Dublin Leisure

The city provides abundant leisure and sporting opportunities, with everything from trout fishing to golf, hurling and Gaelic football on offer. While the weather may curb activities during some times of the year, there are plenty of indoor alternatives for sporting enthusiasts.

Hurling or Gaelic football

If you have the time, try and get along to watch either a game of hurling or Gaelic football. They are both very popular amateur sports and attract large crowds and a passionate following.

Hurling is a 15-a-side game and has similarities to both hockey and lacrosse, but is much faster and more competitive than either. Gaelic football is similar to hurling and it is played on the same pitches, using the same scoring system and team size. It can be compared to both rugby and football, as the ball can be kicked, caught and passed by either boot or hand. Both sports are played every weekend throughout the summer at various local fields, culminating in September with the All Ireland Finals, the Irish version of the Super Bowl.

Horse racing

Horse racing is also popular and the closest racecourse to the city is the Leopardstown Race Course, off the Stillorgan Road (N11). There are regular meets two or three times a month, and facilities include a modern glass-enclosed spectator stand.

Leisure

There are many sports and activities available if you are looking to participate. The fishing is particularly good and the coastal areas of Howth and Dun Laoghaire are well known sea-fishing spots. The River Liffey has some salmon fishing and about 12 miles from the city centre near Clane, you can catch trout.

There are over 100 golf courses within 30 miles of Dublin, set in some of the most beautiful countryside you will find. A lot of them are private, so you will need to check beforehand if they accept guests.