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List of Gaelic Athletic Association stadiums
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The following is a list of stadiums used by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The stadiums are ordered by capacity; that is, the maximum number of spectators each stadium is authorised by the GAA to accommodate.
Three of the stadiums above 35,000 capacity are used for Gaelic football and hurling provincial finals, while the largest stadium, Croke Park, is used for the All-Ireland Senior Championship Finals each year, and the semi- and quarter-finals of each sport. It is also used on occasion for the Leinster provincial finals and Ulster provincial finals in Gaelic football, and has been leased for non-GAA events.
While Croke Park has hosted the majority of finals of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the final was previously passed among counties apart from Dublin—and, in the case of the 1947 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final, was played at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Similarly, Croke Park has hosted most of the finals of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship; the most recent final held outside the capital was in 1984, at Semple Stadium in Thurles, County Tipperary, to mark the centenary of the founding of the GAA in the town.
Fans are not usually segregated at GAA venues.[1]
County grounds
[edit]Below are the locations of the county stadiums for county teams that participate in either the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship or the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
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Locations of County grounds used for Gaelic Games
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Locations of County grounds used for Gaelic Games in Dublin
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Locations of County grounds used for Gaelic games in New York |
Locations of County grounds used for Gaelic Games in England
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County grounds
[edit]This is a list of all the current county grounds and their location.
List of GAA grounds by capacity
[edit]Below is a list of the 50 GAA stadiums ranked by capacity.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Scott, Ronan (29 January 2013). "I'm a GAA fan, get me out of here!". Gaelic Life. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2013.
On Saturday, I swapped the Athletic Grounds for Windsor Park. Rather than go and watch Tyrone win another title, I opted to go see Cliftonville play in the IrnBru Cup final. [...] One thing that the GAA has, is that you can enter wherever you want, stand where you want, and you will always be welcome no matter who you are.
- ^ "Ireland's largest sporting arena - Europe's third largest stadium". www.crokepark.ie. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
- ^ "Semple Stadium Seating Plan". www.tipperary.gaa.ie. Archived from the original on 26 May 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
- ^ "Pairc Ui Chaoimh Seating Plan". Paircuichaoimh.ie. Archived from the original on 4 July 2018. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
- ^ "Munster Hurling final gets Presidential seal of approval". Limerick Leader. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Kerry « Munster GAA Web site". Munster.gaa.ie. 21 September 2008. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 8 December 2012.
- ^ "Fitzgerald Stadium capacity reduced for Kerry v Mayo clash". Irish Examiner. 9 July 2019. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ Sweeney, Peter (17 June 2019). "Reduced capacity Clones an Ulster final sell-out". RTE. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- ^ "Mayhem in Mayo as Munster hold off Connacht comeback". RTE. Retrieved 31 March 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Rated and slated: All 32 GAA county grounds assessed - but how does yours measure up?". independent. 17 April 2021. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Galway GAA awaits planning decision on Pearse Stadium floodlights". Irish Times. Archived from the original on 19 December 2014. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
- ^ a b "Special report shows huge effect one-metre rule would have on GAA crowds". irish mirror. 13 June 2020. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Reduced ticket availability at Dr Hyde Park for Roscommon and Tyrone match". Irish Times. Archived from the original on 3 September 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
- ^ "O'Moore Park Re-Named In New Sponsorship Deal". Midlands 103. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Cusack Park capacity increased for Clare vs Limerick Munster hurling clash". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ "Derby clash set to boost 2017 Ulster SFC attendance figures". Irish News. June 2017. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ Squareball - Celtic Park
- ^ "Entertainment in Armagh". Premier Inn. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Gavin Devlin: Bigger venue should be considered for Donegal-Tyrone Ulster SFC clash". Irish News. 10 July 2020. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
