Cultural

Outside the realms of sport, Croke Park has hosted many special events and welcomed some very famous visitors.

2009 saw the GAA celebrate its 125th Anniversary, kicking off a year of celebrations throughout the association, with a sporting and visual spectacle in Croke Park.

The century and a quarter celebrations were well flagged before 2009 was upon us but the events of January 31st at Croke Park, well and truly underlined the start of the celebrations on a night to remember for a crowd of more than 80,000.

Although Dublin and Tyrone footballers provided the fireworks on the field of play, in an excellent opening round league encounter – illuminated by Stephen O’Neill from the winning team – the post-match lights and fireworks extravaganza confirmed to the nation that 2009 was very much a year of note for the Association.

Croke Park also hosted the World Eucharistic Congress and welcomed visiting dignitaries and leaders from around the world - most significantly in a historical context, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.

GAA 125th Anniversary

A specially commissioned ‘Iconic Moments’ DVD presentation, complete with commentary from Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, was played as part of the exhibition and bumper crowd remained after the game, until the end of the event on this unique occasion - to enjoy the spectacular lightshows and the colourful explosions in the crisp, winter night sky above the stadium.

GAA 125th Anniversary Gallery

Famous Visitors

In May 2011, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to come to Ireland in 100 years and included Croke Park in her state visit.

In 2012, Vice-President of the Peoples Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, toured the GAA Museum and pitch.

In 2014, Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield visited Croke Park having recently returned to Earth from a space mission.

In 2018, President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, visited Croke Park as part of his State Visit.

Duke and Duchess of Sussex

In July 2018, we were delighted to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Croke Park as part of #RoyalVisitIreland.

The Royal Couple were given a guided tour of the GAA Museum and our most prized and historic artefacts, followed by an exhibition of our GoGames on the pitch.

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LAOCHRA

On April 24th 2016 - exactly 100 years on from the 1916 Easter Rising - the GAA's 1916 commemorative show 'LAOCHRA' took place after the Division 1 and 2 Allianz Football League Finals in front of a capacity crowd at Croke Park Stadium.

LAOCHRA GALLERY

International Eucharistic Congress

As host nation for the Congress in 2012 which normally takes place every 4 years - a programme of liturgical and cultural events, lectures and workshops, culminated in the massive closing ceremony and “Statio Orbis” which took place on Sunday 17th June 2012 in Croke Park.

Eid Al Adha 2020

On Friday July 31st 2020, over 200 Irish-Muslims gathered at Croke Park to celebrate Eid Al Adha. The event took place in line with Government Guidelines and Regulations in regards to social distancing and reducing the spread of Covid-19.

Eid Al Adha Gallery

Special Events