If you’ve never been to a greyhound race, the idea of spending an evening at Shelbourne Park might sound like something for a different era. But thousands of Dubliners keep coming back—drawn by the fact that you can watch world-class dogs race just a few kilometres from Grafton Street, and be home well before midnight.

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Location: Ringsend, Dublin · Opened: 1927 · Adult Admission: €10 · Operator: Greyhound Racing Ireland · Type: Greyhound racing stadium

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Thursday racing confirmed on some third-party sites but not on official GRI schedule
  • EV charging availability at stadium parking unconfirmed
  • Full 2026 race calendar not publicly available
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Nine verified data points span three distinct categories: location data, pricing, and major events.

Detail Value Source
Address South Lotts Road, Dublin 4, D04 W5C3 Greyhound Racing Ireland
Coordinates 53.340378°N 6.230236°W Wikipedia
Opened 14 May 1927 Wikipedia
Regular admission €10 adults Greyhound Racing Ireland
Derby Final admission €25 adults (incl. programme) Greyhound Racing Ireland
Derby winner prize €125,000 Greyhound Racing Ireland
Parking hourly rate €2.50 APCOA Parking
Stadium car park spaces 250 APCOA Parking
Derby Final date 27 September 2025 Greyhound Racing Ireland

Where is Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium?

The stadium sits in Ringsend, an inner-city suburb of Dublin 4, just 3 kilometres south of the River Liffey and a short walk from the city centre. The precise address is South Lotts Road, Dublin 4, D04 W5C3, placing it close to the Docklands area and theIFSC. According to Wikipedia, the coordinates are 53.340378°N 6.230236°W.

Map and address

  • Full address: South Lotts Road, Ringsend, Dublin 4, D04 W5C3
  • Walking distance from Grafton Street: approximately 20–25 minutes
  • Located near the RDS Arena and the Aviva Stadium in Dublin’s sports corridor

The venue is well-connected to Dublin’s public transport network, making it accessible without a car—important on busy race nights when local streets become congested.

Public transport options

  • DART: The nearest station is Grand Canal Dock, a 15-minute walk from the stadium. Travellers can take the DART to Tara Street, then connect via Dublin Bus routes, or use the Q-Park IFSC Park and Ride option with code W00F for 15% off pre-booked parking (Q-Park)
  • Dublin Bus: Routes including the C1 series run 24/7 to the Ringsend area, stopping within a short walk of the stadium (TripAdvisor)
  • From city centre: The stadium is roughly a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride from Grafton Street and O’Connell Street (Celtic Group Hostels)

The implication: for anyone staying in central Dublin, the DART combined with a short walk is the most reliable option on race nights, bypassing parking stress altogether.

The upshot

Greyhound Racing Ireland (the official national governing body) confirms regular racing every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night—stick to this schedule rather than relying on third-party listings that may include Thursday races not reflected on the official site.

What is the nearest DART station to Shelbourne Park?

The closest DART station is Grand Canal Dock, located roughly 1 kilometre north of the stadium—a 15-minute walk, depending on traffic lights and footpath conditions. From Grand Canal Dock, it’s a straightforward walk down Ringsend Road or through the Docklands area.

Walking directions

  • Exit Grand Canal Dock station onto Sir John Rogerson’s Quay
  • Continue south along the quay, crossing the bridge at Forbes Street
  • Turn left onto South Lotts Road—the stadium entrance is on your right

The walk is flat and mostly along well-lit quays, making it comfortable in the evening. According to TripAdvisor reviewers, the route is clearly signposted on race nights.

Alternative DART access

  • Tara Street station: An option if Grand Canal Dock is crowded, though it requires a longer walk or a connecting bus
  • Q-Park IFSC: For those driving, Q-Park offers Park and Ride with DART access. Use promo code W00F for 15% off pre-booked parking (Q-Park)

The pattern: Grand Canal Dock is the clear winner for proximity and ease, but Tara Street offers flexibility if you’re coming from the north side of the Liffey.

Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium parking

Two main parking options exist: the on-site APCOA car park at South Lotts Road, and the Q-Park IFSC Park and Ride about a kilometre away with DART access.

On-site APCOA parking

  • Location: South Lotts Road, Ringsend, D04 W5C3 (same address as stadium)
  • Spaces: 250
  • Hours: 06:00–22:30 daily
  • Rates: €2.50 per hour, €10 per day, €45 per week, €125 per month (APCOA Parking)
  • Prebooked sessions available for a smoother arrival

The catch: on major event nights like the Irish Greyhound Derby Final, the stadium car park closes entirely to regular visitors. In 2025, no stadium parking is available for the Derby Final on 27 September.

Derby Final parking: free Park and Ride

  • Location: Clanna Gael GAA Club, Sean Moore Road
  • Cost: Free
  • Buses: Depart every 10–15 minutes from 5pm until 8pm
  • Return: 10:30pm to midnight

Greyhound Racing Ireland (the official operator) runs this free shuttle service specifically to handle the demand for the Derby Final, which attracts thousands of spectators. There is no alternative on-site parking on this night.

What to watch

If you’re attending the Derby Final on 27 September 2025, do not rely on finding parking near the stadium. Arrive at Clanna Gael GAA Club by 7:30pm at the latest to secure your shuttle spot, as buses run every 10–15 minutes but demand is high.

Q-Park IFSC alternative

  • Address: IFSC, Dublin 1 (near Tara Street DART)
  • Park and Ride via DART to Grand Canal Dock, then 15-minute walk to stadium
  • Promo code W00F gives 15% off pre-booked parking (Q-Park)

The trade-off: Q-Park IFSC costs more than APCOA’s daily rate but eliminates the need to circle for a space on busy nights. Combine it with the DART for a stress-free arrival.

Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium tickets

Ticket prices differ between regular race nights and the Irish Greyhound Derby Final. For regular nights, adult admission is €10—simple, straightforward, no hidden costs.

Regular race night prices

  • Adults: €10
  • Children: pricing not confirmed on official site—check at entrance
  • Gate opening times: 6:30pm (Tuesday/Friday), 6:00pm (Saturday)
  • First race: approximately 7:42pm each night

Greyhound Racing Ireland (the official operator) publishes these details directly, so the €10 figure is reliable for standard nights.

2025 Derby Final prices

  • Adults: €25 (includes race programme)
  • OAP/Student: €10 (valid ID required)
  • Spice Box group deal: €30 for 6+ people
  • Date: Saturday 27 September 2025

The Derby Final is a major social event in the Irish greyhound calendar, drawing larger crowds and requiring advance planning. The €125,000 winner’s prize attracts top dogs and trainers from across the country.

How to buy tickets

  • Purchase at the stadium gate on race night (cash or card)
  • For Derby Final, buy in advance via the official Greyhound Racing Ireland website to avoid sell-outs
  • Group bookings for the Spice Box deal: contact the stadium directly

The implication: for regular Tuesday or Friday nights, you can arrive just before the gates open and buy tickets on the spot. For the Derby Final, advance purchase is strongly recommended.

On-site dining

  • The stadium’s €5 million redevelopment added a 400-seat restaurant, the 1927 Lounge, and South Lotts Terrace (Q-Park)
  • Restaurant dinner service starts when your group is seated—no fixed time slot
  • Early arrival is advised if you want to dine before racing begins
The catch

If you’re planning to eat at the stadium restaurant on a race night, arrive at 6:00pm or earlier. According to Food & Beverage Manager Dara Geraghty in TripAdvisor reviews: “We would advise due to these nights being full the earlier the better.” Seating is first-come, first-served.

Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium results and race cards

Accessing race results and upcoming race cards is straightforward through official and third-party platforms.

Latest results

  • Recent results available for dates through April 2026 on Off Track Betting (Off Track Betting)
  • Additional result archives available via At The Races (At The Races)

A typical race night at Shelbourne Park features 11 races, starting around 7:42pm and finishing approximately 10:15pm, with six dogs competing in each race and races spaced roughly 15 minutes apart.

Upcoming races

  • Regular schedule: Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights
  • Gates open at 6:30pm (Tue/Fri) or 6:00pm (Sat); first race at 7:42pm
  • The 2025 BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby Final is scheduled for 27 September 2025

The Derby Final is the flagship event of the Irish greyhound racing calendar, held annually at Shelbourne Park. TripAdvisor reviewers consistently describe the venue as “now the premier Greyhound racing track in Ireland.”

What this means: if you want to follow specific dogs across race meetings, the results archives on Off Track Betting provide date-level filtering. For major events like the Derby, expect additional coverage on Irish racing media and Greyhound Racing Ireland’s own channels.

The trade-off

Results are accessible online, but the official Greyhound Racing Ireland website does not provide a full 2026 race calendar beyond recent results. If you’re planning a visit months in advance, contact the stadium directly or monitor their social media for schedule announcements.

The award-winning new look Shelbourne Park is open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night for racing in Dublin.

— Greyhound Racing Ireland (Official Operator)

The biggest night in Irish Greyhound Racing takes place on Saturday 27th September… with €125,000 winner’s prize.

— Greyhound Racing Ireland (Official Operator)

Shelbourne Park is now the premier Greyhound racing track in Ireland.

— TripAdvisor Reviewer

For anyone who grew up hearing stories about the Irish Greyhound Derby but never made it to Shelbourne Park, the 2025 event represents a clear opportunity. The combination of a historic venue, a €125,000 prize, and Dublin’s compact city centre makes it one of the more accessible major sporting events in Ireland. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, the choice is straightforward: arrive early for parking and dinner, take the DART if you can, and enjoy one of the country’s oldest sporting traditions in a stadium that has just completed a €5 million upgrade.

Greyhound fans heading to Shelbourne Park can follow Sporting Life fast results for immediate updates on winners after each race meeting.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium?

Gates open at 6:30pm on Tuesday and Friday nights, and 6:00pm on Saturday nights. The first race begins around 7:42pm each night. The stadium is not open for daytime visits on non-race days.

How much does parking cost at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium?

The on-site APCOA car park charges €2.50 per hour, €10 per day, €45 per week, or €125 per month. Prebooking is available. Note that parking is unavailable during the Derby Final—Greyhound Racing Ireland runs a free Park and Ride from Clanna Gael GAA Club instead.

Are there photos of Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium?

The stadium’s recent €5 million redevelopment added modern facilities including a 400-seat restaurant, the 1927 Lounge, and South Lotts Terrace. Photos are available on TripAdvisor, the stadium’s social media channels, and greyhound racing blogs. The venue looks markedly different from the pre-renovation era.

What is on the menu at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium?

The stadium restaurant serves dinner with flexible service—dinner begins when your group is seated, not at a fixed time. Early arrival is recommended, especially on race nights, as the venue can fill up quickly according to visitor reviews.

Is Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium family-friendly?

The venue hosts families with children, and the evening schedule—typically finishing by 10:15pm—fits well with younger bedtimes. Adult admission is €10; children’s pricing should be confirmed at the gate. The stadium’s upgraded facilities make it comfortable for most age groups.

How to check Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium results?

Results are available on Off Track Betting and At The Races, with archives going back months. The official Greyhound Racing Ireland website also posts results, though the full 2026 race calendar has not yet been published.

What facilities are at Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium?

Following the €5 million redevelopment, the stadium features a 400-seat restaurant, the 1927 Lounge, South Lotts Terrace, an on-site car park with 250 spaces, and betting facilities.

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