One of the best things about summer in Ireland is the incredible line-up of sporting events that occur across the island. Whether you want to stand on the sidelines or take part, there are a number of sporting spectacles that you should consider incorporating into your adventure on the Emerald Isle.
Kasey Lou and her dog enjoying Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair.
Tattersalls
International Horse
Trials & Country Fair,
Co Meath
29 May-2 June
There is something thrilling about watching a horse and rider working together, whether that be in dressage, showjumping or cross country; you instantly become hooked watching them gallop through water and bolt up steep hills. Every June bank holiday, Olympic medallists and World and European Champions grace our shores for Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair, which also hosts a food fair and dog competitions, so if you have a talented pooch, make sure to enter.
While you’re there: Meath is a gem when it comes to historic sites. Stretch your legs and explore the Hill of Tara, Trim and more.
Gaelforce.
22 June
Gaelforce West is the ultimate summer challenge. The race rallies through some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery (starting at Glassilaun beach, Connemara and finishing in Westport). People travel from near and far to tick this iconic event off their bucket list.
The 66km route includes running/walking, cycling and kayaking, so a high level of fitness is required. Crossing the finishing line will be an achievement that you won’t forget in a hurry and there will be plenty of support to keep you motivated until the very end.
While you’re there: If you want to have fun with the kids, Adventure West in Westport offers hill walking, rock climbing, abseiling and more.
www.adventurewest.ie
Mourne International
Walking Festival, Co Down
28-30 June
Discover the beauty of the mountains that inspired CS Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia and join in the Mourne International Walking festival. With routes varying between 10k and 40k, there is something to suit everyone’s ability.
The festival is a favourite of many as you get the opportunity to meet new people and mingle over supper after the walk on Saturday. Regardless of the weather, you will be stunned by the rugged beauty that engulfs the area.
While you’re there: Find out how good your aim is at Mourne Archery Centre. Open Monday – Sunday, various times are available to suit your summer adventure.
www.mournearchery.co.uk
Inchydoney Summer Swim./ Siobhan Russell
Inchydoney Summer
Swim, Co Cork
14 July
Enjoy a swim in natural waters and contribute to a good cause, as all proceeds from the fourth Inchydoney Summer Swim will be donated to local clubs or organisations in the area. Swimmers can choose to do a separate 500m distance, or 1,500m or 3,000m, ensuring that different levels are catered for (swimmers must be over 12 years-old). Refreshments will be provided after the swim, enabling participants to socialise and indulge in a fun-filled, refreshing occasion.
See Inchydoney Summer Swim 2019 Facebook page for more.
While you’re there: Inchydoney Surf School offers lessons to people of all ages and levels, everything is provided so you can enjoy catching waves.
The 148th Irish Open, Portrush, Co Antrim
18-21 July
Golfing stars including Tiger Woods and Rory McElroy will be descending upon the coastal town of Portrush for the 148th Irish Open. The last time the championship took place at Royal Portrush was 1951.
Tickets are like gold dust and if you’re unable to get your hands on one, don’t dwell as the atmosphere alone will be worth experiencing; and you never know who you might bump into over the course of the weekend.
While you’re there: If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you’ll want to discover two stunning filming locations in this area. Take a stroll along Downhill Beach or enjoy a forest walk to Binevenagh in Co Derry, both are only a short drive away.
29 July-4 August
The Galway Races are something that everyone needs to experience once in their lifetime. The streets are buzzing with chatter, people indulging in good company and – hopefully – good weather too!
The racing festival is a splendid social occasion and a fantastic day out. Showcase your personal style and individuality at Ladies Day, and with plenty of betting tips and advice, you might even bag yourself a winner.
While you’re there: Embark on a sea adventure with Kayakmór - Galway Sea Kayak Tours to discover the magic of the waterways that surround the capital of the west.
Ulster Grand Prix, Co Antrim
8 and 10 August
If you have a need for speed, make sure to check out the Ulster Grand Prix, which is renowned as the world’s fastest mass start road race. The route is just under seven miles and is located close to Belfast city.
The biggest names on the motorbike race stage attend this event and it is a sporting occasion like no other. You’ll have to be quick to catch them on the track.
While you’re there: If you want to hide away from the summer sunshine for a little while, put your best foot forward at Dundonald International Ice Bowl and enjoy an ice-skating session.
Rugby World Cup warm up matches,
Co Dublin
7 September
Stretch your summer vacation into September and experience a rugby world cup warm up match in Dublin. Ireland may not be hosting the actual event but these games are the next best thing.
On 7 September at the Aviva Stadium, Ireland will take on Wales. A fixture between these two teams is always nail biting, but as the biggest rugby tournament draws closer, they both want to make their mark as key contesters for the world title.
While you’re there: The Bray to Greystones walk is a must. Bray is only a short drive from Dublin and the walk takes approximately 2.5 hours. The views are never ending and both towns are seaside gems with plenty of character.
