Páirc Esler — Home of Down GAA and Newry Shamrocks
Páirc Esler Stadium - Travel Guide & Stadium Information
- Gaelic Football stadium in Newry, Unknown with 20,000 capacity - complete travel and matchday guide
- Professional playing surface with modern facilities
- Transport: Nearest train station, tube line, and bus routes with walking times
- Parking: Official stadium parking £10 to £20, street parking options nearby
- Away fans: Dedicated section, entrance gates, and capacity allocation information
Key Facts
Páirc Esler Essential Details
Páirc Esler Stadium Basic Details
Stadium Capacity
20,000 spectators
Year Opened
1947
Address & Location
Greenbank Industrial Estate, Newry, BT34 2QU
Newry, England
Technical Specifications
Pitch Type
Grass
Stadium Type
Single-Sport Venue
Primary Sport
Gaelic Football
Venue Classification
Stadium
Location & Maps
About Páirc Esler
About Páirc Esler Stadium
Páirc Esler is a GAA stadium in Newry, Northern Ireland, serving as the home of Down GAA and Newry Shamrocks GAA club. Located in the Greenbank Industrial Estate adjacent to the Clanrye River, the ground was opened as a GAA facility in 1947 and renamed Páirc Esler in 2007 after Archdeacon Hugh Esler, a Catholic priest who reinvigorated Gaelic football in Newry in the 1930s–50s. The stadium has a capacity of approximately 20,000. Major redevelopment work was carried out in 2006–07, adding new stands, floodlights, and a new pitch. The site has been used for Gaelic games, soccer, and rugby since at least the late 19th century. The area, marked on the 1846 Ordnance Survey map as 'The Marsh', was opened as a GAA facility in 1947, officially called Páirc an Iúir. It was renamed Páirc Esler on 8 October 2007 in honour of Archdeacon Hugh Esler. Major redevelopment in 2006–07 added a new stand (opened 8 October 2007), floodlights (first switched on 26 October 2007), and a new playing surface. The stadium hosts Down county fixtures and the Newry Shamrocks' home games.
Visiting Páirc Esler
🏛️Stadium History
The site has been used for Gaelic games, soccer, and rugby since at least the late 19th century. The area, marked on the 1846 Ordnance Survey map as 'The Marsh', was opened as a GAA facility in 1947, officially called Páirc an Iúir. It was renamed Páirc Esler on 8 October 2007 in honour of Archdeacon Hugh Esler. Major redevelopment in 2006–07 added a new stand (opened 8 October 2007), floodlights (first switched on 26 October 2007), and a new playing surface. The stadium hosts Down county fixtures and the Newry Shamrocks' home games.
⚡Matchday Atmosphere
Páirc Esler has a passionate Down GAA atmosphere, particularly during Ulster Championship games. The ground's riverside setting gives it a distinctive character, and the Newry GAA community creates a strong local support base for county fixtures.
🎯Stadium Tours
Tours can be arranged through Down GAA and Newry Shamrocks. Contact the county GAA board for availability.
🏛️Stadium Museum
Páirc Esler does not currently operate a standalone museum.
Getting to Páirc Esler
Getting to the Stadium
Bus Services
Translink Ulsterbus operates regular services from Belfast Europa Bus Centre to Newry (approx. 1hr). The bus station in Newry town is approximately 2km from the stadium.
Rail Access
Newry railway station is served by Northern Ireland Railways and Irish Rail (Enterprise service) from Belfast (45 min) and Dublin Connolly (1hr 30min). The station is approximately 3km from Páirc Esler.
Driving & Parking
On-site or street parking available on match days. Arrive early for major fixtures.
Walking
Páirc Esler is located in the Greenbank Industrial Estate — not walkable from the town centre, so taxis or buses are recommended.
Stadium Tours
Páirc Esler Stadium Tour (By Arrangement)
Tour Description
Guided tours can be arranged through Down GAA and Newry Shamrocks. Contact the county board for availability and scheduling.
Pricing & Duration
Adult tickets cost Price on request, children's tickets are Price on request, and concession tickets are available for Price on request. The complete stadium tour experience lasts 60 minutes, providing comprehensive access to the stadium's most exclusive areas.