- ^ "County Ground: Páirc Uí Rinn". gaacork.ie. Archived from the original on 22 December 2016. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
- ^ "Waterford hurlers still uncertain of 'home' for 2019". Irish Times. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "St Conleth's Park reopens for Naas-Celbridge clash in Kildare senior football final". Irish Times. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "O'Rourke and McGleenan steeled for derby clash". Belfasttelegraph. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
- ^ "Dublin and Kerry league clash is already a sell out". independent. 17 February 2017. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Bernard Flynn urges Westmeath to stand up for Mullingar to host Leinster tie with Dublin". Dublin Live. 10 October 2019. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ^ "Capacity reduced at Netwatch Cullen Park". Hogan Stand. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Déise looking forward to home comforts after 16 years". Rte.ie. 9 May 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
- ^ "Work on Pairc Tailteann to start next May". Meath Chronicle. 22 November 2018. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
- ^ [1]Ocean FM Archived 2013-02-18 at archive.today report, 23 November 2011
- ^ "St Brendan's Park in Birr can host crowds of 8,800". Offaly Express. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
- ^ "Dublin GAA chairman rules out idea of a new 30,000-capacity venue in the capital". independent. 26 February 2019. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ a b "Capacities confirmed". Donegal News. 6 December 2012. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "GAA weekend that was: Wicklow have grounds for complaint". Irish Times. Archived from the original on 30 November 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "About Sixmilebridge". Sixmilebridge GAA. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ^ "St. Jarlath's Park (Tuam)". Galway GAA. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "Pearse Park capacity set at 6,000". Hogan Stand. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ "GPA back Antrim's bid to play Ulster tie against Cavan at Corrigan Park". the42. 15 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
- ^ "West Belfast GAA club to unveil new 2,600-capacity stand". Belfasttelegraph. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ "Louth insist stadium plans still on track - Independent.ie". 12 February 2013. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
- ^ "London gets new GAA 'county stadium'". BBC News. 28 May 2017. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ "Councillors demand answers over future of Duggan Park". the42. 9 January 2022. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
- ^ "Gaelic Park - Manhattan College". Go NYU Athletics. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
List of Gaelic Athletic Association stadiums
View on GrokipediaOverview of GAA Stadiums
Historical Development
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded on November 1, 1884, in Thurles, County Tipperary, by a group of Irish nationalists aiming to revive and promote traditional Irish sports such as hurling and Gaelic football.[10] In its early years, matches were typically held on informal fields and pastures across rural Ireland, with little in the way of dedicated infrastructure. One of the first notable venues was Jones's Road in Dublin, leased in 1884 as Butterly's Field, which served as a central ground for Dublin-based games and marked the beginning of more organized hosting for inter-county fixtures starting that same year.[11] Key milestones in stadium development occurred in the early 20th century, reflecting the GAA's growing organizational strength. The GAA purchased the Jones's Road ground in 1913 for £3,500, renaming it Croke Park in honor of Archbishop Thomas Croke, and it hosted its first All-Ireland final that year, establishing it as the association's premier venue.[12] Similarly, Semple Stadium in Thurles was acquired in 1910 by local enthusiasts for £900 and opened shortly thereafter as a purpose-built facility for hurling, with initial stands and terraces constructed to accommodate spectators.[6] Post-independence in 1922, venues like Semple saw expansions in the 1920s to handle larger crowds. The tragic events of Bloody Sunday on November 21, 1920, when British forces killed 14 people at a Tipperary-Dublin football match in Croke Park, led to the immediate cancellation of all Dublin GAA games and a two-year delay in the 1920 All-Ireland football final, heightening awareness of venue security and prompting long-term measures to protect gatherings at such sites.[13] The mid-20th century brought further expansions, particularly after World War II, as economic recovery and rising membership fueled investments in facilities to support expanding competitions. This period also saw the establishment of overseas venues for Irish diaspora communities, such as Gaelic Park in New York, purchased by the local GAA branch in 1926 to host games for expatriates and foster transatlantic ties, and later developments like dedicated grounds in Australia and the US.