THE SPORT FAN'S GUIDE OF DUBLIN
RUGBY
If it’s the egg shape ball that tickles your fancy, then look no further than Dublin. Dublin is undoubtably the rugby capital of Europe with Leinster having won the European cup 3 out of the last 4 years. Leinster play their games in the RDS arena on either a Friday or Saturday. If your trip to Dublin does coincide with a Leinster home game then you would be a fool
Ireland has achieved a lot on the global stage in the world of sport – considering our small size! And with Dublin being the capital and by far the largest city, it is considered the focal point for all Irish Sport. Unlike most cities that you may visit, Dublin is infested with many different sports that are adored by the majority of its population. If you are coming to Dublin and have a lust for all things sport related, then you simply have to indulge yourself in some of the following events:
to miss the spectacle that it is. The best European rugby
has on offer is generally available at only e15-e25 which is certainly within the price range of any student.
Many credit the rising success of Leinster rugby to the Leinster Schools Senior cup where students are playing rugby at an intense level from the age of 15. The high standard of schools rugby is a perfect funnel for the Leinster academy where only the best of the best are selected. If your visit to Irelands capital is in the months of February or March, make sure to stop by the Energia Park in Donneybrook to see some of the finest underage talent in the country. Tickets are only a fiver!
Ireland our currently in the middle of their 6 nations campaign and still have a home game to play against France on the 10th of March. Tickets to this game would come at a cost but it is set up to be a mouth watering fixture.
Dates for the Diary
March 1st – Leinster v Cheetahs, RDS Arena (7.45pm)
March 10th – Ireland v France, Aviva Stadium (4pm)
March 17th – Leinster Senior cup final, RDS Arena (3pm)
March 30th – Leinster v Ulster, Aviva Stadium (4.45pm)
Gaelic Football (GAA)
Ireland is the home of Gaelic football. For those of you who haven’t been lucky enough to come across this fine sport yet, it is a mixture of both soccer and rugby. Gaelic football combines both the finesse and skill of soccer with the aggression, brute force and passion of rugby to create a fine sporting spectacle.
Dublin have won the last four All Ireland competitions, making Irelands capital the best place on the planet to watch Gaelic. The sport is extremely fast paced and high scoring which should come as mouth watering news to all sports fans. Dublin play their home games in Parnell Park and I urge any sports fans to stop by and have a look for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
Dates for the Diary
February 23rd – Dublin v Mayo, Parnell Park (7pm)
March 16th – Dublin v Tyrone, Parnell Park (5pm)
March 24th – Dublin v Cavan, Parnell Park (3pm)
Hurling
Just like Gaelic football, Hurling was founded in Ireland and only played here too. The Irish love a fast paced, high scoring sport
and hurling is certainly no exception. Hurling is considered the second fastest sport in the world – second only to Formula 1! The sport is strange and compelling mix between
baseball and soccer. Dublin play their hurling matches in Parnell
Park and tickets never are more than 15 euro.
If hurling or Gaelic turn out to be your thing, then you need to stop by the GAA museum in Croke Park. This is a great day out for anyone who is interested it either sport or history. As well as getting a full stadium tour, the museum provides its guests which a clear and comprehensive history of how these two fantastic sports, not only provided us with entertainment, but shaped the Irish culture and heritage.
Dates for the Diary
Feb 24th – Dublin v Waterford, Parnell Park (2pm)
March 3rd – Dublin v Laois, Parnell Park (4pm)
March 22nd – Dublin v Cavan, Parnell Park (3pm)
Louis Cush
Louis has been a Native Dubliner his entire life. He has had the opportunity of sampling a fair share of the city and knows where to find Dublin's hot spots. Louis is in his final year of studying in UCD and hopes to pursue a career in either marketing or PR.