You have probably heard the big names heading to Cork this summer — but knowing how to get in, where to sit, and what to expect at Virgin Media Park makes all the difference. The venue, which reopened under its current name in 2023 after decades as Musgrave Park, is the city’s main outdoor hub for rugby and concerts. This guide walks you through the essentials for any event in 2026.

4 related posts

Capacity: Up to 10,000 ·
Opened: 1940 ·
Renamed to Virgin Media Park: 2023 ·
Home to: Munster Rugby, Dolphin RFC, Sunday’s Well RFC ·
Nearest train station: Cork Kent Station (1.5 km)

Quick snapshot

1Former Name
2Location
3Capacity
4Transport

The seven key facts below cover location, capacity, history, tenants, and access.

Field Value
Location Pearse Road, Ballyphehane, Cork City
Capacity Up to 10,000
Opened 1940 (as Musgrave Park)
Current Name Since 2023 (Virgin Media Park)
Primary Tenants Munster Rugby, Dolphin RFC, Sunday’s Well RFC
Nearest Train Cork Kent Station (1.5 km)
Parking Limited on-site; nearby paid car parks and Park & Ride

What was the previous name of Virgin Media Park Cork?

Before the rebrand, the venue was known as Musgrave Park, a name it carried from its opening in 1940 until 2023 (Transport for Ireland – venue details).

Why was Musgrave Park renamed?

  • The naming rights were sold under a multi-year sponsorship deal with Virgin Media, announced in 2023 (Ticketmaster Ireland – venue page).
  • The change aligned the venue name with Virgin Media’s brand identity across Ireland.

Who is Musgrave Park named after?

Bottom line: The venue kept its original honour to Jimmy Musgrave for 83 years before a commercial sponsorship brought the Virgin Media name. Fans still often refer to it by both names, but the official name is now Virgin Media Park.

Where in Cork is Virgin Media Park?

The venue sits on Pearse Road in the Ballyphehane suburb, roughly 2 km south of Cork city centre (Transport for Ireland – location).

What is the address of Virgin Media Park?

Pearse Road, Ballyphehane, Cork, Ireland.

Is Virgin Media Park close to Cork city centre?

  • About 2 km – a 25-minute walk, 10-minute bus ride, or short taxi hop.
  • Nearby landmarks: Cork Kent Railway Station (1.5 km), Cork City Hall, and Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

How to get to Virgin Media Park by car or public transport?

  • Train: Alight at Cork Kent Station, then walk or take bus routes 202/202A (Transport for Ireland – public transport advice).
  • Bus: Routes 202 and 202A stop within 500 m.
  • Car: Use the N40 southbound, exit at the Ballyphehane junction.
What to watch

Public transport before and after concerts can get packed. Allow an extra three hours for travel to and from the venue, as official guidance suggests (Nialler9 – concert guide).

The implication: getting to and from the venue will eat more time than the show itself if you do not plan the return leg.

Who is playing at Virgin Media Park in 2026?

The 2026 line-up already includes a mix of Irish and international acts, plus regular Munster Rugby home matches.

What concerts are scheduled at Virgin Media Park in 2026?

What rugby matches are at Virgin Media Park in 2026?

  • Munster Rugby home games in the United Rugby Championship (URC) season — dates confirmed on the Munster Rugby – official club site.
  • Possible international friendlies and youth rugby events.
The catch

Exact 2026 concert line-up beyond early 2025 announcements may change. Always check the official venue or Ticketmaster page before buying resale tickets.

Where to park for Virgin Media Park Cork?

On-site parking is extremely limited, so most visitors rely on nearby paid car parks or public transport.

Is there on-site parking at Virgin Media Park?

Yes, but capacity is small and pre-booking is strongly recommended (Transport for Ireland – parking note).

What are the best car parks near Virgin Media Park?

  • Black Ash Park & Ride – south of the city, shuttle to the venue.
  • Cork City Council car parks on Evergreen Street and Tucker Street (paid, 15-20 min walk).
  • Street parking in Ballyphehane residential areas – but check restrictions, especially on event days.

Is there free parking near Virgin Media Park Cork?

