RDS Arena, Dublin - Will he make it? A rider and horse competing in the Dublin Horse Show jumping event (Aug., 2009).
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RDS Arena Dublin

4.4
·5k reviews·, Ireland

Iconic Dublin venue hosting Leinster Rugby, major concerts, and the annual Dublin Horse Show. A hub for sports and entertainment.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Rugby Season Evenings

Lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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RDS Arena, Dublin - Will he make it? A rider and horse competing in the Dublin Horse Show jumping event (Aug., 2009).

RDS Arena Dublin

Best Time

Rugby Season Evenings

Lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Dublin venue hosting Leinster Rugby, major concerts, and the annual Dublin Horse Show. A hub for sports and entertainment.

4.4
(5k reviews)

"A versatile Dublin venue, loved for its electric rugby matches and world-class concerts."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Dress for the Weather

North and South stands for rugby are uncovered. Wrap up warm, especially for evening matches!

🎶 Check Gig Times

Main acts often start around 9 PM. Gates usually open at 7 PM.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Leinster Rugby Matches

Leinster Rugby Matches

RDS Arena

Experience the electric atmosphere of a live Leinster Rugby game. Feel the roar of the crowd!

Reddit
Major Concerts

Major Concerts

RDS Arena & Simmonscourt

Catch world-class artists at this iconic Dublin venue. A must for music lovers!

Reddit
Dublin Horse Show

Dublin Horse Show

RDS Arena

Witness equestrian excellence and vibrant Irish culture at this prestigious annual event.

TikTok

Planning Your Visit

Concert & Event Timing

For concerts, doors often open at 7 PM, with main acts starting around 9 PM. Check specific event times to plan your arrival and avoid missing the start. Reddit

Rugby Match Day Prep

For Leinster rugby games, arriving 30 minutes before kickoff is usually sufficient. If you want unreserved seating in the North or South stands, aim for earlier. Reddit

Best Times

When
Rugby Season Evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Concert Nights
Why
World-class performances
Crowd
High
When
August (Horse Show)
Why
Annual equestrian event
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visiting Ireland for one day? 🇮🇪 Here’s some of my favorite things in Dublin!! #solotravel #travelvlog #visitdublin #travelireland
@waleedmaoed
97.1K likes • 2.8M views

🧥 Dress for the Weather

North and South stands for rugby are uncovered. Wrap up warm, especially for evening matches! Reddit+1

🎶 Check Gig Times

Main acts often start around 9 PM. Gates usually open at 7 PM. Reddit

here is my ultimate ireland travel guide based on my trip there this summer ☘️ let me know which spots i missed for next time! #ireland #irelandtiktok #traveltiktok #travelbucketlist #irelandtravel #d...
@theshayspence
86.2K likes • 1M views
Save this to spend the perfect day in Dublin! 🇮🇪 It’s a busy schedule but it’s so worth it. We hit a lot of the major sites in one day! #dublin #ireland #travel #travelguide #dublinitinerary #itinera...
@wanderingpassports
68.1K likes • 1.4M views

🚗 Parking Options

Consider Wanderers rugby club or Merrion Cricket Club. Street parking is also available. Reddit

🚆 Public Transport

Sandymount DART station is a short walk away, offering easy access. Reddit

The party is 24/7 at Temple Bar in Dublin… sláinte 🍻 • #travel #traveltok #traveltiktok #dublin #ireland #dublinireland #templebar #templebardublin
@breterlop
53.7K likes • 482.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Dress for the Weather

North and South stands for rugby are uncovered. Wrap up warm, especially for evening matches! Reddit+1

🎶 Check Gig Times

Main acts often start around 9 PM. Gates usually open at 7 PM. Reddit

🚗 Parking Options

Consider Wanderers rugby club or Merrion Cricket Club. Street parking is also available. Reddit

🚆 Public Transport

Sandymount DART station is a short walk away, offering easy access. Reddit

🔊 Sound Quality Varies

Some report mixed sound quality at Simmonscourt for concerts, others find it great. Reddit+1

What Travellers Say

4.4
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The RDS Arena is a versatile venue, highly praised for hosting thrilling Leinster Rugby matches and major international concerts. Visitors appreciate its accessibility via public transport and the vibrant atmosphere during events. However, some attendees have noted inconsistent sound quality at the Simmonscourt venue for concerts.

"Its a while since I visited the Dublin horse show for private reasons. It was a memorable day. It was great to see for the first time in 61 years, the wall been jumped by a lady."

Michael Lally

"I’ve been to many events at RDS Dublin over the years, and it’s always a solid, well-run venue. Most recently, I attended the Dublin Tech Summit, everything was smooth and professional, from registration to accessibility. The space is spacious, easy to navigate, and well-suited for large-scale conferences. Looking forward to the next event!"

Anna Krys

"Got general admin ticket, went to standing area early great views, great jumping. Kids area very poor, rock climb wall, with paints, and driving school. Catered mainly for older children."

