If you really want to feel the passion the Scots have for football, you’ll experience it at Celtic Park. Known to have some of the most dedicated fans, you can become one for the day by watching a match or taking one of their amazing stadium tours. As one of Europe’s largest stadiums, it can be seen from miles around the city.Before or after kick-off, kick-back at our nearby Glasgow City Centre George Square hotel.
As the largest football stadium in Scotland, Celtic Park holds nearly 60,500 people. Originally, the Celtic’s stadium was built somewhere in Parkhead around 1887 but they ended up moving due to an increase in the rent. Moving “leaving the graveyard to enter paradise” they up sticks and left to just 200 yards down the road. At one point, it had a cycling track, pavilion and just one wooden stand. And it wasn’t just a football stadium. Over the decades, events have included cycling championships, rugby league matches, parades for royalty and concerts performed by the likes of U2 and Prince.
Celtic Park
Statue outside Celtic Park
Celtic Park
Essential information
Top tip
Due to the lack of parking, we would advise leaving the car at home. A lot of the spaces around the park are for blue badge holders and will more often than not be booked up in advance. Don’t forget to visit The Celtic Superstore for all your memorabilia, shirts, scarves, hats, mugs and more!
And there’s no better way to get that match day feeling and learn about the club’s heritage and history than with a stadium tour. After you’ve picked up your ticket, you’ll have a look around the home team dressing room before you head down to the tunnel imagining you’re close to kick-off. Next, you’ll get a feel for what it’s like being the manager with a seat in the dugout, pitchside. Ever wanted to see a golden trophy up close? If the board room is open, you can eyeball the loot and after enjoy a short film about the club itself.
Eating and drinking
Whether you want to grab an early lunch before the game kicks off or find a bar to to have a few after match beers, there are lots of restaurants, pubs and bars relatively close to the park.
Though a little on the pricey side, the Number 7 restaurant is quite the fine dining-esque experience not to mention the stunning views overlooking the pitch. As it’s only open on Saturday evening and for Sunday lunch, it does get booked up quite fast so be sure to book ahead. For a tipple and a mingle with the home fans, the Kerrydale Bar is open for those with match day tickets.
There are a few pubs and places to eat just outside the stadium that you can soak up the atmosphere. Try The Real McCoy, The Oak Bar and Old Black Bull, all around 5 minutes away from the stadium and enjoy some good old pub grub before kick off. Don’t forget bustling Merchant City is a stone’s throw away for more food and beverage options.
Getting to Celtic Park
Getting to Celtic Park using public transport isn’t the most convenient as there’s still quite a bit of walking involved from either the bus or the train stations. However, there’s nothing better than being part of a sea of other walking fans to get you truly hyped up for the game and the atmosphere. And it’s greener!
By car
Drivers can punch in the postcode G40 3RE to their sat nav if coming by car. Parking in Janefield Street are snapped up pretty quick on a first come, first served basis.
By bus
There are a number of buses that can take you to the park. On routes 61, 62, 64, 255 and 240, press the bell at Parkhead Forge Shopping Centre before walking down to the park.
By train
From Glasgow Central station, you can get a train to Dalmarnock and do a 12 minute walk to the grounds. Or, from Queens Street station you can jump off at Bellgrove with a 15 minute walk to the Celtic Park.