Rugby is one of the most popular sports in Ireland, with a dedicated and passionate fanbase. With the Six Nations Championship, European Cup, Pro14 and All-Ireland League, there are plenty of high-quality rugby matches taking place across the country on a weekly basis. So if you find yourself in Ireland and want to experience the electric atmosphere of a live rugby match, here are some of the best places to watch the action.
Dublin
As the capital and largest city, Dublin has a number of top rugby venues. Here are some of the best places to watch rugby matches in Dublin:
Aviva Stadium
The Aviva Stadium is Ireland’s premier rugby venue, hosting all of Ireland’s major international matches. With a capacity of over 51,000, the atmosphere here is unbeatable. Catch the men’s and women’s national teams take on the world’s best in the Six Nations and Autumn Internationals. The stadium also hosts crucial Champions Cup clashes featuring Ireland’s provincial powerhouses Leinster and Munster.
RDS Arena
Home of Leinster Rugby, the RDS Arena hosts domestic and European matches featuring the successful province. With a capacity of over 18,000, the enclosed stadium makes for an intimate and atmospheric setting to watch high-level rugby. Situated in the leafy Dublin suburb of Ballsbridge, the RDS is a must-visit for any Leinster fan.
Donnybrook Stadium
Donnybrook is the spiritual home of Irish rugby, having hosted international matches since the 19th century. Nowadays it serves as the home ground for All-Ireland League club side Dublin University Football Club, who have strong rugby traditions. With an capacity of over 8,000, Donnybrook provides an old-school rugby experience in the heart of Dublin.
Pubs
Like any good Irish city, Dublin is full of pubs showing live sport. For rugby, the best pubs include The Bridge 1859, The Bath, The Back Page, and Sinnott’s Bar. The atmosphere for big games is incredible in these rugby-loving pubs.
Belfast
As the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast provides plenty of lively venues for rugby fans. Here are some top spots:
Kingspan Stadium
This modern 18,000 capacity arena is home to Ulster Rugby. Catch thrilling matches in both the United Rugby Championship and European Champions Cup featuring the powerhouse northern province. The stadium atmosphere for big games is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe.
Ravenhill Stadium
Before Kingspan, Ravenhill Stadium was home to Ulster rugby from 1924 to 2007. Though no longer used for provincial matches, the ground still hosts schools and amateur club rugby. Catching a match here offers a reminder of the history and tradition of Ulster rugby.
Pubs
Good rugby pubs in Belfast include The Northern Whig, Lavery’s, Duke of York, and The Botanic Inn. These traditional pubs fill up quickly for Ulster matches, with supporters generating an electric atmosphere.
Cork
As the home of Munster Rugby, Cork has many fantastic places to experience top-class rugby. Here are some highlights:
Cork City Stadium
Temporary home to Munster Rugby while their usual ground is being redeveloped, this soccer stadium hosts raucous sell-out crowds for big European matches. Though not a traditional rugby venue, the enclosed and intimate nature makes for cracking atmospheres.
Irish Independent Park
Once Munster return to their spiritual home, this redeveloped stadium will again host titanic clashes on Champions Cup nights. Traditionally one of the most intimidating away venues in Europe, Munster fans create hell for traveling opponents.
Musgrave Park
Situated next to the classic Páirc Uí Chaoimh GAA stadium, Musgrave Park is home to Dolphin RFC of the All-Ireland League. Catching an amateur club match here provides a taste of grassroots rugby.
Pubs
No shortage of atmospheric rugby pubs in Cork, including The Long Valley, Mutton Lane Inn, An Spailpín Fánach, and The Oval Bar. On big Munster European nights, these pubs are shaking with fervent supporters.
Limerick
Situated in Ireland’s Mid-West, Limerick is the home of historic provincial side Munster Rugby. Here are the best places to watch the sport:
Thomond Park
With a capacity of 26,000, Thomond Park is one of Europe’s most famous and intimidating rugby venues. Home to Munster Rugby, it hosts fiery European nights where Munster’s passionate fans drive the team on to famous victories. Visiting here for a big game is a bucket list item for any rugby fan.