[14] By 2025, recent developments highlighted ongoing modernization efforts amid challenges. The redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast, initially planned to host matches for UEFA Euro 2028, faced significant delays due to funding shortfalls, leading to its removal from the tournament in September 2024. As of November 2025, scaled-back plans for a 34,000-capacity stadium continue to progress, with planning applications submitted, surplus funds confirmed by Stormont in November 2025, though additional funding is needed due to inflation and delays.[15][16] In Clare, Cusack Park in Ennis was renamed Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg in February 2025 under a three-year sponsorship deal with the American medical firm Zimmer Biomet, reflecting the GAA's increasing reliance on commercial partnerships for venue upkeep.[17] Meanwhile, Pearse Stadium in Galway completed installation of energy-efficient floodlights after a decade of planning by December 2024, enabling floodlit National League matches starting in early 2025, with the system debuting in the January 25, 2025, fixture against Armagh.[18][19]Role and Significance
GAA stadiums serve as the primary venues for hosting inter-county matches, All-Ireland championships, and club games across Gaelic football, hurling, and related codes, fostering a sense of competition and camaraderie central to the Association's mission.[2] These facilities embody a tradition of non-segregated seating, where supporters from opposing teams mingle freely, promoting unity and social interaction unique to Gaelic games rather than the divided arrangements common in other sports.[20] This approach underscores the GAA's community-oriented ethos, with ownership typically vested in the 32 county boards, ensuring local control and investment in these grounds.[21] Beyond sport, GAA stadiums hold profound cultural significance as symbols of Irish identity, acting as community hubs for local events and reinforcing the Association's role in preserving Gaelic heritage.[2] Many have hosted music concerts since the 1990s, exemplified by Croke Park's long history of major performances by artists like U2 and the Rolling Stones, broadening their appeal and integrating them into Ireland's entertainment landscape.[22] Economically, these venues have drawn annual attendances exceeding 2 million for inter-county fixtures, as seen in 2023 with over 2.5 million attendees across more than 600 fixtures; in 2025, the Senior Football Championship alone exceeded 1 million.[23][24][25] Architecturally, GAA stadiums are designed as dual-purpose venues accommodating both hurling and Gaelic football on pitches measuring up to 145 meters in length and 90 meters in width, larger than those in many other field sports to suit the games' expansive play.[26] Floodlights, first introduced for competitive matches in the early 200s, are now standard, enabling evening fixtures and extending usability year-round.[27] Socially, these stadiums promote the GAA's amateur ethos, emphasizing volunteerism and lifelong participation while advancing gender inclusivity through women's games, which have been hosted since the 1970s following the founding of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association in 1974.[28] In 2025, the GAA enhanced accessibility via a new partnership with Age Friendly Ireland, announced in April, introducing features like improved parking, viewing areas, and sensory rooms at select grounds to better serve older fans and those with disabilities.[29][30][31]County Grounds
Irish County Grounds
The Irish county grounds are the official home venues for the senior inter-county teams of each of the 32 GAA county boards across Ireland, serving as primary sites for Gaelic football and hurling matches, training sessions, and provincial competitions within the All-Ireland framework. Each county board maintains one designated ground, reflecting the GAA's structure of provincial councils—Ulster, Leinster, Munster, and Connacht—that oversee regional activities while ensuring standardized facilities for elite-level play. These venues, all situated on the island of Ireland, embody the association's commitment to local development and national heritage, with ongoing investments in infrastructure to support growing attendances.[21][32] Organized by province for clarity, the grounds include longstanding sites like Croke Park in Dublin (established 1913), which doubles as the national headquarters alongside its role in county fixtures, and Semple Stadium in Thurles for Tipperary (purchased and developed from 1910). Other notable examples feature Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney for Kerry (opened 1936) and Pearse Stadium in Salthill for Galway (opened 1957), the latter benefiting from 2025 floodlight upgrades that facilitate evening games and expanded crowds.[33][34][35][36][37]Ulster Province
The Ulster grounds host intense rivalries in a province known for its competitive football tradition, with nine counties spanning both Northern Ireland and the Republic.| County | Ground | Location | Established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antrim | Casement Park (closed; current: Corrigan Park) | Belfast | 1930s (major development 1950s) |
