Ireland has longtime traditions when it comes to sports. Competitions like Gaelic football and hurling are part of Irish identity. Live broadcasts and online betting increase access to athletics. Fans now follow matches using social media and digital tools. This boosted interest in Ireland popular sports.

Determining what are the two most popular sports in Ireland is not simple. Different factors from history to trends influence rankings. Media coverage also plays a role. Despite this, it is possible to highlight five sports that will define Irish athletic culture till the end of the 2025.

#5 Gaelic Football

This is one of the oldest but not the biggest sports in Ireland. The game started in 1887, and it remains a cultural symbol. It combines elements of soccer and rugby. Players use both hands and feet to control the ball. Unlike soccer, they can carry the ball and score through goals or points.

The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship is the most important competition. This event takes place annually at Croke Park in Dublin. In 2023, the final brought 82,300 fans to the stadium. The game was also broadcasted on TV and watched by millions. The sport continues to thrive due to strong grassroots programs. Local clubs keep it alive by organizing community-level games.

Gaelic football is an activity that combines tradition with new energy. And definitely must be part of the answer to the question what sports are popular in Ireland today.

#4 Horse Racing

The country hosts famous horse races that attract audiences. Both local and international tourists watch equestrian competitions. Events like the Galway Races and the Irish Derby draw large crowds. Horse racing combines tradition, competition, and gambling. It is a top contender among the most popular sports in Ireland.

Major Events in the Country:

• Galway Races. A week-long festival that celebrates horse racing.
• Irish Derby. A flat race held at the Curragh Racecourse.
• Punchestown Festival. Features high-level jump racing competitions.

In 2022, 1.3 million people attended horse racing events across Ireland. These numbers show how important the sport remains in Irish culture. Betting is a part of horse racing and Irish bookies not on Gamstop provide attractive odds for gamblers. These bookies offer lower fees and fewer restrictions compared to websites in Gamstop system. This has boosted the betting culture around equestrian competitions.

#3 Basketball

It appeared in the country in the 1970s. It appeals to younger generations and has strong local leagues but is not yet Irish favorite sport. The Irish Super League is the main basketball competition. The league features 14 teams. There are collectives from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Basketball represents a growing trend in Irish culture.

The activity growth has been fueled by structured leagues and school programs. National basketball team competes in international tournaments. This has increased the sport's appeal among fans. The development of tools like the SWISH 2.0 app has added more depth. This app provides real-time updates and statistics for fans.

#2 Rugby Union

It has deep roots in Irish history. Rugby developed in the late 19th century. It grew due to clubs like Leinster and Munster, which established strong local support. The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) reported that the combined attendance for Ireland's five matches in the 2023 Six Nations Championship was approximately 296,078. The combination of national pride and team loyalty keeps rugby the best answer on what sports are popular in Ireland.

The national rugby team represents the island on the global stage. The team has achieved multiple victories in the Six Nations Championship. Grand Slam wins in 2009 and 2018 further solidified its success. Matches draw large audiences, with fans filling stadiums like Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Rugby Union inspires loyalty and pride, making it a key part of Irish life. Its rising popularity makes it one of the biggest sports in Ireland.

#1 Football – Ireland’s Favourite 

Football holds the title of Ireland’s most popular sport. It attracts millions of fans each year through both domestic and international matches.

Top Irish Football Clubs:

1. Shamrock Rovers. The most successful team in League history.
2. Bohemians. A club with a strong local following.
3. Dundalk FC. Known in European competitions.