Sport in Dublin

Sport is a big part of Irish life, and there is a wide variety of sporting outlets in the city of Dublin.

The home of Gaelic Games is Croke Park, on James' Avenue in Dublin 3. It is at this stadium that all major GAA finals take place. It is one of the largest stadia in Europe and even if there is no game taking place, visitors can tour the stadium and check out the museum at the venue. For a real taste of 'Croker' and a fell for GAA, best go to see a game there. For more information on Croke Park and game fixtures ring +353 1 8363 222 or see www.gaa.ie

Soccer is also very popular in Dublin. Irish international matches are played at Landsdowne Road in Dublin 4, but there are only a handful of these in the course of a year. The League of Ireland plays weekly during the Summer months, and visitors might like to take in a match at a variety of venues around the city. For more information, see www.soccercentral.ie

Golf has a long tradition in Dublin, with a number of world-class golfers hailing from the city. Currently, Padraig Harrington from the Dublin suburbs is a member of the worlds top ten players. One of the premier golf clubs in around the city is Portmarnock at Strand Road, Portmarnock, ten miles from the city centre. Established in 1894, Portmarnock is renowned as one the finest links courses in the world and attracts many golfers from around the globe. For more information, please ring +353 1 846 2968

Many Dubliners enjoy a day at the races, and there are a number of race courses in and around the Dublin area. Many of the big races are held at the Leopardstown track in at the foot of the Dublin mountains in Dublin 18. For information about meetings, ring +353 1 289 3607. Navan, Naas & Punchestown are other race courses a little further from the city centre. For information about race meetings and locations, log on to www.hri.ie

Dubliners love their sport, and from angling to polo, tennis to go-karting, as a visitor to the city, you will find an outlet to suit your interest whether you simply want to spectate from the sidelines, or actually have a go yourself.