| Armagh | Athletic Grounds | Armagh | 1890s (fully redeveloped 2011) |
| Cavan | Kingspan Breffni Park | Cavan | 1920s |
| Derry | Celtic Park | Derry | 1890s (redeveloped 1970s) |
| Donegal | MacCumhaill Park | Ballybofey | 1930s |
| Down | Páirc Esler | Newry | 1930s (renovated 2000s) |
| Fermanagh | Brewster Park | Enniskillen | 1930s (renovated 2000s) |
| Monaghan | St Tiernach's Park | Clones | 1910s |
| Tyrone | O'Neill's Healy Park | Omagh | 1970s |
Leinster Province
Leinster's 12 grounds support a mix of hurling powerhouses and football contenders, with Dublin's dual use of Parnell Park and Croke Park highlighting the province's centrality.| County | Ground | Location | Established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlow | Dr Cullen Park | Carlow | 1930s |
| Dublin | Parnell Park | Dublin | 1910s |
| Kildare | St Conleth's Park | Newbridge | 1920s |
| Kilkenny | UPMC Nowlan Park | Kilkenny | 1920s |
| Laois | Laois Hire O'Moore Park | Portlaoise | 1930s |
| Longford | Pearse Park | Longford | 1930s |
| Louth | Gaelic Grounds | Drogheda | 1930s (new stadium under construction 2025 in Dundalk) |
| Meath | Páirc Tailteann | Navan | 1930s |
| Offaly | Bord na Móna O'Connor Park | Tullamore | 1930s (main stand 2006) |
| Westmeath | Cusack Park | Mullingar | 1930s (redeveloped 1990s) |
| Wexford | Chadwicks Wexford Park | Wexford | 1910s (redeveloped 2000s) |
| Wicklow | Aughrim | Aughrim | 1930s |
Munster Province
Munster's six grounds are synonymous with hurling dominance, featuring iconic venues that draw massive provincial crowds.| County | Ground | Location | Established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clare | Cusack Park | Ennis | 1930s (southern stand revamped 2015) |
| Cork | Páirc Uí Chaoimh | Cork | 1974 (reopened 2017) |
| Kerry | Fitzgerald Stadium | Killarney | 1936 |
| Limerick | Gaelic Grounds | Limerick | 1930s (transformed 2004) |
| Tipperary | Semple Stadium | Thurles | 1910 |
| Waterford | Walsh Park | Waterford | 1930s |
Connacht Province
The five Connacht grounds emphasize football heritage, with recent enhancements boosting their viability for national leagues.| County | Ground | Location | Established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galway | Pearse Stadium | Salthill | 1957 (floodlights upgraded 2025) |
| Leitrim | Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada | Carrick-on-Shannon | 1950s (new stand 2007) |
| Mayo | MacHale Park | Castlebar | 1930s (renovated 2008–2014) |
| Roscommon | Dr Hyde Park | Roscommon | 1920s (pitch upgraded 2016) |
| Sligo | Markievicz Park | Sligo | 1920s (redeveloped 2000s) |
Overseas County Grounds
The overseas county grounds of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) provide essential facilities for expatriate Irish communities outside Ireland, supporting participation in provincial and All-Ireland championships among the diaspora. Established primarily in the early 20th century, these venues foster Gaelic football and hurling for the main overseas counties, including New York, London, and Warwickshire, which compete in qualifiers such as the Connacht Senior Football Championship. These grounds, typically multi-use with GAA pitch markings, number around 10 primary sites across North America and Great Britain, enabling cultural continuity for over 300 affiliated clubs worldwide.[2][41] In North America, Gaelic Park in the Bronx serves as the primary venue for New York GAA, hosting county matches and club fixtures for the team that qualifies for All-Ireland series. Acquired by the New York GAA in 1926 and opened in 1928, the facility includes a state-of-the-art artificial turf pitch suitable for Gaelic games. It accommodates community events and inter-county play, with recent enhancements funded by a €500,000 Irish government grant in 2023 for a refurbished function room, catering areas, and medical facilities. A secondary site, such as pitches in Albany, supports regional games but lacks dedicated county status.[42][43][44] In Great Britain, McGovern Park in Ruislip functions as the headquarters for London GAA, the venue for Connacht Championship games and All-Ireland qualifiers since its redevelopment. Originally known as Emerald GAA Grounds and established in 1974, the site was rebuilt in 2017 at a cost of £4.3 million—comprising £930,000 from London GAA funds, grants, and a loan from GAA Central Council—to create a modern 3,000-capacity stadium with improved pitches and amenities. Secondary matches are hosted at various club grounds under the London board.[45][46] Warwickshire GAA's main ground, Páirc na hÉireann in Solihull near Birmingham, supports British Championship contests and potential All-Ireland progression, with facilities including two full-size grass pitches and a 3G artificial surface for year-round use. Developed as the county headquarters since the early 2000s and upgraded in 2021 with a new pavilion and eight dressing rooms, it hosts hurling and football for the diaspora community founded in 1903. Emerald GAA Grounds in Birmingham area provide supplementary space for local fixtures. These sites underscore the GAA's global reach, blending sport with heritage preservation abroad.[47][48]GAA Stadiums by Capacity
Ranking Methodology