One of the best things about summer in Ireland is the incredible line-up of sporting events that occur across the island. Whether you want to stand on the sidelines or take part, there are a number of sporting spectacles that you should consider incorporating into your adventure on the Emerald Isle.
Kasey Lou and her dog enjoying Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair.
Tattersalls
International Horse
Trials & Country Fair,
Co Meath
29 May-2 June
There is something thrilling about watching a horse and rider working together, whether that be in dressage, showjumping or cross country; you instantly become hooked watching them gallop through water and bolt up steep hills. Every June bank holiday, Olympic medallists and World and European Champions grace our shores for Tattersalls International Horse Trials & Country Fair, which also hosts a food fair and dog competitions, so if you have a talented pooch, make sure to enter.
While you’re there: Meath is a gem when it comes to historic sites. Stretch your legs and explore the Hill of Tara, Trim and more.
Gaelforce.
22 June
Gaelforce West is the ultimate summer challenge. The race rallies through some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery (starting at Glassilaun beach, Connemara and finishing in Westport). People travel from near and far to tick this iconic event off their bucket list.
The 66km route includes running/walking, cycling and kayaking, so a high level of fitness is required. Crossing the finishing line will be an achievement that you won’t forget in a hurry and there will be plenty of support to keep you motivated until the very end.
While you’re there: If you want to have fun with the kids, Adventure West in Westport offers hill walking, rock climbing, abseiling and more.
www.adventurewest.ie
Mourne International
Walking Festival, Co Down
28-30 June
Discover the beauty of the mountains that inspired CS Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia and join in the Mourne International Walking festival. With routes varying between 10k and 40k, there is something to suit everyone’s ability.
The festival is a favourite of many as you get the opportunity to meet new people and mingle over supper after the walk on Saturday. Regardless of the weather, you will be stunned by the rugged beauty that engulfs the area.
While you’re there: Find out how good your aim is at Mourne Archery Centre. Open Monday – Sunday, various times are available to suit your summer adventure.
www.mournearchery.co.uk
Inchydoney Summer Swim./ Siobhan Russell
Inchydoney Summer
Swim, Co Cork
14 July
Enjoy a swim in natural waters and contribute to a good cause, as all proceeds from the fourth Inchydoney Summer Swim will be donated to local clubs or organisations in the area. Swimmers can choose to do a separate 500m distance, or 1,500m or 3,000m, ensuring that different levels are catered for (swimmers must be over 12 years-old). Refreshments will be provided after the swim, enabling participants to socialise and indulge in a fun-filled, refreshing occasion.
See Inchydoney Summer Swim 2019 Facebook page for more.
While you’re there: Inchydoney Surf School offers lessons to people of all ages and levels, everything is provided so you can enjoy catching waves.
The 148th Irish Open, Portrush, Co Antrim
18-21 July
Golfing stars including Tiger Woods and Rory McElroy will be descending upon the coastal town of Portrush for the 148th Irish Open. The last time the championship took place at Royal Portrush was 1951.
Tickets are like gold dust and if you’re unable to get your hands on one, don’t dwell as the atmosphere alone will be worth experiencing; and you never know who you might bump into over the course of the weekend.
While you’re there: If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you’ll want to discover two stunning filming locations in this area. Take a stroll along Downhill Beach or enjoy a forest walk to Binevenagh in Co Derry, both are only a short drive away.
29 July-4 August
The Galway Races are something that everyone needs to experience once in their lifetime. The streets are buzzing with chatter, people indulging in good company and – hopefully – good weather too!
The racing festival is a splendid social occasion and a fantastic day out. Showcase your personal style and individuality at Ladies Day, and with plenty of betting tips and advice, you might even bag yourself a winner.
While you’re there: Embark on a sea adventure with Kayakmór - Galway Sea Kayak Tours to discover the magic of the waterways that surround the capital of the west.
Ulster Grand Prix, Co Antrim
8 and 10 August
If you have a need for speed, make sure to check out the Ulster Grand Prix, which is renowned as the world’s fastest mass start road race. The route is just under seven miles and is located close to Belfast city.
The biggest names on the motorbike race stage attend this event and it is a sporting occasion like no other. You’ll have to be quick to catch them on the track.
While you’re there: If you want to hide away from the summer sunshine for a little while, put your best foot forward at Dundonald International Ice Bowl and enjoy an ice-skating session.
Rugby World Cup warm up matches,
Co Dublin
7 September
Stretch your summer vacation into September and experience a rugby world cup warm up match in Dublin. Ireland may not be hosting the actual event but these games are the next best thing.
On 7 September at the Aviva Stadium, Ireland will take on Wales. A fixture between these two teams is always nail biting, but as the biggest rugby tournament draws closer, they both want to make their mark as key contesters for the world title.
While you’re there: The Bray to Greystones walk is a must. Bray is only a short drive from Dublin and the walk takes approximately 2.5 hours. The views are never ending and both towns are seaside gems with plenty of character.
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