The Emerald Isle has long been a haven for sports lovers, with the national enthusiasm for everything from horse racing to golf well-known – and by all accounts, infectious. If you’re looking for a destination where you can combine your adoration for sporting pursuits with a vibrant culture, spectacular landscapes and a variety of unique experiences outside of the stadiums and racetracks, then there’s no better place – and celebrating winning a wager with a pint of Guinness in a traditional Irish pub amongst the locals is truly an experience like no other.
If the idea of a sports-themes getaway to Ireland in 2025 floats your boat, then look no further – because we’ve asked the experts at TonyBet.com, the leading online platform for sports betting in Ireland, to share the top events you won’t want to miss over the year ahead – as well as where to stay and some essential Irish traditions to partake in whilst you’re there.
Gaelic sports
GAA Championships – throughout January, February and March
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Championships offer a unique chance to witness some of the finest Irish sporting talent in action, and the event is considered an integral part of the national sporting culture that the Irish look forward to each year. Pursuits showcased during the event include Gaelic football, handball, rounders and Irish hurling, with an atmosphere that is simply unmatched. If you’re looking for an event that feels quintessentially Irish, then this is it, and in true national style, you can expect an extravagant experience when purchasing a VIP package. Inclusions depend on the venue, but you can invariably expect Irish cuisine and local beverages to be served as you enjoy your chosen sporting competitions from your private box at Croke Park, Dublin.
Horse racing
Dublin Racing Festival
When: Saturday, 1st – Sunday, 2nd April
Where: Leopardstown Race Course, Dublin
Ireland is well-known for its love of horse-racing, so it stands to reason that there’s an iconic event or two in the field to add to your 2025 travel calendar – each offering an unbeatable combination of thrilling races, exquisite hospitality and vibrant social scenes.
Set to take place in Leopardstown in early February, the Dublin racing festival is one of the first big events of the year and will undoubtedly also be one of the most exciting. There’s nothing quite like placing a wager on your horse of choice and then cheering it on trackside as the competitors thunder past, and the atmosphere at this event promises to be nothing short of electric. The highlight each year is the prestigious Irish Champion Hurdle, and with an array of fine dining and hospitality packages to choose from to ensure a luxury experience, it promises to be truly memorable.
Irish Grand National
When: Monday, 21st April
Where: Fairyhouse, County Meath
The Easter weekend is always cause for celebration in Ireland, and Easter Monday kicks off in style at Fairyhouse with the Irish Grand National – one of the most notable events in the Irish racing calendar. Attracting some of the best race horses, jockeys and trainers from across the globe, it’s a race that draws thousands of spectators. Once again, it’s best enjoyed from the very lap of luxury, so be sure to splurge on VIP tickets for the best seating, access to exclusive viewing areas, decadent dining experiences and the chance to mingle with trainers and jockeys pre- and post-race.
Golf
The Irish Open Golf Championship
When: Wednesday, 3rd – Sunday, 7th September
Where: The K Club, County Kildare
The prestigious Irish Open is due to take place at one of the nation’s most famous golf courses in 2025 – the K Club in County Kildare. As top golfing talents from around the world convene for a four-day showcase of sporting excellence and battle it out for the coveted title, spectators can splash out on hospitality packages that include tournament tickets, VIP lounge access, a stay at an opulent five-star hotel nearby, gourmet meals and exclusive golf clinics with the pros – making an excellent choice of Christmas or birthday gift if there’s someone in your family who is a particular fanatic and is keen to up their golfing game.
Unique experiences
Take a private helicopter tour
Soar above Ireland’s verdant landscapes and enjoy 360 degree views of the stunning scenery and sites like the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Giant’s Causeway in complete privacy. For an extra touch of luxury, opt to customise your itinerary with a visit to a local distillery.
Head off on a whiskey distillery tour
Like Scotland, Ireland is renowned for its impressive array of whiskeys, so embark on a luxury tour of a distillery where you can taste some of the finest malts and stock up on a few bottles to take home with you.
Indulge in decadent Irish cuisine
Once you’ve tried the food in Ireland, you won’t want to leave it behind – so learn how to make traditional Irish dishes based around fresh, seasonal produce and acquire recipes you can take home with you. Or, if you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else, then book yourself a table at one of the nation’s many fine dining eateries. The two Michelin-starred Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud in Dublin are both musts.
Where to stay
The Shelbourne, Dublin
With many of the major sporting events set to take place in Dublin, The Shelbourne is an opulent five-star hotel steeped in history, and offers elegant rooms, exquisite dining options, and lavish spa facilities.
Killeen Castle, County Meath
The stunning Killeen Castle boasts an array of impressively appointed rooms and suites, beautiful gardens, and fine dining and is just a 22 minute drive from Fairyhouse if you’re attending the Irish Grand National.
The Kildare Hotel, Spa and Country Club (at The K Club), County Kildare
Where better to stay for the Irish Open Golf Championship than at the K Club itself, where all the tournament action takes place? Rooms book up well in advance, so you’ll need to move fast – but offering stylish accommodation on an estate set amidst sprawling manicured gardens and with a world class spa on site, you’ll have everything you need right there.