Hibs unveil first pre-season friendly opponent as summer training base announced and free pints for fans
Hibs have revealed who is up first on their summer pre-season schedule.
Hibs will head to Dublin for pre-season preparations this summer, where travelling fans are set for a party in the Republic of Ireland’s capital.
The Premiership club have announced a pre-season friendly with Shamrock Rovers as David Gray takes his team across the water ahead of the 2026/27 season. Hibs will be based in Dublin from the week commencing June 29th and will face League of Ireland opposition a day later as part of their new term preparations.
As part of the match build-up and the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations, Hibs have also confirmed a fanzone in the Temple Bar area of the city, where they will be treated to a free pint of Guinness and appearances from former players. A statement reads: “We are excited to announce that the Hibees will head to Dublin this summer for our pre-season training camp ahead of the start of the 2026/27 campaign!
Who will Hibs play in pre-season?
“As part of our 150th Celebrations, the Club will head to Ireland – a country with historic links to Hibernian FC since our initial founding in 1875. The Hibees will be based in Dublin for the week commencing 29 June and we are excited to announce the details of our showpiece fixture and fanzone ahead of the trip. As part of the trip, we will play Shamrock Rovers at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin on Tuesday 30 June; kick-off at 8pm!
“Ahead of our friendly fixture against Shamrock Rovers, we will be taking over 'Buskers on the Ball’, located on Fleet Street in the iconic Temple Bar area of Dublin. Open from 2pm, supporters can expect live music all day long alongside former player appearances and guest interviews. In addition, fans can make the most of a range of activities including pool tables, interactive darts, shuffleboard and much more to enjoy throughout the day.
“Street food will be available to purchase, whilst your first Guinness is on us – with a welcome drink included as part of the fanzone entry fee for those who purchase in advance. This fanzone will be a ticketed event with tickets on sale now for £17.50 per person. Over 18's only.”
What has David Gray said about Hibs’ European chase?
Head coach Gray will hope he heads to Dublin with a Conference League second round qualifier spot booked. His team lost 2-0 at Aberdeen on Saturday, and next up as the post-split fixtures against top six opposition begin is Hearts at Easter Road, with Gray well aware five big displays will be needed to achieve their goal. They are fifth and three points off Motherwell who currently sit where they’d like to reside.
“Now we go into the split, and there’s no better fixture for the players and supporters to look forward to than a derby to try and get a reaction,” Gray told Hibs TV. “I’ve just reminded the players of that. We’ve got five games to go. We haven’t lost ground on Motherwell because of other results, but we do have a game less, so it makes it more difficult.
“Do we feel it’s an opportunity missed? Yes, given how we came into the game. But we can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We can still achieve what we set out to do. It’s going to be tough, it will take five big performances, but I believe in the group and I believe we’re good enough to do it.”