With temperatures in the 20s set to stretch into the weekend, Kilkenny is going to be basking in a world of comedy and football this weekend.
While thousands will descend on the Marble City for the annual Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, underway this Friday, up to 20,000 more sports fans are anticipated to visit Kilkenny this weekend due to the hosting of Dublin and Kildare’s All-Ireland senior football championship clash at 5pm on Saturday. It’s the second round of this year’s summer championship with Cork set to host Kerry from 3pm, Galway making the short hop to Westmeath for a 5pm throw-in while Tyrone welcome Armagh for the late throw-in at 7pm.
Kildare would have been due home advantage but St. Conleth’s Park in Newbridge is undergoing massive redevelopment, leaving their footballers on the road this season.
Ahead of this weekend, Kilkenny GAA have published a list of what match goers need to know this Saturday in relation to ground opening times, tickets, parking and more.
Dublin v Kildare, what you need to know
- With the game throwing in at 5pm, gates to UPMC Nowlan Park will open at 3.30pm
- Seating is reserved and per tickets purchased. Enter via the stand on your ticket.
- It’s an all-ticket affair, meaing you’ll have to have tickets bought in advance either online or at Centra/SuperValu stores. No tickets will be available to purchase at the grounds.
- Per championship sales this year, tikets are required for all juveniles (under 16) and those tickets must be bought with an adult ticket.
- Attendees are urged to download/screenshot online tickets prior to arrival, or have tickets available for scanning at turnstiles to avoid delays.
Parking Details
UPMC Nowlan Park is located in a residential area on the immediate outskirts of Kilkenny city. If you’re driving to the game, you’re asked to respect residents and park responsibly.
Parking is available at
- County Hall, Maudlin Street (Kilkenny County Council) – this is one way access via John Street
- O’Loughlin Gaels GAA (R95 RX93) – 2 minute walk
- McDonagh Juntion Shopping Centre – 2 minute walk
- Orchard House (R95 XRC4) – 5 minute walk
- Various city centre car parks including Market Yard, Ormonde Street Multistorey car park – approx 10 minute walk
If you are heading to the game, stay tuned to Scoreline on KCLR this Saturday from 2pm for traffic updates and restrictions around UPMC Nowlan Park.