When in Ireland, do what the Irish do! And one thing the Irish love is sport. At least in the role of spectator. Television, radio and newspapers provide a constant stream of coverage, but to experience the full impact sports can have on the Irish psyche, join the crowd at one of the many matches, fixes and other events scheduled throughout the year. anus. Here are the top ten most popular spectator sports!
Gaelic football
Very similar to soccer, until a player actually picks up the ball and runs with rugby. Some historians of the game claim that both soccer and rugby are bastard versions of soccer. Games can be enjoyed almost everywhere because soccer is even more popular than pitching.
Hurling
Regarded as “the fastest game on earth,” two teams equipped with clubs (hurleys) play hurdle toss, chasing a small ball across a soccer field. The ball can be pushed across the ground like in field hockey, it can be carried on the rink, or struck in the air like a baseball. Speed, agility and marksmanship are in high demand. And even games between youth teams can take your breath away.
Rugby
Historically this is the way football was played in the public schools of Rugby, essentially not an Irish game but an English one. This sectarian tone has waned and the “Six Nations” and other international events are immensely popular. Games in the international “Heineken League” also draw sizable crowds, especially when Leinster is playing at the RDS in Dublin.
Football
Ireland has the ‘Eircom League’ for professional football, but the financial situation of most clubs is precarious. The entire Irish football scene is more of a ‘power operation’ for English and Scottish clubs, with player legends like George Best (Belfast) and Roy Keane (Cork) having huge success there. International matches draw huge crowds in both the Republic and the North, with each part of Ireland having its own national team.
Golf
Whenever prestigious tournaments are held in Ireland, crowds of fans gather to watch the strokes and strokes of the world’s golf elite. Golf is a common hobby in Ireland, so is watching the game. So much so that players really feel crowded at times. The good news? Green fees are moderate, except for some internationally renowned championship courses.
Horse racing
‘Getting the horses beaten’ is big business in Ireland, almost every larger village will have at least one betting shop and the major races will be covered live on television. Any horse racing event will have a large turnout and lively crowds. Major events like Galway Race Week and the Easter races at Fairyhouse are society occasions. Don’t miss “Ladies Day” if you are into fashion!
Find out more about horse racing in Ireland with our comprehensive guide to courses and major festivals… but we cannot guarantee you a winner.
Horse riding competitions
Despite some setbacks in Irish jumping due to avoidable mistakes and scandals, Irish horses and jockeys are among the best in Europe. Be it individual stars or the riders of the Irish Army Equestrian School. The main event to watch out for is the Dublin Horse Show in the summer, which is held at the RDS Showgrounds and generally draws riders and visitors from around the world to Ireland.
Camogie
Although it doesn’t draw as big crowds as football and pitching, camouflage has become increasingly popular in recent years. Basically, this is a grayed-out version of launch reserved for female players. A little less creepy, but it’s a fast and exciting game nonetheless.
Boxing
An honest fight is something that many Irish and some Irish enjoy and boxing events tend to be popular. Irish boxers have had some international success from time to time; Interest seems to rise and fall in cycles as well. There is a subculture of illegal fights, some with bare knuckles, but the tourist avoids these occasions.
Greyhound race
Greyhounds are said to be poor man’s racehorses. Consequently, hundreds and thousands are raised for career purposes and abandoned or destroyed when they are not promising. Greyhound racing is, however, frequent and popular. These tend to be dominated by reputable trainers and breeders.
