Rising inflation and a cost of living crisis ought to be enough to put a hold on all non-essential spending for the foreseeable. Then again, as the GAA’s own slogan goes - ‘nothing beats being there’.
That’s the attitude legions of supporters will take as Armagh, Derry, Monaghan and Tyrone fans hit the road this weekend as their teams fight for a place in the All-Ireland semi-finals.
Just getting to Croke Park this weekend will be a logistical challenge in itself with three of the aforementioned Ulster sides in action on Saturday.
Tyrone’s meeting with defending All-Ireland champions Kerry is the first game in a fascinating quarter-final line-up with throw-in at 3.45pm on Saturday.
That’s followed by the all-Ulster clash between Armagh and Monaghan at 6pm.
On Sunday, Ulster champions Derry are in action against Cork at 1.45pm before Dublin face Mayo at 4pm.
With upwards of 150,000 spectators expected at Croke Park this weekend, some public transport options are already sold out and tickets for Sunday’s double-header are in short supply.
We look at some of the optional and unavoidable costs GAA fans will incur this weekend.
Tickets
Tickets for both double-headers went on general sale via ticketmaster and in selected Supervalu and Centra stores, although Sunday’s double-header is likely to sell-out.
A full price Adult ticket is €40, although Hill 16 and Nally (standing) tickets are cheaper at €30.
Juvenile tickets (Cusack and Davin stand only) are €5.
For the semi-finals, the tickets will cost €50 for the Hogan, Davin and Cusack stand, €35 for Hill 16 and Nally tickets while Juvenile tickets will be €10.
Fuel
The price of fuel is slightly cheaper than it was for fans of Armagh and Derry making the journey this time last year.
Armagh fans returning from Armagh City will need at least £26.09 in fuel to make it to Croke Park and back. For Derry fans (travelling from the city) fuel costs will be £45.76.
For Tyrone fans coming from Omagh, fuel will cost at least £30.71 while Monaghan fans will pay at least £25.34.
M1 Toll
Fans travelling by car should note that the cost of the M1 Toll will increase again this weekend (from July 1) and will cost €2.10 each way for a car.
Public transport
If you haven’t already purchased bus or rail tickets, you need to act fast. There are only limited options available for Translink ’s rail specials for both days and these are likely to sell out before the weekend. A return from Portadown to Dublin is £34 while a return from Derry is £51.
Derry and Tyrone fans can avail of Translink’s bus special, priced between £34 and £38 with various pick up points around the two counties.
The Saturday, July 1 special departing from Cookstown also stops in Armagh and Monaghan fans should note Bus Éireann have limited availability on their coaches.
Car parking
Expect to pay €10 for almost all car parks in the Croke Park area, but options are extremely limited. Clonliffe College remains closed. O’Connell School’s Car Park (North Circular Road) holds around 300 cars and some local schools and sports clubs offer parking.
Match day programme
A programme for the game will cost €5.
Pre-match pints (optional)
The pubs in Drumcondra used to be packed to the rafters with GAA fans on match days.
This weekend, the biggest queues will be outside the cafes and coffee shops with several famous watering holes in the area now permanently closed.
A few decent bars remain and a pint will set you back anywhere between €5 and €7.50 - but prices are higher in the city centre.
Food
Catering options within Croke Park can be limited. There are a number of fast food outlets within walking distance of the stadium and there’s always the Applegreens on the way to and from Dublin.
Overnight stay (optional)
Some fans might decide that the stress of sitting for hours in traffic after the games isn’t worth it and opt for an overnight stay in Dublin.
However, Dublin hotel prices spike during the summer months and a three-star hotel on Saturday night will cost anywhere from £185 to over £350 for a double room.
Sunday night is much cheaper with several three-star hotels available starting from £115 for a double room.
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