Coming to Dublin for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic? Make O’Connell’s Bar part of your Dublin experience.
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, the TCU Horned Frogs will take on the UNC Tar Heels at 5:00 pm at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, officially opening the 2026 U.S. college football season.
More than 14,000 American fans are expected to travel to Ireland for the game, bringing a huge American college football atmosphere to Dublin.
And there is plenty to make this year’s game special. UNC will be led by legendary coach Bill Belichick, the eight-time Super Bowl winner, while County Down native Adam McCann Gibbs could make his college football debut for the Tar Heels in Dublin.
The College Football Classic has become a major event on Dublin’s sporting calendar. Last year’s game attracted 47,226 spectators, including almost 23,000 visitors from the United States, and generated an estimated €132 million for the Irish economy.
Why visit O’Connell’s?
Located right beside O’Connell Bridge in the heart of Dublin city centre, O’Connell’s is an easy place to meet before or after the game, with major bus and train connections nearby.
We’re known for friendly Irish service, a great selection of Irish whiskey and beer, good-value food and live sport across more than 10 TVs.
Our experienced team — Mike, Brian, owner Pius and manager Declan — will be happy to recommend an Irish beer or whiskey, talk football, or give you some local tips on what to see and where to go in Dublin.
Whether you’re here for the game, the atmosphere, or simply your first proper Irish pub experience, O’Connell’s is ready to welcome college football fans from both sides of the Atlantic.
See you in Dublin — and enjoy the game!