Tour Highlights
The Páirc Esler Stadium Tour (By Arrangement) includes pitch, dressing rooms, stand, local gaa history, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Available by prior arrangement. Contact Down GAA and Newry Shamrocks or check the county GAA website for details.
Hotels Near Páirc Esler
Where to Stay
Canal Court Hotel
Accommodation Type & Location
Mid-range accommodation - close to the stadium
Pricing
Rates from £75 to £140 per night
Description
A comfortable hotel in Newry town centre, popular with GAA supporters visiting Páirc Esler.
Newry B&Bs and Guesthouses
Accommodation Type & Location
Budget accommodation - close to the stadium
Pricing
Rates from £40 to £75 per night
Description
A range of B&Bs and guesthouses in Newry offer affordable accommodation for supporters.
Carrickdale Hotel & Spa
Accommodation Type & Location
Luxury accommodation - short drive
Pricing
Rates from £90 to £180 per night
Description
A four-star hotel and spa just south of Newry on the main Dublin road, offering excellent facilities.
Dining at Páirc Esler
Restaurants
Pubs & Bars
Páirc Esler Accessibility
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible Viewing
Designated wheelchair viewing areas are available. Contact the county GAA board in advance.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible toilet facilities are available at the stadium.
Parking for Disabled Visitors
Parking for disabled visitors is available on match days. Arrive early — match day parking fills quickly.
Páirc Esler Ticket Information
Ticket Prices
Adult Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
Terrace / General Admission tickets range from £10 to £20 for the current season.
Description
Standard adult admission. Prices vary by competition stage.
What's Included
These general admission areas tickets include stadium access, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Concession / OAP / Student Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
General Admission tickets range from £6 to £12 for the current season.
Description
Reduced admission for students, OAPs, and concession holders.
What's Included
These general admission areas tickets include stadium access, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Juvenile / Under-16 Tickets
Seating Area & Price Range
General Admission tickets range from £3 to £5 for the current season.
Description
Discounted admission for children and under-16s.
What's Included
These general admission areas tickets include stadium access, making them an excellent choice for visitors seeking luxury hospitality experience.
Páirc Esler FAQs
Filter by Category
What is the capacity of Páirc Esler?Featured
Páirc Esler has a capacity of 20000 on our venue list.
How do I get to Páirc Esler?Featured
Translink Ulsterbus operates regular services from Belfast Europa Bus Centre to Newry (approx. 1hr). The bus station in Newry town is approximately 2km from the stadium. Newry railway station is served by Northern Ireland Railways and Irish Rail (Enterprise service) from Belfast (45 min) and Dublin Connolly (1hr 30min). The station is approximately 3km from Páirc Esler.
Also known as?
The ground is commercially known as Páirc Esler (also known as Páirc an Iúir).
When was Páirc Esler opened?
The ground was opened in 1947.
Who plays at Páirc Esler?
Down GAA and Newry Shamrocks use this as their home ground.
Is Páirc Esler accessible for wheelchair users?
Designated wheelchair viewing areas are available. Contact the county GAA board in advance to confirm current provisions.
Can I do a stadium tour?
Tours can be arranged through Down GAA and Newry Shamrocks. Contact the county GAA board.
Where is Páirc Esler located?
Greenbank Industrial Estate, Newry, BT34 2QU
Extra information
Note: Most of the ground lies within County Armagh despite being the home of Down GAA.
Latest News
New Stand and Floodlights Opened at Páirc Esler — October 2007
FeaturedPublished
8 October 2007
Article Summary
Major redevelopment of Páirc Esler was completed in 2007, with the new stand officially opened on 8 October 2007 and floodlights switched on for the first time on 26 October 2007. The development transformed the ground into one of Ulster's modern GAA venues.
Páirc Esler Renamed in Honour of Archdeacon Hugh Esler (2007)
Published
8 October 2007
Article Summary
The stadium was formally renamed Páirc Esler on 8 October 2007, honouring Archdeacon Hugh Esler, a Ballynahinch native whose work in the 1930s–50s reinvigorated Gaelic football in Newry and secured the grounds for the GAA.
Visitor Reviews
Share This Venue
Search More Venues
Discover sports venues around the world with detailed guides and insider tips.
Browse All Venues