The capacity of Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) stadiums is defined as the maximum number of seated and standing spectators authorized for senior inter-county Gaelic games events, excluding temporary or additional stands, based on safety and structural assessments approved by the GAA.[2] This measure prioritizes safe occupancy limits over historical record attendances, which may exceed official capacities due to past configurations or overcrowding before modern regulations. For instance, Croke Park's official capacity stands at 82,300 following its 1991–2005 redevelopment, though it once recorded a GAA attendance of 90,556 for the 1961 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final.[49][50] Rankings of GAA stadiums by capacity draw from official GAA annual reports, county board publications, and verified venue data, with adjustments for renovations and regulatory updates. Primary sources include GAA headquarters documentation for national venues like Croke Park and provincial council reports for regional grounds, supplemented by county-specific records from bodies such as Cork GAA and Tipperary GAA.[51][7][6] Capacities are cross-verified against independent assessments to account for changes, such as Páirc Uí Chaoimh's reopening in 2017 at 45,000 after a major redevelopment that included new stands and improved facilities.[7] Criteria for inclusion in rankings limit the scope to venues regularly used for senior inter-county matches in Gaelic football, hurling, or camogie, encompassing approximately 50 grounds across Ireland and overseas. Pure club facilities are excluded unless officially designated as county grounds by the relevant GAA unit, ensuring focus on competitive inter-county infrastructure. Overseas venues, primarily in Britain, North America, and Australia, are incorporated if they host official GAA fixtures but rarely surpass 5,000 capacity due to smaller expatriate communities and shared facilities.[51][52] Recent updates as of 2025 reflect ongoing adaptations to safety standards and upgrades; for example, Cusack Park in Ennis underwent a renaming to honor its heritage but maintained its capacity at 19,000, with minor adjustments from prior years' inspections confirming safe limits around 20,100 for select events.[53][54] Limitations in these rankings arise from fluctuating capacities driven by evolving safety regulations, such as fire codes and crowd management protocols enforced by Irish authorities and the GAA. Venues may see temporary reductions during inspections or post-event reviews, and the methodology excludes indoor air domes or non-outdoor pitches, focusing solely on traditional open-air Gaelic games facilities.[55][56]Ranked List of Stadiums
The ranked list of GAA stadiums orders more than 50 venues by current capacity, drawing from all 32 Irish county grounds and select overseas facilities used for championships such as the All-Ireland series and international tours. Capacities reflect official safe attendance figures as of 2025, prioritizing seated and standing areas compliant with safety standards. This ranking highlights the scale of GAA infrastructure, with the largest venues hosting national finals and provincial deciders, while smaller grounds support local and developmental matches. Overseas representation remains limited, with Gaelic Park in New York serving as the premier venue abroad at approximately 2,000 capacity.[57][58] No significant capacity changes occurred in 2025 among active Irish venues, though redevelopment projects continue to evolve facilities. Casement Park in Belfast, affiliated with Antrim GAA, is projected to reach 34,500 capacity upon completion, potentially ranking it fourth overall, but remains unavailable for full events due to ongoing construction and funding challenges.[59] The table below details the top 20 stadiums, including name, location, capacity, and county affiliation. Lower-ranked venues, such as Longford's Pearse Park (around 10,000 capacity) or minor grounds like Carlow's Dr. Cullen Park (approximately 5,000), extend the list to over 50, emphasizing the grassroots network supporting GAA competitions.[57]| Rank | Name | Location | Capacity | County Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Croke Park | Dublin | 82,300 | Dublin GAA |
| 2 | Semple Stadium | Thurles | 45,690 | Tipperary GAA |
| 3 | Páirc Uí Chaoimh | Cork | 45,000 | Cork GAA |
| 4 | Gaelic Grounds | Limerick | 44,023 | Limerick GAA |
| 5 | Fitzgerald Stadium | Killarney | 38,000 | Kerry GAA |
| 6 | St Tiernach's Park | Clones | 29,000 | Monaghan GAA |
| 7 | MacHale Park | Castlebar | 28,000 | Mayo GAA |
| 8 | Nowlan Park | Kilkenny | 27,000 | Kilkenny GAA |
| 9 | Pearse Stadium | Salthill | 26,197 | Galway GAA |
| 10 | Breffni Park | Cavan | 25,030 | Cavan GAA |
| 11 | O'Moore Park | Portlaoise | 22,000 | Laois GAA |
| 12 | Páirc Esler | Newry | 20,000 | Down GAA |
| 13 | Cusack Park | Ennis | 20,100 | Clare GAA |
| 14 | Dr Hyde Park | Roscommon | 18,890 | Roscommon GAA |
| 15 | Markievicz Park | Sligo | 18,558 | Sligo GAA |
| 16 | Athletic Grounds | Armagh | 18,500 | Armagh GAA |
| 17 | Celtic Park | Derry | 18,500 | Derry GAA |
| 18 | Brewster Park | Enniskillen | 18,000 | Fermanagh GAA |
| 19 | Healy Park | Omagh | 17,636 | Tyrone GAA |
| 20 | MacCumhaill Park | Ballybofey | 17,500 | Donegal GAA |
