Fans of Armagh and Derry will make the trip to Dublin this weekend to see their teams attempt to book a place in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-finals.
Ulster champions Derry are up first on Saturday as Rory Gallagher’s men take on Clare at 3.45pm at Croke Park. That fixture is the first game in a double-header with Leinster champions Dublin facing Cork at 6pm.
On Sunday, Kieran McGeeney’s Orchardmen take on Galway at 1.45pm with Kerry and last year's beaten All-Ireland finalists Mayo going head-to-head at 4pm.
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Over 120,000 spectators are expected to descend on north Dublin for the quarter-finals this weekend with over 70,000 expected for Sunday’s double bill.
The four All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-finals are expected to generate in excess of €4M for the GAA.
Yet, with fuel prices on the rise, along with pretty much everything else at the moment, just how much will the average fan be out of pocket for attending this weekend’s games?
Tickets
Tickets for both double-headers are still on general sale via ticketmaster.ie - although tickets for Sunday’s double-header are limited. There are also a selected number of Centra and SuperValu stores selling tickets.
A full price Adult ticket is €40, although Hill 16 and Nally (standing) tickets are cheaper at €30.
Juvenile tickets (Cusack and Davin stand only) are €5.
For the semi-finals next month, the tickets will cost €50 for the Hogan, Davin and Cusack stands, €35 for Hill 16 and Nally tickets while Juvenile tickets will be €10.
Fuel
The price of fuel is rising daily and could top £2 per litre by this weekend. For Armagh fans driving an average mid-size family car running on diesel (returning from Armagh City), you’ll need at least £22.21 worth of fuel in the tank to make it to Croke Park and back.
For Derry fans (returning from the city), the trip will cost £41.53 in fuel alone.
M1 Toll
Fans travelling by car should note that the cost of the M1 Toll increased this year from €1.90 to €2.00 each way. Derry fans can avoid the toll by following the N2 all the way to Dublin.
Public transport
If you haven’t already purchased bus or rail tickets, you could be in trouble. Translink’s rail special for Armagh vs Galway has already sold out. Single tickets are available from Newry train station and are £15.19 to Connolly Station.
Derry fans can still avail of Translink’s bus special which is £29 for an adult ticket and £17.40 for a child ticket.
Car parking
Expect to pay €10 for almost all car parks in the Croke Park area. O’Connell School’s Car Park (North Circular Road) holds around 300 cars.
Multi storey car parks closer to the city centre will charge considerably more.
Fans should note that Clonliffe College Car Park is closed for this year.
Match day programme
A programme for the game will cost €5.
Pre-match pints (optional)
Quinn’s in Drumcondra used to be a favourite with northern GAA fans, but has closed its doors permanently amid plans for apartments on the site. There are plenty of other watering holes in the area and a pint will cost anywhere between €5 and €7 (expect to pay more if you venture into the city centre).
Food
Catering options within Croke Park can be limited. There are a number of fast food outlets within walking distance of the stadium.
However, some GAA fans will opt to pack the boot with tea and sandwiches to help keep the costs to a minimum.
Overnight stay (optional)
Some supporters might decide that the long trip warrants an overnight stay, but there is limited availability in Dublin City centre on most weekends during the summer.
On Saturday night, a double room in a budget hotel is £143 while several three and four star hotels are charging £300 and above.
It is slightly cheaper on Sunday night with a number of guest houses available for under £100 per room, per night while some three-star hotels are available for £200 for a double room.
Read next:
- Armagh vs Galway: Tribesmen believe they can go all the way says Shane Walsh
Derry vs Clare: Rory Gallagher provides an injury update ahead of Banner battle
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