Garryowen Football Club
This amateur rugby club has a proud history, having produced many Munster legends. Catching a match here offers a unique grassroots rugby experience in a community that lives and breathes the sport.
Pubs
The best pubs in Limerick to watch rugby include The Locke, Flannery’s, Nancy Blake’s, and J.J. Coppingers. Expect them to be packed to the rafters for any big Munster or Irish international games.
Galway
Though not a traditional rugby stronghold like other cities, Galway still offers lively venues for rugby fans. Here are the highlights:
The Sportsground
Home of Connacht Rugby, this modest stadium nonetheless hosts thrilling provincial matches. Connacht have traditionally been the smallest of Ireland’s four professional sides, but enjoy vocal home support at The Sportsground.
Galwegians RFC
Founded in 1925, this community club has produced many notable players. Catching a match here provides an accessible grassroots rugby experience.
Pubs
Pubs with a rugby focus in Galway include The Skeff, McSwiggan’s, The Quays, and Busker Brownes. Though the Galway pub scene is better known for traditional music, these pubs attract rugby fans on match days.
Countrywide
Beyond the major cities, rugby is part of the fabric of many smaller Irish towns and villages. Here are some additional places to check out:
Thurles
Home to Tipperary club sides like Cashel RFC and Clanwilliam FC, catching a local match in Thurles provides an insight into community-focused rugby.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny RFC and Kilkenny College play rugby with passion befitting Ireland’s hurling heartland. Matches offer a uniquely Irish atmosphere.
Tralee
In Ireland’s picturesque southwest, Tralee is home to Tralee RFC. Support is fervent for this small-town club side.
Dundalk
On the east coast, Dundalk RFC play rugby with pride for their community. Matches here reveal grassroots rugby culture.
Ireland vs New Zealand
When international rugby comes to provincial Irish towns, interest reaches fever pitch. Recent Ireland vs New Zealand clashes in small venues like Limerick and Dublin brought sell-out crowds and unforgettable atmospheres.
How to Get Tickets
Getting tickets to see top-level rugby in Ireland generally requires planning ahead:
- For Six Nations and Autumn International matches at the Aviva Stadium, tickets are released via the Irish Rugby Football Union website several months in advance. These highly sought-after tickets often sell out very quickly.
- For provincial matches in the United Rugby Championship and European Champions Cup, tickets are sold directly by the provinces. Leinster, Munster and Ulster matches sell out quickly, while Connacht tickets are easier to obtain.
- For All-Ireland League club matches, tickets can usually be purchased at the venues shortly before kick-off. Some smaller clubs may not charge admission.
- Tickets to watch matches at pubs are generally not required. However, arrival early is recommended to secure a good viewing spot.
Booking accommodation and transport well in advance is also advised, as big rugby weekends see venues booked out quickly.
Best Times to Visit
The rugby calendar in Ireland means there are exciting matches taking place throughout the year. Here are some of the best times for rugby fans to visit:
- February – March: The Six Nations Championship sees intense international clashes between Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, France and Italy. Ireland’s home matches take place at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
- October – November: Ireland’s Autumn International series sees Southern Hemisphere giants like New Zealand and South Africa visit the Aviva for mouthwatering tests.
- December – May: The United Rugby Championship and European Champions Cup reach their climax, with massive fixtures occurring weekly as provinces chase glory.
- March – May: The All-Ireland League concludes with playoffs and finals, as Ireland’s top amateur clubs compete for the prize.
No matter when you visit, you’ll find world-class rugby being played somewhere in Ireland!
Conclusion
With a palpable passion for rugbyintrinsic in communities across the island, Ireland offers visiting fans a truly unique sporting experience. The atmosphere at local club and international matches is electric, fueled by knowledgeable and devoted Irish supporters. Whether watching future stars emerge, provinces compete, or legends play in the green jersey, Ireland is a must-visit destination for any follower of oval ball action.