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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
RDS Arena Dublin
Best Time
Lively atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Dublin venue hosting Leinster Rugby, major concerts, and the annual Dublin Horse Show. A hub for sports and entertainment.
"A versatile Dublin venue, loved for its electric rugby matches and world-class concerts."
🧥 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Major Concerts
RDS Arena & Simmonscourt
Catch world-class artists at this iconic Dublin venue. A must for music lovers!
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Dublin Horse Show
RDS Arena
Witness equestrian excellence and vibrant Irish culture at this prestigious annual event.
Planning Your Visit
Concert & Event Timing
Rugby Match Day Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 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.
🚗 Parking Options
Consider Wanderers rugby club or Merrion Cricket Club. Street parking is also available.
🚆 Public Transport
Sandymount DART station is a short walk away, offering easy access.
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!
🎶 Check Gig Times
Main acts often start around 9 PM. Gates usually open at 7 PM.
🚗 Parking Options
Consider Wanderers rugby club or Merrion Cricket Club. Street parking is also available.
🚆 Public Transport
Sandymount DART station is a short walk away, offering easy access.
🔊 Sound Quality Varies
Some report mixed sound quality at Simmonscourt for concerts, others find it great.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
For concerts, using the DART to Sandymount station is highly recommended for convenience and avoiding traffic.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
League games, unless it's an interprovincial match, rarely sell out. You can usually get tickets closer to the date.
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.
The RDS Arena has a capacity of approximately 18,500 for concerts and sporting events.
🎫 🏟️ 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.
The Dublin Horse Show is a major equestrian event featuring show jumping, dressage, and various horse breeds. It also includes shopping, food, and entertainment.
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.
Yes, there are various concessions selling food and beverages within the RDS Arena for most events.
For atmosphere, the North and South stands are popular due to their proximity to the action and unreserved seating, but they are uncovered.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. 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
Plan your arrival around 7 PM for a 9 PM stage time for most concerts. Utilize public transport, particularly the DART, to easily reach the venue and avoid traffic congestion. 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
When planning your visit, remember that doors typically open around 7 PM, with main acts usually taking the stage around 9 PM. 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.
Match Day Experience at the RDS Arena
Beyond the rugby itself, the RDS Arena is a hub for various events, including the prestigious Dublin Horse Show. 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. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit