices
Ticket prices for the All-Ireland finals vary depending on the specific match and stadium location. For the 2023 finals at Croke Park, estimated ticket prices are:
– Hill 16 Terrace (Standing) – €40
– Cusack Stand (Sideline Seats) – €90
– Hogan Stand (Premium Seats) – €150
Ticket prices regularly sell out from the bottom up, so fans may need to opt for more expensive tickets to secure entry. Ticket prices can also fluctuate year to year depending on demands. Check current pricing when tickets go on sale.
GAA Season Ticket Holders
Fans who are GAA Season Ticket holders for the current year will get priority access to purchase All-Ireland final tickets before the general public. Having a season ticket greatly improves your chances of getting your hands on those coveted final tickets.
What is a GAA Season Ticket?
A GAA Season Ticket provides entry to all league and championship games in Gaelic football and hurling within a calendar year, excluding the All-Ireland finals. Adult season tickets start from around €120. Purchasing a season ticket early in the year is advisable to take advantage of priority access to later finals.
When can season ticket holders buy finals tickets?
Season ticket holders typically get an exclusive pre-sale window 1-2 weeks before the general release to the public. To access this pre-sale, season ticket holders must be registered with their county board and have provided their purchase details. Email alerts and texts are sent out before the pre-sale goes live. Acting quickly is key as the allocation still sells out fast.
Limits for season ticket holders
The pre-sale allows season ticket holders to buy one ticket per final. So they can purchase one hurling and one football final ticket each when available. Limits are imposed to discourage mass buying and allow more fans access. Provide accurate registration details to avoid issues.
GAA Clubs
Local GAA clubs play an important role in distributing All-Ireland final tickets. Club members should engage early with their club officers about tickets.
Does every club get All-Ireland tickets?
No, not every GAA club is guaranteed allocation of All-Ireland final tickets. The GAA distributes a limited ticket allocation to each county board, who then disseminate tickets to clubs under their jurisdiction. Bigger clubs are more likely to get some allocation, but no club is guaranteed tickets.
Who gets tickets from clubs?
Clubs will generally prioritize distributing their All-Ireland ticket allocation to active adult playing members first. After that, underage players and club veterans may receive consideration. Non-playing members typically have the lowest priority. Tickets are limited so members need to get involved early.
Join a club to improve access
Prospective fans wishing to improve their chances of sourcing All-Ireland tickets should consider joining their nearest GAA club. Becoming an active club member greatly aids your chances of obtaining hard-to-get final tickets compared to having no club affiliation. Attend club meetings about finals tickets.
County Boards
GAA County Boards play a central role in managing All-Ireland final tickets. County Boards:
– Receive ticket allocation from central GAA Council to distribute
– Oversee clubs within their county to allocate to clubs
– Run competitions and draws for ticket distribution
Competitions for All-Ireland tickets
Many County Boards run competitions, raffles, or draws with All-Ireland tickets as prizes. These are open to club members within the county. Entering these contests represents another chance for fans to win coveted final tickets.
Check county social media
County Boards advertise finals ticket competitions and updates through their social media channels and websites. Check official county board accounts on Facebook and Twitter regularly for the latest information that could help you secure tickets.
Contact your county board
Don’t hesitate to contact your local County Board directly via phone or email about All-Ireland tickets. They can advise if they plan to run any contests for tickets and key dates for members. Being proactive can give you a better chance.
Ticket Scalping
Given the huge demand and low supply, black market ticket scalping is unfortunately common for All-Ireland finals. Fans are advised not to obtain tickets through unofficial scalpers.
Avoid ticket scalping websites
Many unauthorized online ticket resale platforms and websites facilitate ticket scalping at inflated prices. Buying finals tickets this way is risky as there is no guarantee of authenticity or entry on match day.
Don’t buy from social media or classifieds
Scalped tickets are often peddled illegally via social media ads or classifieds sites. As tempting as this may seem, avoid these unverified sellers as fake tickets will leave you out of pocket on match day.
