Ireland is a double-whammy when it comes to sports. Not only is the general population intensely dedicated to consuming them, but they are notoriously committed to participating in them. We are talking about a country of both doers and watchers.
This isn’t something you can say about locales across the globe. Americans, as an example, are more bent on consuming sports than participating in them. The circular interest from those in Ireland, as such, makes for a truly intriguing list of the country’s most popular sports.
Typically, these lists are populated according to the most consumed pro leagues. And make no mistake, there is an element of that—especially nowadays, with more and more fans descending upon sites like Bovada to bet on their rooting interests.
Still, more than many other countries, the most popular sports in Ireland are heavily shaped by what everyday citizens and amateurs like to do in their spare time, as either hobbies or passions. Knowing this, you should be able to guess a couple of inclusions near the top of the pecking order. Others, though, might surprise you.
So which sports ultimately crack the list of the most popular sports to play and watch in Ireland? Let’s find out.
1. Gaelic Football
This is perhaps the sport everyone could have predicted would not only crack the list, but lead it. And frankly, there is no option that comes close to catching its popularity, whether you are talking about professionals or amateurs.
Longevity is among its most crowning achievements. Gaelic Football has been around for over 700 years. During that time, it has sustained and grown its reach by acting as a middle ground between soccer, rugby, and American football. It is played using a round ball, which players handle and pass with both their hands and feet. While 15 players populate each squad, there is only one official to oversee the action.
“Ireland established the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in 1884 to promote the sport nationwide, founding this organisation in response to England’s Rugby Football Union and Football Association. The GAA played a crucial role in collaborating with all Irish counties and creating a national-level championship. Irish Gaelic football teams have been playing matches against each other for over ten decades in Croke Park, Dublin. Croke Park is one of the most beautiful stadiums in Dublin, hosting All-Ireland competitions since 1895. It has a capacity of over 80,000 spectators, creating an enthusiastic sporting atmosphere and allowing fans to support their favourite teams.” — The Sporting Blog
Truthfully, the capacity of Croke Park says it all. Stadiums that fit over 80,000 fans are only reserved for the most popular of events.
2. Soccer/Football
Americans know it as soccer. Europeans call it football. No matter its preferred name, it is considered a global pastime.
Pretty much every country across the world counts soccer/football as one of its premier draws. Even in nations that previously didn’t value it, the proliferation and popularity of the FIFA World Cup, not to mention the Olympic games, has helped entrench it as one of the most popular events any country has to offer.
Ireland is no exception. This has been one of its mainstay sporting events for centuries. And its popularity shows no signs of slowing.
Consider this: During the 2024 season, 788,940 fans attended League of Ireland Games, according to data from the Republic of Ireland Player Tracking. For the current season, this number is projected to hit 967,000 attendees. That’s almost a 20 percent increase in gate attendance, which is a massive jump when talking about a sport and league that’s been around for a long time.
3. Rugby
If you’re sensing a theme for Ireland’s most popular sports, you are not going to be alone. They clearly value hard-nosed, blue-chip activities that incorporate both physicality and skill.
Rugby has long been a staple in the country and is gaining more traction in recent years. It certainly helps that Ireland won the Six Nations Championships in 2023, a competition overseen by the Irish Rugby Football Union, which encompasses 56 different clubs. Plus, according to The Sporting Blog, around 13 percent of all Irish fans identify Rugby as their sport of choice.
This is another instance where the proof is in the attendance capacity. The biggest Rugby venue in Ireland is Aviva Stadium, which can fit more than 51,000 fans. For context, this is about the size and scope of NFL team stadiums in the United States.
4. Golf
While Golf may check in slightly higher than most expect, it makes sense when you consider two factors.
First and foremost: Ireland is home to some of the most famous golf courses in the world. These links are renowned for both their breathtaking views and difficulty levels, and they are among the country’s largest tourist draws.
Equally important: Pro golfers from the country have helped put the sport higher up on Ireland’s radar. From Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington to Shane Lowry and Darren Clarke, The Emerald Isle has found itself well-represented on golf’s biggest stages for longer than many realize.
5. Horse Racing
Though the popularity of horse racing has slowed down in many parts of the world, it remains ingrained into Irish culture. Nearly 40 percent of residents have what they call “an interest” in horse racing, according to The Sporting Blog. And that apparently represents an increase over a reported 20 percent back in 2020.
Tournaments in Ireland and Great Britain have proven to be significant draws among Irish fans in recent years. This has invariably led to an increase in horse owner retention rates, as well as overall viewership.
Of course, this fifth and final spot does not go unchallenged. Hurling has a strong case, though there have been an increasing number of attempts to limit its activity. Basketball has also started catching on across Ireland in a big way. And as an active culture, residents of Ireland also have a keen interest in running-style events: track-and-field, road-running, mountain running, race walking, ultra-distance running, etc.
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