In Scotland’s biggest city (but not the capital!) football is priority number one. Proud fans, magnificent history and good football are more than enough reasons to visit Celtic Park. Superb and green, just like the club.
Since the foundation of the Scottish Premiership in 2013, Celtic has won the league title nine times. Only in 2020/21 did they lose out on the title to their biggest rival Rangers. Under the management of Brendan Rodgers, the club was unbeaten when they won the treble in 2016, with two Scottish Cups and the league title. In Europe, Celtic’s performances are a hit-and-miss but in Scotland, they are the team to beat.
Celtic’s magnificent stadium can be found in the east of Glasgow, whilst Rangers’ home ground can be found in the west. Celtic Park is Scotland’s biggest stadium but is always well-filled. During every home match, large banners are showcased on the North Curve, where the ultras of the Green Brigade are standing.
It is special to see a sea of green and white fans start singing their lungs out. Nowhere do they sing as loud as they do in Celtic Park. 60,000 Scots, as proud as they are, show their enthusiasm. ‘’When I see you, Celtic, I go out of my head, I just can’t get enough!’’ It is a song that will be stuck in your head for the rest of the week. Watching a home match of Celtic is something you will never forget.
Scotland is known for its amazing park, which you can also find close to Glasgow. The most beautiful is the massive Pollok Country Park, which was once voted the most beautiful park in Europe. The Pollok House, the old bridges and the rivers are more than worth a visit. Bellahouston Park is also nearby.
The Old Firm derby is in every ‘top ten’ list, but to be honest, it deserves to be. The passion on the pitch and the stands when Celtic and Rangers are playing against each other is a spectacle. The Old Firm is like a drama film each time. Hard tackles, plenty of chances for both sides and usually an exciting last few minutes. Former managers of both teams have said in the past that their tactical plan is thrown into the water because it is about being the best club in Glasgow. Scott Brown, who was Celtic’s captain for eleven years, is also nicknamed ‘Mr. Old Firm’.
You would expect differently at such a classical stadium, but there is not much to do in the nearby surroundings. It is somewhat grey and empty and mostly consists of parking lots. On London Road, on the southern side of the stadium, you do find a couple of nice pubs, including the Turnstiles Bar, but it is recommended to go to the city centre. The Hoops is a Celtic hotspot, located on Gallowgate 283. Given the fans’ strong Irish influences, you can also find a lot of Irish pubs. However, be aware: Never walk in the club colours of Celtic into a Rangers bar or the other way around. The rivalry between the both is deep-rooted.
Rivals Rangers are a stronghold of protestants and British unionists, whereas Celtic’s fans have Gaelic and catholic roots. Take a trip to St. Michael’s Catholic Church in the nearby neighbourhood of Parkhead to understand the full picture. The founders were not welcome in Scotland, were frowned upon and their family members were left for dead. To this day, the ultras of Celtic support those who feel suppressed, hence why you might see a Palestinian flag waving on the stands of Celtic on European nights as a sign of compassion.
Do you dare to indulge in some Scottish delicacies? Then go to one of the food stands around the stadium. This is where they can serve you ‘haggis’, a savoury pudding containing a sheep’s heart, liver and lungs. A big challenge in itself, but you will feel like a proper Scottish person. If you sip it away with a Jameson whiskey, it becomes somewhat easier. The so-called ‘Killie Pie’ sounds nicer, but what meat you can find in this dish is hard to understand due to the unintelligible Scottish accent.
You can buy tickets on Celtic’s official website. For regular games, this should be quite easy, but it is recommended to buy a membership. The Celtic Ticket Office in the stadium can also help you with this. There are also ticket offices on Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street. Be aware that the famous Old Firm is always sold-out. If you want a ticket for this match, you will almost certainly have to buy them on the black (or ‘grey’) market such as ticket sites like StubHub or Viagogo.
Celtic Park is on the eastern side of Glasgow. From the city centre, you can take bus 43 or 64 to the stadium. Get off on London Road. It will take you about thirty minutes. If you want to travel by train, then you need to get off at Dalmarnock or Bridgerton station. Both stations are a 15-minute walk away from the stadium, which is usually quite a nice walk in between all Celtic fans.
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