Sporting stadia around the world are major tourist attractions in their own right. The Nou Camp in Barcelona, Wembley Stadium in London and Croke Park in Dublin. Our own iconoc venue is about to step up the pecking when the Etihad Skyline opens to the public on Thursday June 1st.Sponsored by Etihad Airways, the roof top tour of the stadium boasts spectacular panoramic views of Dublin city and its surroundings from 44 metres or 17 storeys above the ground. €1million has been invested in creating the 600 metre walkway around the roof of the stadium and 10 new jobs have been created as a result.
There are five viewing platforms around the walkway, from which a unique perspective is gained on Glasnevin Cemetery, the Guinness Brewery, the Dublin Mountains, Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Poolbeg Lighthouse, Trinity College, The Spire, St. Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedrals, the Phoenix Park and the new buildings of the Docklands.
The two hour tour with an experienced tour guide will see groups of up to 30 people ascend to the Etihad Skyline walkway following a full briefing in the stadium dressing room. Each of the five viewing platforms features interpretative panels which highlight the famous landmarks in the line of vision. Visitors will also be able to learn more about what they can see through multi-lingual audio guides. The introduction to the guide was recorded by comedian Dara O’Briain.
There is also a specially designed walkway suspended above the Croke Park pitch. Not for the faint hearted, this view of Croke Park shows Ireland’s most famous arena from a very different perspective.
“The Etihad Skyline tour is a great addition to Dublin and Irish tourism,” said Peter McKenna, Croke Park Stadium Director. “We expect the tour to become one of the most popular attractions in the country.”
The attraction will receive worldwide attention on June 6th when Henry Shefflin carries the Olympic Flame across the walkway as part of the stop over in Dublin.
