Dublin is the beating heart of Irish sport, boasting iconic venues like Croke Park, the spiritual home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Ireland’s Gaelic Games, and the Aviva Stadium, a world-class arena where Ireland’s international football and rugby union teams play.
Whether it’s the roar of a Six Nations rugby clash, the fierce pride of an All-Ireland final, or the charm of a greyhound race at Shelbourne Park, Dublin delivers unforgettable sporting experiences year-round.
But it’s not just about the stadiums. Dublin’s pubs double as lively sports bars and the city’s compact size makes it easy to combine match days with cultural must-sees, from the historic grounds of Trinity College to the buzzing streets of Temple Bar. Add in top-notch hotels, scenic coastal escapes, and a famously warm welcome, and you have a city that doesn’t just host sports – it lives them. Dublin offers the perfect blend of sport, culture, and Irish hospitality.
Main image: aerial view of Dublin including the Aviva Stadium (Credit: © Chris Hill via Fáilte Ireland)
Lions vs. Los Pumas in Dublin
A highlight of Dublin’s sporting calendar in 2025 will be the British & Irish Lions rugby union team taking on Argentina in a “home game” at the Aviva Stadium on 20 June 2025. A warm-up match ahead of the tour of Australia, it will be the first time a Lions match has ever been held in Ireland. After facing Los Pumas in the Irish capital, the Lions – a combined team of the best international rugby union players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – travel Down Under to take on Australia in three Test matches as well as six warm-up games.
Best sports stadiums and venues in Dublin
Croke Park
- Sport: Gaelic Football and Hurling (GAA)
- Capacity: 82,300
- Why visit: Croke Park is the beating heart of Irish sport. Home to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), it hosts the All-Ireland finals in Gaelic football and hurling. It’s one of Europe’s largest stadiums and offers a must-do Skyline Tour with panoramic city views. Visit the GAA Museum to understand the cultural importance of Ireland’s native sports.
Aviva Stadium
- Sport: Rugby Union and football
- Capacity: 51,700
- Why visit: a sleek, modern venue and the home of both the Republic of Ireland national football team and Irish rugby. Its glass-wrapped, undulating design makes it one of the most photogenic stadiums in Europe. Key events include Six Nations rugby, UEFA Euro qualifiers, and friendlies against major football nations.
RDS Arena
- Sport: Rugby union (Leinster Rugby)
- Capacity: 18,500
- Why visit: this traditional venue is the fortress of Leinster Rugby, one of Europe’s top club rugby teams. The electric atmosphere during European Champions Cup matches is unforgettable.
Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium
- Sport: Greyhound Racing
- Why visit: for a taste of classic Irish sporting nightlife. It combines racing with a lively social scene and is centrally located.
Best golf clubs in and near Dublin
Dublin and its surrounding areas are home to some of Ireland’s finest golf courses, offering a mix of historic championship links, pristine parklands, and scenic coastal layouts. Here are the best golf clubs in and near Dublin, ideal for both serious golfers and travelers looking for a memorable round:
Portmarnock Golf Club
- Location: 30 mins north of Dublin City
- Type: championship links
- Why play: ranked among the best links courses in the world. Host of multiple Irish Opens, this traditional layout offers stunning views over the Irish Sea, tight fairways, and true greens.
The Island Golf Club
- Location: Donabate, 40 mins north of Dublin
- Type: classic links
- Why play: rugged dunes, fast-running fairways, and a remote, natural setting. A hidden gem that’s hosted R&A qualifiers and top amateurs.
Royal Dublin Golf Club
- Location: Bull Island, 20 mins from city centre
- Type: traditional links
- Why play: Dublin’s oldest golf club (founded in 1885), known for its flat but challenging seaside layout. Strong breezes and a historic clubhouse add to the charm.
Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links
- Location: Beside Portmarnock GC
- Type: modern links
- Why play: designed by Bernhard Langer, this accessible links course is slightly more forgiving and attached to a high-quality resort hotel.
The K Club
- Location: Straffan, County Kildare (40 mins west of Dublin)
- Type: Championship Parkland
- Why play: host venue for the 2006 Ryder Cup and multiple Irish Opens. The Palmer North Course is a long, lush challenge. The Palmer South is equally impressive. There is also a five-star luxury resort on-site.
Best sports bars in Dublin
The Living Room, Cathal Brugha Street: massive screens (including an outdoor HD screen), lively crowd, especially for football and rugby. Good for big events like World Cup games or Champions League.
The Bleeding Horse, Camden Street: a historic pub dating back centuries, showing multiple sports. Great Guinness and cozy nooks.
Buskers on the Ball, Temple Bar: giant screens, ping pong tables, interactive games, and a vibrant young crowd. Excellent for group travel.
Sinnotts Bar, St. Stephen’s Green: ideal for rugby and GAA fans. Packed on Six Nations weekends with a boisterous local atmosphere.
The Woolshed Baa & Grill, Parnell Street: international sports hub. Great for watching American sports (NFL, NBA, etc.) with themed food and drinks.
Top Dublin hotels for sports travellers
The Croke Park Hotel: located beside Croke Park Stadium, it’s the perfect base for GAA fans. Modern amenities, spacious rooms, and a great pre-match buzz.
The Marker Hotel, Grand Canal Dock: five-star luxury with a rooftop bar. Close to Aviva Stadium and Dublin’s tech and cultural quarter.
The Alex, Merrion Square: Stylish boutique hotel with proximity to major attractions and stadiums.
Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge: Near the RDS Arena, this is a smart choice for rugby travellers. Historic building with comfort and proximity to matches.
Jurys Inn Parnell Street: located in central Dublin, this hotel is budget-friendly, modern, and near public transport for all stadiums.
Must-see tourism attractions in Dublin
While in Dublin for sport, don’t miss its rich cultural, culinary, and natural charms.
Guinness Storehouse: tour Dublin’s iconic brewery and enjoy a pint at the Gravity Bar with 360° views.
Trinity College and The Book of Kells: a short walk from most central hotels, it’s a must-see for history lovers.
Dublin Castle and Chester Beatty Library: dive into Irish and international history in this well-preserved landmark.
Temple Bar District: yes, it’s touristy (and expensive), but it’s a right of passage. Great for pre-game or post-match revelry.
Howth Cliff Walk: a scenic coastal walk just 40 minutes by DART. Perfect for a rest day.
Kilmainham Gaol: a moving historical site that tells the story of Ireland’s struggle for independence.
Suggested itinerary for sports fans (three days)
Day 1: GAA and Guinness
- Morning: GAA Museum and Skyline Tour at Croke Park
- Afternoon: Guinness Storehouse
- Evening: watch a game at The Living Room or Sinnotts
Day 2: Rugby or Football and Culture
- Morning: Trinity College and Book of Kells
- Afternoon: Aviva Stadium Tour or Leinster Game at RDS
- Dinner: The Bleeding Horse and night out in Camden
Day 3: Nature and History
- Morning: Howth Cliff Walk
- Afternoon: Kilmainham Gaol
- Evening: Temple Bar district for live music and sport
For more information see visitdublin.com and ireland.com