Emma B B

What People Like

Exciting rugby atmosphere
Major concert venue
Good public transport access

What People Dislike

Inconsistent concert sound

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The RDS Arena is easily accessible by public transport. The Sandymount DART station is a short walk away, connecting you to various parts of Dublin. Buses also serve the area frequently. Taxis from the airport can be around 50 euros. Reddit

Yes, parking is available, but can be limited and costly for major events. Consider nearby options like Wanderers rugby club or Merrion Cricket Club, or street parking on roads like Claremont Road. Reddit

It's a bit of a walk, approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your starting point. Many visitors find it walkable, especially if they want to explore the Ballsbridge area. Reddit

For concerts, using the DART to Sandymount station is highly recommended for convenience and avoiding traffic. Reddit

Yes, taxis are usually available after events, but expect queues. It's advisable to pre-book if possible or have a ride-sharing app ready. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

For most Leinster Rugby games, arriving 30 minutes before kickoff is sufficient. If you want unreserved seating in the North or South stands, arriving earlier is recommended. Reddit

For concerts, doors typically open around 7 PM, with the main acts usually starting on stage around 9 PM. Always check your specific event details. Reddit

League games, unless it's an interprovincial match, rarely sell out. You can usually get tickets closer to the date. Reddit

It depends on the event. For major concerts and popular rugby matches, it's best to book in advance. Check the official RDS website or ticket vendors for availability. Reddit

The RDS Arena has a capacity of approximately 18,500 for concerts and sporting events. TikTok

🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience

The RDS Arena offers a mix of seated and standing areas. The North and South stands are uncovered and have unreserved seating, while other areas are reserved. Reddit+1

The Dublin Horse Show is a major equestrian event featuring show jumping, dressage, and various horse breeds. It also includes shopping, food, and entertainment. TikTok

Experiences vary. Some attendees report excellent sound quality, while others have found it to be poor. It's best to check recent reviews for specific events. Reddit+1

Yes, there are various concessions selling food and beverages within the RDS Arena for most events. Reddit

For atmosphere, the North and South stands are popular due to their proximity to the action and unreserved seating, but they are uncovered. Reddit+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The RDS Arena is a fantastic spot for families, especially during the annual Dublin Horse Show. This event offers a wide array of activities that children will love, from watching impressive equestrian displays to enjoying the lively atmosphere. TikTok For rugby matches, the RDS Arena provides a family-friendly environment, though it's wise to check seating arrangements as some areas are uncovered. Reddit+1

When attending events, consider the convenience of public transport. The DART station at Sandymount is a short walk away, making it easier to navigate with children. Reddit Pack snacks and drinks if allowed, and be prepared for crowds, especially during peak events like the Horse Show. The RDS Arena generally offers a safe and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

🎸 Music Enthusiasts

For music lovers, the RDS Arena and its Simmonscourt venue are key destinations in Dublin. World-renowned artists frequently perform here, offering a chance to see major acts in an accessible location. TikTok While sound quality can be a point of discussion among concert-goers, many have had fantastic experiences with incredible sound. Reddit It's worth researching recent reviews for the specific venue and artist. Reddit

Plan your arrival around 7 PM for a 9 PM stage time for most concerts. Reddit Utilize public transport, particularly the DART, to easily reach the venue and avoid traffic congestion. Reddit The RDS Arena has hosted legendary performances, making it a must-visit for anyone following the live music scene in Ireland.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Concerts at RDS Simmonscourt

RDS Simmonscourt is a popular indoor venue for concerts in Dublin, but visitor experiences regarding sound quality can be mixed. While some attendees have praised the acoustics for major acts like Rammstein and Foo Fighters, others have reported less satisfactory sound experiences. Reddit+1 It's advisable to check recent reviews for the specific artist you plan to see. The venue is generally easy to access via public transport, with Sandymount DART station being a short walk away, making it a convenient choice for concert-goers. Reddit

When planning your visit, remember that doors typically open around 7 PM, with main acts usually taking the stage around 9 PM. Reddit This timing allows for settling in and enjoying the pre-show atmosphere. Despite varying opinions on sound, the RDS Simmonscourt remains a go-to venue for many international and national artists performing in Dublin, offering a significant capacity for music lovers. TikTok

Match Day Experience at the RDS Arena

Attending a Leinster Rugby match at the RDS Arena is a quintessential Dublin experience. For those in the North or South stands, the seating is unreserved, meaning arriving a bit earlier can secure a better vantage point. Reddit+1 It's crucial to 'wrap up warm' as these stands are uncovered, making them susceptible to Dublin's unpredictable weather. Reddit+1

Beyond the rugby itself, the RDS Arena is a hub for various events, including the prestigious Dublin Horse Show. TikTok This annual event showcases equestrian talent and offers a vibrant atmosphere with shopping and dining. For rugby, tickets for non-interprovincial league games are generally easy to obtain, even last minute. Reddit The RDS Arena's location in Ballsbridge makes it accessible, with public transport options like the DART being a convenient way to reach the venue. Reddit+1

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