Santa's Set Up Camp at Croke Park (And You're Invited)

Santa's trading the shopping centre grotto for the hallowed turf of Croke Park. The North Pole GAA team is setting up training camp, Mrs Claus is on board, and your kids can visit for a proper 50-minute Christmas experience that doesn't involve forty-minute queues or blurry photos with terrified toddlers.

Elf dressing rooms. Festive games. Individual time with Santa. And yes, he wants to hear your child's predictions for the 2026 All-Ireland finals.

This is the Santa visit that's actually worth doing.

Why This Actually Works

The North Pole GAA team (yes, really) has set up training camp at Croke Park for Christmas. Your kids peek inside the elf dressing rooms, play festive games in the Skills Zone that don't feel like an afterthought, then meet Santa in his Croke Park cabin.

Here's what matters: It's not rushed. You get actual time with Santa and Mrs Claus. Every child gets a proper gift. You can take your own photos or buy professional ones. And each family gets an individual moment – no random children ruining your shot.

The whole thing lasts 50 minutes. Long enough to feel worth the trip, short enough that nobody loses the plot.

The Bonus Bits That Make It Brilliant

Your ticket includes the full GAA Museum. Two floors of exhibits, a Christmas elf quest trail (complete it and win a prize), Cú Chulainn's Den play area for burning off energy, and a newly refurbished games zone for testing GAA skills.

And this bit's lovely: they've added a sensory space this year. If the festive chaos gets too much for anyone, there's a calm corner. Not every child does Christmas crowds well, and it's sound that someone thought about that.

The Essential Details

When: November 29th – December 23rd (selected dates)
Cost: Kids aged 2 yrs+ €23 (includes gift), Kids aged 13 mth – 23 mth €18 (includes gift), Adults €16, Under 1s free (but must book)
Book: crokepark.ie/whats-on – online only, no day tickets
Parking: Free at GAA Museum (Cusack Stand side)
Access: Wheelchair and buggy friendly

Check the FAQs before booking – especially if you're going for the last slots of the day.

Win a Family Pass!

We're giving away a family pass for 2 adults and up to 4 kids. Your Christmas Santa visit sorted, no queue rage required.

Competition closes November 14th, 2025.

Why Bother?

Because this year, your Santa photo can show your child genuinely delighted instead of terrified. Because you'll get an entire museum experience thrown in. Because free parking and no shopping centre chaos is worth its weight in Roses.

And because when your six-year-old tells Santa their All-Ireland predictions, you'll have the most Irish Christmas memory ever.

Book at crokepark.ie/whats-on before the good slots vanish.

Terms and conditions apply. Winner will be contacted via email. Prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available.