No dedicated free parking. Some residential streets offer free parking but are often full and have permit zones near the venue. Best bet: Park & Ride or car parks (Transport for Ireland – parking guidance).

Bottom line: For concert-goers: book a Park & Ride spot in advance. For rugby fans: arrive early and use the city-centre car parks. Both groups face a 15–30 minute walk, so wear comfortable shoes.

Who owns Virgin Media Park?

Does Munster Rugby own Virgin Media Park?

No – the venue is owned by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) Munster Branch and operated by Munster Rugby in partnership with Virgin Media under the naming rights deal (Munster Rugby – official statement).

What is the ownership structure of Virgin Media Park?

A three-way arrangement: the land and infrastructure belong to the IRFU Munster Branch, day-to-day management falls to Munster Rugby, and Virgin Media holds commercial sponsorship rights through 2028 (according to Ticketmaster Ireland – venue description).

Timeline signal

  • 1940 – Opens as Musgrave Park, named after Jimmy Musgrave.
  • 1990s–2010s – Regular Munster Rugby home matches and international games.
  • 2018 – Major refurbishment: new floodlights, upgraded facilities.
  • 2023 – Renamed Virgin Media Park under multi-year sponsorship.
  • 2024 – Hosts major concerts: Bruce Springsteen, The Cure.
  • 2025–2026 – Further concerts; Oasis reunion tour expected (not yet confirmed).

Confirmed facts

  • Venue is on Pearse Road, Ballyphehane, Cork.
  • Renamed to Virgin Media Park in 2023.
  • Capacity up to 10,000 for concerts.
  • Owned by IRFU Munster Branch.

What’s unclear

  • Exact 2026 concert line-up beyond early 2025 announcements (subject to changes).
  • Future naming rights beyond current Virgin Media deal.
  • Planned upgrades or capacity expansions.

What the experts say

“This is an exciting step for Munster Rugby and for Cork as a live entertainment destination. The new name reflects a modern partnership while retaining the venue’s deep sporting roots.”

— Munster Rugby official statement (2023), via Munster Rugby – official club site

“Park & Ride services operate from Black Ash and Carrigaline, providing the most reliable option for concert-goers. Expect delays on match days.”

— Cork City Council transport guide, referenced by Transport for Ireland – national transport authority

Additional sources

irelandledger.net, en.perto.com, gigtotem.com, shazam.com, livenation.com, purecork.ie, songkick.com

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Frequently asked questions

Can I bring bags to Virgin Media Park?

Small bags (A4 size or smaller) are allowed, but large backpacks, suitcases, and professional camera bags are not permitted. Check your event’s specific bag policy on the Ticketmaster Ireland – official ticketing partner page.

Are there ATMs on site at Virgin Media Park?

Limited ATMs are available inside the venue, but queues form quickly. Bring cash or use contactless payment at bars and food stalls.

What time do doors open for concerts at Virgin Media Park?

For most concerts, doors open at 5:00 PM, the show starts at 6:00 PM, and last entry is 9:30 PM (Nialler9 – concert guide timing).

Is there a box office at Virgin Media Park?

Yes, the box office is located at the Pearse Road entrance, near Gate C (Nialler9 – venue map).

Can I take photos at Virgin Media Park events?

Mobile phone photography is usually allowed. Professional cameras with detachable lenses are banned unless you have media accreditation. Drones are prohibited.

Is Virgin Media Park suitable for children?

Yes, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Some concerts and rugby matches offer family zones. Check with the event organiser.

Are there food and drink vendors at the venue?

Multiple food and drink outlets operate inside the stadium, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Alcohol is sold but may be restricted to certain areas.

Related reading

For anyone planning a trip to Virgin Media Park in 2026, the decisions matter: booking transport before the ticket, choosing the right entrance based on your seat colour, and arriving early enough to clear security. For casual concert-goers, the easiest option is the Park & Ride or a train to Cork Kent Station and a 15-minute walk. For rugby die-hards, the same route applies but with a pint at a city-centre pub beforehand. The implication is clear: plan ahead, or waste half the night in a queue.