The occasions and stadia are there to enjoy, from soccer to racing to GAA. Here are the top ten sporting events in Ireland you must attend.
Ireland is a country that is vibrant with sports of all kinds. It is loved in every corner of every province and finds itself right at home in all of Ireland’s 32 counties.
To go with this sporting fever, Ireland has created some truly amazing sporting events that will rank as some of the best occasions you will ever attend.
From homegrown sports to some of the most popular sports in the world, here are the top ten sporting events in Ireland you must attend.
10. All Ireland Poc Fada Championship – over six decades of history
Kicking off our list of the top ten sporting events in Ireland you must attend is the All Ireland Poc Fada Championship.
It requires Ireland’s top hurlers and camogie players to come together to see who can hit a sliotar (hurling ball) around a 5 km (3.11 miles) course.
9. World Irish Dancing Championships – a global Irish event
Irish dancing is an incredible skill, and the World Irish Dancing Championships are well-deserving of a place on our list of the best sporting events in Ireland you must attend.
While some competitions are held globally, more often than not they are held in the capital, Dublin.
8. Dublin City Marathon – scores of people on the city streets
The Dublin City Marathon is held annually in October, with this year’s event taking place in the capital on 29 October, commencing at 8:45 am.
It is an extremely popular event, where scores of people take part to beat their personal records and demonstrate their fitness prowess across the city streets, all while raising money for charity.
7. North West 200 – Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event
Held in County Antrim, the North West 200 is an exhilarating motorcycle event and, what’s more, has been dubbed Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event. It attracts 150,000 spectators.
The motorcyclists race around the famous Causeway Coast for 14.4km (8.97 miles). The North West 200 is an event not to be missed.
6. FAI Cup Final – Ireland’s top soccer event
Held in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the FAI Cup Final is another fantastic occasion, especially if you are a soccer fan.
Last time out, Derry City defeated Shelbourne 4-0 to take the crown. The 2023 event will be the 103rd edition of the prestigious cup.
If you are here and are a soccer fan, check out matchbreak packages for some of Europe’s top teams at GO Sport Travel.
5. Irish Derby at The Curragh – a jackpot of a million euros
Horseracing is a very popular sport in Ireland, and thus the Irish Derby at the Curragh kicks off our top five picks for the sporting events in Ireland you must attend.
It is held in Newbridge, County Kildare and takes place every June or July. There is a total purse of €1 million for the winner.
See where the Curragh ranks on our list of the biggest Irish horse racing events not to be missed.
4. Irish PGA Championship – major golfing event in Ireland
Golf has become one of the most popular sports in Ireland, with some of the best golfers in the world to show. Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Padraic Harrington, to name but a few.
There is, therefore, no shock that the Irish PGA Championship is one of the most popular sporting events in Ireland. It is held in various locations across the Emerald Isle.
3. Ireland v England at the Six Nations – an intense rivalry
Ireland v England in Dublin is always an incredible affair. None more so than this year. Picture the stakes: Ireland v England, in Dublin, on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, with an Ireland win guaranteeing the Grand Slam.
Much else need not be said for this entry, coming in at number three on our list of the best sporting events in Ireland you must attend.
2. All-Ireland Hurling Final – one of the best sporting events in Ireland you must attend
It would be easy to bunch the All-Ireland finals together, but the hurling deserves its own spot. At its peak, hurling is perhaps the best spectacle in the world to watch.
The intensity, skill, and determination are superb to watch. Mix in Croke Park and the fever of the crowd, then you’ve definitely got one of the best sporting events in Ireland you must attend.
1. All-Ireland Football Final – Gaelic football’s premier game
Taking top spot on our list of sporting events in Ireland you must attend is the All-Ireland Football Final. The annual occasion leads to fever in the capital as 82,300 people pack into Croke Park to watch Gaelic football’s premier game.
Anyone who has been to an All-Ireland Football Final can attest to the atmosphere, the occasion, and the quality on display. No other choice can supersede the All-Ireland Football Final.
Get featured on Ireland Before You Die
Do you want to get your Irish business more online exposure? Especially to those interested in travelling the best places in Ireland? Then why not get a dedicated feature on Ireland Before You Die. Find out more here.Legal Disclaimer
We cover articles relating to many activities. Some of our articles showcase gaming and gambling as activities. While we do not take money for bets or own any gambling venues, we feel it is important that our readers know the risks of such venues or sites that we may mention in our articles. Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. See our legal disclaimer for more info.
