The FAI Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin is the showpiece domestic cup event in Irish football, bringing together the finalists from the season-long knockout competition. For punters, it is one of the highest-profile single League of Ireland betting events of the year.
About the FAI Cup
The FAI Cup is a knockout competition open to clubs from all tiers of Irish football, including League of Ireland Premier and First Division sides, as well as lower league amateur clubs. Giant-killing is a real possibility in the early rounds, but by the final, it is typically two Premier Division clubs competing.
The final is played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, usually in November. It is a one-off fixture with no replay provision — if the game is level after 90 minutes, extra time and a penalty shootout determine the winner.
Betting Markets
- Match result (90 minutes): This is typically offered rather than the outright winner market, as extra time is possible
- Outright winner (including extra time and penalties): The full result market
- Both teams to score: FAI Cup finals tend to be cagey; research recent head-to-head
- First scorer / anytime scorer: Available at major bookmakers for cup finals
- In-play: Full in-play markets available for the final
Outright FAI Cup Winner
Outright markets for the FAI Cup winner are available from the start of the season or after the draw is made for each round. Research shows Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians, St Patrick's Athletic, Shelbourne and Derry City are the most frequent contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAI Cup Final: Structure & Key Markets
| Market | Description | Settlement Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Match Result (90 mins) | Home/Draw/Away | Extra time & pens excluded unless stated |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes/No | 90 minutes only |
| Total Goals | Over/Under 2.5 | 90 minutes only |
| First Goalscorer | Named player | Any time goals = void typically |
| Correct Score | Exact score | 90 minutes only |
| Outright Cup Winner | Pre-semi-final | NRNR void if team withdraws |
FAI Cup Final Betting Tips
- FAI Cup Final typically held at Aviva Stadium in Dublin in November
- Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and St Patrick's Athletic most frequent modern finalists
- Cup final often tighter than league form suggests; set pieces and dead balls crucial
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS) has landed in 6 of last 10 FAI Cup finals (approx.)
FAI Cup Final: Betting Markets
| Market | Settlement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Match winner | 90 min + extra time + penalties | Draw sends to extra time/pens |
| 90-minute result (1X2) | 90 minutes only | Draw is a valid outcome |
| First goalscorer | First goal of match | Void if player doesn't start |
| Both teams to score | 90 minutes | Very common in cup finals |
| Total goals | 90 minutes + ET if applicable | Check bookmaker terms |
| Winning margin | 90 min + ET + pens | 1 goal/2 goals/3+/pens |
| Man of the Match | Bookmaker's judge | Single player selection |
FAI Cup Final: History and Key Facts
- Played at Aviva Stadium (capacity 51,700) in Dublin in November — season finale for League of Ireland
- Shelbourne hold the most FAI Cup wins (13); Dundalk and Bohemians are also regular finalists
- The cup is open to all clubs — League of Ireland Premier and First Division, plus Intermediate level
- Extra time and penalties are used if scores are level after 90 minutes in the final
- Betting markets open approximately 2–4 weeks before the final once both finalists are known
- In-play betting is available during the match — popular for first goal and correct score markets
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The FAI Cup Final is played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the national football stadium with a capacity of approximately 51,000.
Yes. If the match is level after 90 minutes, extra time is played. If still level, a penalty shootout determines the winner. Bet on the outright winner (including extra time and penalties) if you want your bet to cover the full result.
Yes. GRAI-licensed bookmakers offer match betting for FAI Cup rounds from the third round onwards. The final and semi-finals have the deepest markets.
Shamrock Rovers hold the most FAI Cup titles historically. However, the competition has had varied winners in recent years. Check current odds at a GRAI-licensed bookmaker for the latest favourite.