There is so much to enjoy on Emerald Island – from the cliffs and the castles to the monuments and the museums. However, what will probably fascinate you the most is the Irish’s special bond with sports and their enthusiasm for sports events.
The Irish are particularly passionate about rugby, Gaelic football, and the MMA – so much so that they never miss an opportunity to hang out in the pub while watching matches and competitions.
It’s More Than Just Passion
If you’ve just moved to Ireland, the mild weather with frequent rains and right-hand traffic may initially surprise you, but the number of Irish people who support their favourite sports team and the people of their country can be overwhelming. You will be amazed. Don’t hesitate to show your love and support by wearing your team’s coloured jersey. You can compare the Irish to Brazilians who share a similar passion for football, or Thais who love Thai boxing.
The Irishman is a huge fan of his MMA fights with Conor McGregor, the current world champion in his category. Gaelic football, on the other hand, is a quintessentially Irish sport that combines American football and rugby, with a lot of physical contacts. Of course, rugby is equally popular with people of all ages. After work, they gather in pubs to watch live games, drink beer, and celebrate their victories by singing and dancing, preferably in the streets.
Interaction On The Street
Temple Bar, Dublin’s most popular area, is home to art and a vibrant nightlife with bars, pubs, and restaurants. As you walk through the streets, you’ll come across talented singers and street performers who greatly contribute to the neighbourhood’s lively atmosphere. Each pub is its own world, featuring live concerts by local groups and other types of sound and entertainment.
Pubs are the most popular place after work to have a pleasant chat with colleagues and friends or to meet new people and watch football games. It’s not uncommon to find yourself having a serious or thought-provoking conversation with someone you’ve just met while ordering a beer.
In Ireland, you don’t have to be accompanied. Irish people are very welcoming and you can always be part of a group as long as they are friendly and open to interaction. Pubs are no doubt what makes Dublin and Ireland as a whole so charming and convivial. The next time you go to an Irish pub, remember that people are there to meet, chat and share their opinions. You can watch live sports on the big screen in the background.
Love Of Sports And Betting Goes Hand In Hand
Sports betting is Ireland’s most popular form of gambling, with over 60% of bettors using online bookmakers to bet on the latest sporting events.
Irish people often bet on lesser-known native sports as well as popular mainstream sports. Football and rugby may take their place in Irish betting, but these sports, joined by Gaelic football and hurling, form some of the country’s most popular sporting events.
Below we take a look at some of the most popular sports. As picked by Irish bettors who place their bets on their favourite betting sites. In case you don’t know where to bet, you can always check the new betting sites in Ireland guide that has all the necessary information you might need.
Gaelic Games
Gaelic games are popular in Ireland and he has six different sports such as:
● Gaelic Football
● Hurling
● Handball
● Camogie
● Rounders
● Ladies Football
Of all six classifications, the two most popular among Irish players are Gaelic football and hurling. Unlike normal football, the Gaelic version has 15 men on each team, who can pot the ball and use their hands without fouling. Gaelic football has been around for over 100 years in Ireland and its reputation lives on with the sport’s bettors.
In the last few years, Ladies’ Football has been becoming more and more popular as well. An interesting fact is that 87% of the income of female athletes no matter the sport comes from endorsements they have. This is a staggering number considering that it is a lot more than male athletes have.
Football
It’s no surprise that many Irish people love the world’s most popular sport. And although the country has its own version in Gaelic form, many people still fall in love with the original version. Ireland also actively participates in international competitions. As such, the sport has attracted many fans, spectators, and bettors over the years.
Rugby
Rugby may not be the most popular sport in the world, but Irish bettors have a special place. The sport’s popularity in the country stems from the country’s consistent success on the international stage. They won back-to-back national titles, which is not an achievement many nations can boast of. So far, the team is still making waves.
Ireland has also produced world-class players over the years and more and more young players aspire to be like them. Therefore, it is not uncommon for many young people to play games for entertainment or competition at the local level.
Pubs, A Meeting Place For Everyone
Most pubs in Ireland are open to the public regardless of age, provided of course they are adults. In some cases, children are also allowed in pubs, subject to some restrictions. Children under the age of 15 can stay in the pub from 10:30 AM to 9 PM (10 PM in summer) when accompanied by an adult. Minors over the age of 15 can stay late when accompanied by an adult. And anyone who sees pubs as meeting places for men is wrong. Women like going to pubs just as much as men and love watching sports matches!