SETU Arena is a major sports, fitness and events venue located at SETU’s West Campus in Carriganore, just outside Waterford city.
While many people know SETU Arena for its gym and sporting facilities, it is also one of Waterford’s most important large-scale event venues, hosting everything from concerts and exhibitions to conferences, expos and national and international sporting events.
What is SETU Arena?
SETU Arena is a large multi-purpose complex combining public fitness facilities, high-performance sport, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, activities, hospitality and a substantial conference and events venue.
Its facilities include a public gym, sports performance facilities, a 2,000 sq m indoor sports hall, grass and 3G pitches, fitness studios, meeting and training rooms, a walking and running track, café and restaurant facilities.
That mix means the Arena serves everyone from individual gym users and families to sports clubs, elite athletes, businesses, conference organisers and spectators attending major events.
Gym & Fitness
The gym includes cardio equipment such as treadmills, steppers, cross trainers, bikes and rowers alongside resistance equipment and free weights.
Fitness assessments and individually tailored exercise programmes are also available on request.
SETU Arena also runs an extensive programme of fitness classes. Its current programme includes more than 40 classes each week, with options for different fitness levels as well as virtual classes.
Sports Facilities
Sport is a major part of SETU Arena. Facilities include grass pitches, 3G playing surfaces, courts, a sports performance gym, video analysis facilities, fitness studios, dressing rooms and training equipment.
The outdoor facilities include GAA and soccer pitches together with floodlit 3G surfaces, while the indoor Sports Hall can accommodate basketball, badminton, futsal, volleyball, Olympic handball, table tennis and other activities.
SETU Arena’s Sports Hub also caters for teams and athletes through training packages, tournaments, camps, workshops, conferences and sports-performance services.
Events at SETU Arena
SETU Arena is a major Waterford venue for concerts, live entertainment, exhibitions, conferences, trade shows, sporting events and large public events.
The main events centre covers approximately 2,000 sq m and can be divided into smaller areas depending on the event. For entertainment events, SETU Arena states that it can accommodate approximately 2,000 people seated or 5,000 standing, including tiered seating for up to 800 people.
The variety is significant. Its 2026 programme has included the World GAA Games, European and All-Ireland inline hockey competitions, the IFAA European Indoor Archery Championships, A Star Wars Spectacular with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Women in Technology and the Great Agri-Food Debate.
Upcoming public events are also listed directly by the Arena, making the venue worth checking when looking for what’s on in Waterford.
Conferences & Corporate Events
SETU Arena can accommodate large national conferences and exhibitions as well as smaller meetings and corporate events.
Alongside the main events centre are meeting rooms, training rooms and studios of different sizes, allowing the venue to cater for everything from smaller business meetings to conferences, exhibitions and trade shows.
Activities & Families
SETU Arena also runs recreational activities, children’s camps, school tours, team-building activities and sports programmes.
Activities currently promoted by the Arena include archery, foot golf, archery tag and its Multiball interactive sports and gaming wall. A free 5km parkrun also takes place at the Arena on Saturday mornings.
Food & Drink
There is a Frank & Honest Café at SETU Arena serving coffee, tea, sandwiches, pastries, snacks, cold drinks, salads and other food.
The upstairs Pavilion Restaurant provides catering ranging from coffee breaks to larger dining requirements and catered events.
Getting to SETU Arena
SETU Arena is located at SETU West Campus, Carriganore, Waterford, X91 XD96.
The Arena states that parking is available for up to 800 cars, including accessible parking immediately in front of the main entrance, and EV charging is available on site.
Waterford In Your Pocket Tip
Don’t think of SETU Arena as simply a gym. Check what’s on before your visit. The Arena regularly hosts sporting competitions, concerts, exhibitions, conferences and public events, so there can be something completely different happening from one weekend to the next.
For visitors coming to Waterford for an event, it is also worth checking our What’s On listings for individual SETU Arena events, times and ticket information.
Explore beyond your visit
Combine your visit with Waterford Greenway or Mount Congreve Gardens. For meals and drinks in Waterford city centre, consider Bodega Restaurant & Wine Bar or Tully’s Bar. These are separate destinations: plan your route and transport rather than assuming they are beside the venue.
Explore more Things to Do, Where to Eat and Pubs & Bars in Waterford. Check What’s On to plan an event or evening out. Confirm opening hours and food service with your chosen venue before visiting.
Visitors travelling by car for an event or sporting visit can explore Viking Hotel Waterford on Cork Road.
For a taxi home or transport to your accommodation, contact Rapid Cabs through our business listing.
Good to Know Before You Go
Best for: Fitness, sport, concerts, exhibitions, conferences, family events and major sporting events
Location: Carriganore, Waterford
Type: Sports, Fitness & Events Venue
Indoor: Yes
Outdoor facilities: Yes
Food & drink: Café and restaurant facilities
Parking: Up to 800 cars
Accessible parking: Available close to the main entrance
Event capacity: Up to 2,000 seated / 5,000 standing
Public walking/running track: Available during opening hours
Features
- Café
- Conferences & Events
- Fitness Classes
- Gym
- Indoor Sports Hall
- Meeting Rooms
- Sports Pitches
- Walking & Running Track
