Ireland is a nation known for its love of sport, and it’s a passion that spans both Northern Ireland and the Republic. From rugby to football and hurling to horse racing, the Irish aren’t just big on playing and spectating, but also love to indulge in a spot of sports betting, often placing eye-watering wagers on outside bets and sometimes walking away with the kind of winnings that leave everyone surprised.
If you’re considering a trip to Ireland as a sports fan then you won’t be disappointed, because there are a huge number of famous venues across the country where you can go to watch notable events and competitions unfold and soak up the electric atmosphere that can only be experienced in this island. And of course, if you’re keen to splash some cash, then you’ll be in good company. These are the top sports venues to add to your Ireland itinerary, handpicked by the experts at Match.Center, the leading platform for online sports betting in Ireland.
Croke Park, Dublin
Every nation has one iconic sports venue that stands out from all the rest, and in Ireland, it’s the spectacular Croke Park in Dublin. This sprawling stadium has capacity for up to 83,000 and is home of the Gaelic Athletic Association – which means that you can see some of the most exciting Gaelic football and hurling competitions that take place each season – which runs from February to September – live. The stadium does have a rather sad history when, during the 1916 uprising, the British army opened fire on a crowd – so be sure to pay a visit to the on-site museum and pay your respects while you’re here.
Ballybrit Racecourse, Galway
Horse racing is a national institution in Ireland, with the nation responsible for producing some of the finest and most renowned breeders and trainers to have ever graced the scene. If you’re looking to visit some of the best racing venues in the country and take in some of the trackside action, then prepare to be spoilt for choice, with more than 20 race courses regularly hosting notable events throughout the year.
If you only have time for one, then make it the impressive Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway where, each summer, the adrenaline-fuelled Galway Races take place over a full week. Kicking off in late July and continuing into early August, at this world-famous event, you can expect champagne, celebrations and big-money bets aplenty, making it a festival every horse racing fan should experience at least once.
Thomond Park, Limerick
One of Ireland’s four provincial rugby stadiums, Thomond Park is a must visit if you’re a fan of the sport. Owned by the Irish Rugby Football Union and with Munster Rugby, Shannon RFC and UL Bohemian RFC as tenants, it also happens to be the place where the nation celebrated an impressive victory over New Zealand All Blacks back in the 70s – and while that might seem a long time ago, it’s still one of the proudest moments in sport for the Irish, as is the Irish team’s long-awaited 2016 repeat of the success.
The Aviva Stadium, Dublin
If you’re more of a football fanatic, then there’s only one place that should be at the top of your list of sporting venues to visit in Ireland. The Aviva Stadium is home to the Irish national football team, and thus, is home to some exciting international events throughout the year. But as an added bonus, the Aviva is also home to the nation’s rugby team, too, so you can kill two birds with one stone if you’re keen to watch multiple sporting events during your visit to Ireland.
Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork
And finally, the home of the Cork GAA – which has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment in recent years and is now one of the most beautiful stadiums in the country. The perfect spot to sit back, relax and watch some Gaelic football and hurling or enjoy some edge-of-your-seat action at some of the season’s more important games and tournaments, this 45,000 capacity stadium also plays host to a variety of concerts and performances throughout the year, so be sure to check what’s on before you travel if you’d like to catch some additional entertainment.
