Celtic Park

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Lore & Background

While often associated with football clubs in other contexts, this venue was previously used as the home of Derry Celtic F.C. in the Irish League from 1900–1913. The Derry County Board purchased the ground ten years after Derry City hesitated on buying it in 1933. Over the years, Dean McGlinchey Park hosted most Derry football games, but since the 1990s, Celtic Park has established itself as the county's primary stadium.

In Their Own Story

Floodlights were erected over the end of 2007 and start of 2008, first used for the National League game between Derry and Mayo on 2 February 2008. Their official unveiling came weeks later during a tie against Tyrone on 5 April. In recent years, a £1.8 million revamp added a new all-seater stand on the Lone Moor Road side to hold 3,600 people, bringing total capacity to about 18,000 or nearly 20,000. This work included a control room, TV gantry, media room, and improved facilities, with renovations completed in time for Derry's Ulster Senior Football Championship game with Monaghan on 24 May.

Reader's Guide

The stadium hosts the Derry Senior, Intermediate, and Junior Football Championship finals. While inter-county games usually happen here, home football games are sometimes held at Owenbeg, Dungiven. Hurling games occasionally take place at Lavey or Fr. McNally Park in Banagher. In 2026, League of Ireland side Derry City played several games here while their own pitch was being replaced. That same year, Find Insurance signed a multi-year deal to sponsor the stadium and the association's centre of excellence.

Did You Know?

• Celtic Park was originally the home of Derry Celtic F.C. from 1900 to 1913 before becoming a GAA stadium.
• Derry City hesitated on purchasing the ground in 1933, allowing the Derry County Board to buy it ten years later.
• In 2026, the League of Ireland's Derry City played several home games here while their own pitch was being relaid.
• Floodlights were first used for a match against Mayo on 2 February 2008, with an official unveiling held during a game against Tyrone in April.
• A £1.8 million redevelopment added a new stand capable of holding 3,600 people, completed by May 2009.