Gaelic Games and much more in Ireland this August

Witness the skill, speed and class of the GAA in August. The Championship moves into the quarter and semi finals in the world’s oldest sport. For exciting action, an electric atmosphere, and plenty of action, be sure to hit up Croke Park during your stay.

If the GAA isn’t enough to satisfy your appetite, you should check out Ireland’s domestic soccer league. Wherever you stay, you won’t be far from a game. Shamrock Rovers against Sligo is definitely worth a look, in the newly built Tallaght stadium.

A fan of the English Premier League? Then don’t miss the Dublin Super Cup in the Aviva Stadium, where an English side and two of Europe’s finest will compete for honours with Derry City. Man City, Celtic and Inter showcased their talent last year, so expect more big names this year. World’s best players, brand new stadium. Unmissable.

For some more soccer action, check out the Umbro Galway Cup. With six competitions over three age groups, high quality teams such as Ireland, Celtic and Newcastle compete for honours. With the chance to check out future talent, join 10,000 other spectators for the week long competition, recognised as one of Europe’s best underage tournaments.

You’ve heard it straight from the horse’s mouth; you can’t miss the Dublin Horse Show. Massive crowds descend on the capital for the competition which has been on the go since 1868. Its tradition its unquestioned and so too is its quality where the world’s best show jumpers and horses compete for honours in the Emerald Isle’s leading equestrian event. For fun, fashion and great hospitality, don’t miss out.

How are ya fixed for some more horses? Ireland hosts some of the world’s best racing festivals in August, in picturesque towns like Killarney, Bellewstown, Cork and Tramore. So for fashionable women, beer, betting and plenty of craic, check out the festivals on offer in Ireland this summer.

If golf is your sport, then you can’t miss the Ladies Irish Open in Killeen Castle. Enjoy the festival of world-class golf as Europe’s finest battle it out to be crowned the Queen of Killeen Castle.

For something different, you can’t miss the Wexford Hooked Kitesurfing Festival. Held on Duncannon beach, Ireland’s best kiresurfers compete in course racing action, so come and witness their wonderful skills and enjoy live outdoor music and a BBQ, with plenty of kids activities to boot. For more seaside fun, check out the Regattas in Cobh and Baltimore, with plenty of watersports on show to keep you entertained.

Dublin makes a splash with the arrival of the Tall Ships Festival in late August. Hosted for the first time in 14 years, over one million people are expected to descend on the capital for the event. Experience the truly impressive ships up close as over 100 magnificent ships from all over the world descend on the capital, bringing Dublin back to the days when the Vikings ruled the harbours.

And if you have the mettle for a Triathlon, why not travel down to Fermoy in Cork for the Blackwater Triathalon. For those willing to push themselves to the edge and back, it includes a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 6km run to boot. Over 500 people will attend this year, as the Blackwater continues to be one of the most popular events of its kind in Ireland. A tough but rewarding race.

Instead of competing, why not head over head over to Mullingar for the Ultimate World Strongman Team Event. 16 men from all over Europe compete for the world title, in a hugely popular event, with over 150 million television viewers. The event arrives in the middle of the Joe Dolan Festival weekend, where there is plenty of craic to be had!