Places FSU football fans should visit in Dublin, Ireland before visiting Georgia Tech
History and location of Aviva Stadium before the Florida State football game
Florida State and Georgia Tech will play in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on August 24, 2024.
Pack your bags and get your passports out, the Florida State football team is coming to Ireland.
Kickoff against Georgia Tech is just days away and Seminole fans will make the 4,000-mile journey to the Emerald Isle to face the Yellow Jackets in Week Zero.
Kick-off of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic is on Saturday at 12:00 noon at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Many FSU fans take the opportunity to explore Dublin and the wider area in the lead up to the game, so where should those who have never been to Ireland before go?
Here are some places to visit and things to know while in Ireland’s capital.
These tips are presented by FSU beat writer and U.S.-Irish dual citizen Liam Rooney and Irish Consul General in Miami Sarah Kavanagh, with whom the Democrat spoke during her visit to Tallahassee in August.
Visit one of the many local museums
There are a number of museums to visit in the Dublin area. Some of them deal in detail with the history of the country, others offer a glimpse of the wider world and the arts.
From Dublina, a site that offers a glimpse into Viking exploration and medieval Dublin, to the National Museum of Ireland, there is a wide range of historical museums in the area. For art, you can visit the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History or the National Gallery of Ireland.
Kavanagh said she likes the national museums and the proximity to each other, but beyond that, she also recommends some of her other favorite places for history buffs to check out.
“I love history, so I would recommend Dublin Castle, the EPIC Museum and Christchurch Cathedral,” said Kavanagh. “There is an entrance fee, but it’s worth it.”
During Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell’s visit to Ireland in March, he took a trip to the EPIC Museum and gave his recommendation for X, formerly Twitter.
Check out the various restaurants and pubs in the area
Food and drink play a big role in Ireland. Restaurants and pubs line the streets of Dublin, giving Seminole fans plenty of choice.
Walking around the city and exploring it will give the thousands of fans making the trip abroad a different experience. Kavanagh suggests Seminole fans try their favorite order.
“We have many great restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world,” said Kavanagh. “Of course, it’s hard to beat a toasted special (a toasted sandwich with ham, cheese, onions and tomatoes) with a side of French fries in a cozy Irish pub.”
What will the weather be like in Ireland and what should fans pack?
On the journey from Tallahassee to Dublin, fans will experience many climatic changes: It will probably be significantly cooler in the Irish capital than the sweltering heat of 32 degrees in the Florida capital.
The weather forecast for the game currently predicts temperatures around 18 degrees and a 40 percent chance of rain.
In cooler climates, jackets and layers are a must. Kavanagh believes fans will explore Dublin regardless of the climate.
“Dublin is a great city for walking, so I would say always wear comfortable walking shoes and enjoy your walk,” said Kavanagh. “I would also recommend several layers of clothing, a cardigan or hoodie that you can take off when the sun is beating down, which sometimes happens. Wear sunscreen, that’s a rule for all countries.”
Take tours to different places in the city
There is a lot to do in Dublin and some of the best sights often cannot be listed, but Kavanagh said there are some fan favourites for those travelling to the game.
“People love visiting the breweries and distilleries and the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery are extremely popular,” said Kavanagh.
Visit the iconic red facade of Temple Bar or the many restaurants and shops lining Dublin’s streets. A trip to St. Stephen’s Green offers travelers the chance to experience Ireland’s nature and history in the heart of the city.
As the crowds flock to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, a stadium tour earlier in the week could be an exciting way to start.
A tour of Croke Park, the stadium for Ireland’s Gaelic football and hurling games, also gives fans an insight into the country’s unique sports.
FSU football vs. Georgia Tech: How to watch
- Date: Saturday, August 24
- Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription required), fuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)
Florida State Football Schedule 2024
- Week 0: vs. Georgia Tech, Saturday, August 24, 12:00 p.m. in Dublin, Ireland
- Week 1: vs. Boston College, Monday, September 2, 7:30 p.m.
- Week 2: Open
- Week 3: vs. Memphis, Saturday, September 14, 12:00 p.m.
- Week 4: vs. California, Saturday, September 21
- Week 5: at SMU, Saturday, September 28
- Week 6: vs. Clemson, Saturday, October 5
- Week 7: Open
- Week 8: at Duke, Friday, October 18, 7 p.m.
- Week 9: in Miami, Saturday, October 26
- Week 10: vs. North Carolina, Saturday, November 2
- Week 11: in Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, November 9
- Week 12: Open
- Week 13: vs. Charleston Southern, Saturday, November 23
- Week 14: vs. Florida, Saturday, November 30
Liam Rooney covers sports prep for the Tallahassee Democrat. Reach him via email at [email protected] or on Twitter at @__liamrooney
