Ireland is a sporting country. We’ve produced some of the finest sportspeople in the world in disciplines like fighting, racing, football, rugby and many more. Our sportspeople have an impact all over the world inspiring young and old and bringing home gold medals from the biggest competitions in the world like the Olympics and around the country in our native games Hurling and Gaelic Football. There are some brilliant competitions and fixtures at home every year, the majority in the capital city in huge venues like Aviva Stadium and the famous Croke Park. Here are some brilliant Irish sporting events to look forward to in 2024.
GAA
GAA encompasses our two national sports, hurling and Gaelic football. Every year there is a battle on the pitch from April to July in the provincial championships where each county has a chance to compete in the championships. The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship is set to get underway on 28th July 2024 when the two best teams will fight for the Sam Maguire Cup at Croke Park. Dublin are the defending champions after beating record holders Kerry in the 2023 showpiece by just two points (1-15 to 1-13). The 2024 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final is the 137th event of its kind and the culmination of the 2024 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. Reigning champions Limerick are looking to uphold their four-year winning streak on 21st July 2024.
American Football
While it’s not an expected sight on the Irish events calendar, it has become normal to see American cousins playing friendlies on Irish soil and we welcome them with open arms. Notre Dame and Navy’s return to Dublin in 2023 was a roaring success playing to sell out crowd and bringing a fun and friendly atmosphere to the city. This year, Florida State take on Georgia Tech at Dublin Aviva Stadium on 24th August 2024 and we’re looking forward to an influx of visitors to the emerald isle. Preceded by K State v Iowa State on 23rd of August and followed by Pittsburgh v Wisconsin on 28th, it’s a week of exciting US fixtures.
Football
Both national and international football are a big deal in Ireland. This year we’re excited that the Euros return (albeit not in Ireland!) because it brings a great atmosphere to our pubs and homes. At home however, the main sporting events include a tense head-to-head between Ireland and England in the Aviva Stadium as part of the UEFA Nations League on 7th September. Ireland and Finland also go head-to-head in the Aviva Stadium on 14th November in their UEFA Nations League clash. There are countless local and League of Ireland matches to support in communities all over the country too.
Rugby
Ireland has a fantastic history and track record in Rugby, winning numerous prestigious titles including the Grand Slam, and finishing top of the pool in the Ruby World Cup on two occasions. This year, a highlight of the rugby calendar is sure to be Ireland V New Zealand in the Autumn Series, taking place in the Aviva Stadium on 8th November. We won’t have long to wait for the next fixture against Argentina on 15th November or Fiji on 23rd November, finishing the busy month against Australia on 30th November. We’ll have a rugby-filled November with fans from all over the world coming to support the Boys in Green
What Else is Happening in Dublin?
One of the main events in Dublin in 2024 is the arrival of popstar Taylor Swift to the Aviva Stadium on 28th June for the Eras Tour, something many thousands are looking forward to. Pride is celebrated in Dublin in June, with a parade and festival atmosphere all around the city on June 29th – the ideal come down after the high of the night before! AC/DC light up Croke Park on 18th August, Niall Horan plays The Royal Hospital Kilmainham on 23rd & 24th August and Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour is gracing Croke Park on 29th August 2024. The Dublin events calendar is packed in 2024!
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