Only buy from official channels
To ensure your tickets are genuine, only use official channels like Ticketmaster, clubs and county boards. Paying more from scalpers does not guarantee validity – stick to trusted sellers.
Corporate Hospitality Packages
For deep-pocketed fans, buying corporate hospitality packages is an option for guaranteed All-Ireland final tickets, albeit an expensive one.
What is included?
Hospitality packages typically include:
– Guaranteed Category 1 match tickets
– Multi-course pre/post-match meals & drinks
– Match day programs & gifts
– Luxury coach transfers to the stadium
Where are corporate packages available?
The main official provider is Premium Seats Ireland, offering all-inclusive Final packages from €699 per person. Some GAA county boards and private companies also offer hospitality packages to fans.
Booking well in advance is needed
Due to high costs, corporate packages require booking well in advance, often 6+ months before finals. Sourcing packages at short notice is very difficult. Packages sell out quickly so early booking is essential.
Package Type | Price Per Person |
---|---|
Premium Seats Ireland – Hogan Stand | €950 |
GAA County Board – Cusack Stand | €699 |
Private Hospitality – All-Ireland Club | €850 |
Travel Package Deals
Some travel companies offer All-Ireland final ticket and travel packages for fans wishing to travel to Dublin. These can ensure tickets and travel plans in one booking.
What do packages include?
Typical packages include:
– Match ticket
– Return flights/train travel
– Airport transfers
– 1-2 nights hotel accommodation
– Some meals
When are packages available?
Travel companies advertise their packages when All-Ireland finals are known. Packages need booking once announced as they have limited availability. Book 6+ weeks in advance.
Key package providers
Well-known Irish travel firms offering All-Ireland packages are:
– Club Travel
– Cassidy Travel
– Sportstravel.ie
– Irish Ferries
Check their websites for package details and prices. Expect to pay €600+ per person for full packages.
Attend GAA Congress
Attending the annual GAA Congress as a delegate is a way to access All-Ireland final tickets not available to regular fans. However, being elected as delegate has strict eligibility criteria.
Who can be a delegate?
GAA Congress delegates must be chosen by their:
– County Committee
– Provincial Council
– Central Council
– International Units
Election process
Delegates are elected at County Convention before Congress. Members wishing to be considered must actively participate within their county committees during the year.
Is becoming a delegate worthwhile?
For hardcore fans set on getting All-Ireland tickets, becoming a GAA delegate could pay off. However, the election process means candidates invest a full year of GAA service before potentially qualifying. Commitment is needed.
Join Croke Park Stadium Tour
Stadium tours of Croke Park often include a voucher offering tour-goers priority access to purchase tickets if their team reaches the final.
Regular tour features
Croke Park daily tour features include:
– Museum visit
– Pitch access
– Dressing room
– Behind the scenes areas
– Skyline tour
How much are tours?
Standard adult tour prices are €15. A family of 2 adults + 2 children is €40 total. Stadium tours operate daily except match days.
Booking stadium tours
Tours can be booked online via the Croke Park website up to 2 months in advance. Turning up on spec is also possible but tours can sell out at busy times. Booking ahead ensures entry.
Tour Type | Price (€) |
---|---|
Adult Tour | 15 |
Student/Senior Tour | 12 |
Child Under 12 Tour | 8 |
Family of 4 Tour | 40 |
Is the final ticket voucher worthwhile?
The final ticket voucher provides early access but does not guarantee tickets. With extreme demand, there is still uncertainty. But it could give a slight advantage over the public.
Conclusion
Obtaining those elusive All-Ireland final tickets requires planning, luck and perseverance. Following official channels through Ticketmaster, clubs and county boards gives fans the best shot. Being a GAA member helps, as does snapping up early tour vouchers. Avoid scalpers and be extremely quick once tickets launch for general sale online. With some dedication and good fortune, a place at Gaelic football and hurling’s showpiece occasions can be secured.