Solitude

Solitude is a football stadium in north Belfast. It belongs to Cliftonville, Ireland’s oldest football club, and is the oldest stadium in Ireland. Built in 1890, it has seen many changes over the years. The ground once held two pitches and now has a modern 3G surface. A new stand for away fans was added in 2002, and another stand behind the east goal opened in 2008. The stadium’s floodlights reach 35 metres and were first used in 2009. The ground has a long history with the game. It hosted eleven Ireland internationals in the 1890s and early 1900s. The first-ever penalty in international football was taken there. In 1894, Ireland drew 2–2 with England after thirteen attempts. The Main Stand, built in the 1950s, is now closed but still holds the club’s social club. The McAlery Stand, opened in 2008, replaced an older structure and provides new dressing rooms. Visitors find a mix of old and new at Solitude. The closed Main Stand has two tiers, one with terracing and seating. The McAlery Stand seats 1,600 and houses facilities for players. The away end, known as the Bowling Green End, has an 880-seat covered stand. The Waterworks side has a grass bank and television gantry. Floodlights stand tall at 35 metres, lighting the pitch for matches.