Lahinch Golf Club, Co. Clare
The Irish are passionate about sport – watching, playing or just talking about it is a favourite national pastime. Avid golfers will tell you it’s one of the best places in the world to play golf, rugby enthusiasts will say there is nowhere with more passionate fans, and that’s before we even mention Gaelic games, Ireland’s native sports.
All of which make it a great destination for sports aficionados looking to catch some world-class competitions or even try their hand at something new.
The island has a well-deserved reputation for excellent golf facilities with over 400 courses ranging from gentle links and parkland courses to challenging championship courses. Among these is the world’s number one, Royal County Down, and stunning Royal Portrush, which recently hosted The Open Championship. This means that whatever your level of golfing ability, you will find the perfect place for an enjoyable round of golf on the island.
For those looking to see the experts at play, there are a number of upcoming tournaments. County Clare will take centre stage next September when the renowned Lahinch Golf Club welcomes the Walker Cup (5–6 September 2026) and the Trump International Golf Club in Doonbeg hosts the Amgen Irish Open (10–13 September 2026). Both tournaments will give visitors the chance to see exceptional golf in the spectacular setting of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Looking further ahead, gorgeous Adare Manor, County Limerick, will be the location for the 100th anniversary of the Ryder Cup (17–19 September 2027).
Croke Park Stadium, Dublin
Rugby fans don’t have long to wait until the thrilling Six Nations Championship kicks off again in February. The annual rugby union competition sees England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales battling it out for glory. Three of the matches (14 February, 6 and 14 March) will take place in Dublin in the ultra-modern Aviva Stadium where 50,000 spectators will create an electric atmosphere and an unforgettable fan experience.
And even if you are not lucky enough to get a ticket for a match, you can still enjoy the friendly rivalries by watching it in one of the many pubs around Dublin that will be buzzing with the excitement of the competition and a great party atmosphere.
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
The Aviva Stadium will be the location for more epic sports battles in August when it hosts the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The competition brings the full American football experience to Ireland with top team TCU Horned Frogs going up against North Carolina Tar Heels in the opening match of the 2026 college football season (29 August 2026). As well as the on-pitch excitement, there will be pre-game tailgates, pep rallies, marching bands, cheerleaders, and a halftime show.
Sports lovers visiting Ireland should also make sure to seek out the uniquely Irish experience of watching a Gaelic football, hurling or camogie match at Croke Park. Hurling is one of the oldest and fastest field sports in the world, dating back 2,000 years and, together with camogie, is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Take time to visit the GAA Museum at Croke Park, which gives a fascinating insight into the history of Gaelic games and their place in Irish culture. And to go a step further, there are numerous places across the island where you can learn more about Gaelic sports and have a go yourself.
Aer Lingus College Football Series
ARTICLE CREDIT; TOURISM IRELAND www.ireland.com
