2024 Sporting Events on the Island of Ireland

Ever wondered what it's like to be part of the electric atmosphere of Irish sports? In 2024, Ireland invites you to immerse yourself in the thrill of live events. From the roar of the crowd to the spirit of competition, experience the heartbeat of Irish sports. Below, discover a handy guide to the exciting sporting events happening throughout the year and their scheduled dates.

All-Ireland Senior Hurling and Football Championships

These GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) events are among the most prestigious in Ireland, drawing massive crowds and showcasing top-level Gaelic games. The 2024 intercounty season gets underway with the staging of the National League in January, while the Championship itself commences in April with the provincial series, followed by the All-Ireland series, which culminates in July. You can learn more about the GAA and buy tickets to games across the island on GAA.ie.

Dublin Horse Show

Held at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), this international horse show is a highlight for equestrian enthusiasts and features top-class show jumping and other equine competitions. The 2024 event runs from the 14th to the 18th of August. You can learn more on the Dublin Horse Show website.

Irish Open Golf Championship

A key event on the DP World Tour, the Irish Open attracts golfers from around the world to showcase their skills on Ireland's picturesque golf courses. If golf is your sport, be sure to make your way to Royal County Down Golf Club, in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. The 2024 tournament runs from the 11th to the 15th of September. You can learn more on the European Tour website.

Dublin Marathon

The Dublin Marathon is a major annual running event that takes participants through the streets of Dublin, offering both a challenging course and a vibrant atmosphere. The 2024 edition takes place on the 27th of October. You can learn more about taking part on the Dublin Marathon website.

Six Nations Rugby Championship

Fresh off the staging of the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023, the always exciting Six Nations Rugby Championship returns in February and March. Ireland are the reigning champions, winning the Grand Slam and the Triple Crown in the last edition, and will be hoping to once again take home the silverware. Ireland will play home games in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin against Italy (11th of February), Wales (24th of February) and Scotland (16th of March). You can learn more on the Six Nations website.

Galway Races

Ireland is well-known for having some of the biggest and best horse racing festivals in the world, and the Galway Races stand among the most popular. The 2024 festival will begin on the 29th of July and run through until the 4th of August. An estimated 100,000 people are expected to attend the festival once again this year. You can learn more on the Galway Races festival website.

Irish National Ploughing Championships

While not a traditional "sporting" event, this unique competition showcases the skill of ploughmen and women from across Ireland. It’s also a great opportunity to experience the more rural side of Ireland in all its glory. The 2024 Championships will take place once again in Ratheniska, County Laois from the 17th to the 19th of September. You can learn more on the National Ploughing Association website.

Aer Lingus College Football Classic

Last but certainly not least on this list we have the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic at the Aviva Stadium on the 24th of August. It’s your chance to witness an epic gridiron showdown as Georgia Tech takes on Florida State on Irish soil. You can learn more on the College Football Ireland website.

So, what sporting events are you planning to attend in person in Ireland in 2024?

We're well into 2024 now and the sporting year is really starting to take shape! Let's take another look at the sporting calendar and see what's still ahead of us.

The GAA intercounty season is now starting to ramp up, with the conclusion of the National League competition and start of the all-important Championship season. If you're keen to watch either a hurling or Gaelic football match in Ireland this year, there is no better place than at the 83,500 capacity Croke Park stadium in Dublin.

Croke Park has recently released its list of sporting fixtures for the 2024 season. The biggest games of the season include the All-Ireland GAA Senior Hurling Championship Final on Sunday, July 21st, the All-Ireland GAA Senior Football Championship Final on Sunday, July 28th, the All-Ireland LGFA Championship Finals on Sunday, August 4th, and the All-Ireland Camogie Championship Finals on Sunday, August 11th.

In rugby, while the men's Six Nations Rugby Championship has concluded (happily with Ireland winning the Championship for the second year in a row), the women's tournament is continuing until the end of April. Ireland's final game will be at home to Scotland and tickets are still available.

The men's team are back in action with the Autumn Internationals, with some mouth-watering games lined up for November. Ireland will play four games across the month, against New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji, and Australia. All of these games will take place in the Aviva Stadium.

Elsewhere, it's full steam ahead for the Irish Open at Royal County Down Golf Club in September. We're in the middle of the major season for golf and if you're keen to hit the links in Ireland, there are some fantastic opportunities up and down the island.

Ireland will be proudly hosting the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor Golf Club in County Limerick. You can register your interest for tickets on the Ryder Cup website and even tee it up yourself at the course in advance of some of the best players in the world arriving in three years.

All in all, it's been a wonderful year for sport in Ireland so far and there's plenty more to come!