Great sports of the country
The Irish have their own sports, such as hurling and Gaelic soccer, which you won't hear about anywhere else. Run by the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), they are far more popular than soccer or rugby.
Gaelic soccer. A mixture of rugby and soccer, it is the favorite sport of the Irish. Gaelic soccer is played with two teams of 15 players on a field approximately 137 meters long and 82 meters wide. The goals are shaped like rugby posts, with a slightly lower crossbar. The Gaelic football is round, slightly smaller than a soccer ball. It can be carried by hand over a distance of four paces and can then bekicked orpassed
by hand by hitting the ball with the palm of the hand or the fist. To score, the ball must be kicked, hand-passed or fisted between the posts. The team scores one point for each goal over the crossbar and three points for each goal under it.Hurling. Invented 4,000 years ago, hurling is the oldest sport in Ireland. It is even said to be played in Heaven (" the game they play in Heaven "). Hurling is similar to field field hockey, only faster and more physical. It is a fast-paced game of skill played on a football-sized field with a wooden stick and a small leather ball. Teams consist of 15 players whose objective is to send the ball between the opposing posts.
Typical Irish leisure activities
In Ireland, you can attend many folklore activities
Beagling. Practiced in winter, it is a kind of hunt on foot where the participants, behind a pack of "beagles" (a breed of dog of English origin), go on the tracks of a hare. The hunt ends when the hare is trapped by the pack of beagles. The prey is never killed. This hunt requires a good physical condition, because the walks are long.
Handball. Nothing to do with what we call handball in France. This game is rather related to pelota, it is played barehanded with a small ball that is hit against a wall.
Road Bowling. Derived from bowling, this game is mostly played in County Cork. The aim of the game is to throw a metal ball on a road over a proposed distance of 1 to 2 km in a minimum of shots. A very popular discipline!
Greyhound racing. The Irish love to bet on their favorite dogs and the sums staked can reach heights.
The passion of rugby
The Irish national team (which includes players from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in its famous green jersey) is one of the best in the world. The Irish Rugby Football Union was founded in 1874, and the Irish team played (and won) its first match in Dublin on December 13, 1875 against England. Ireland has also played a founding role in the institutionalization of the sport since it created in 1886, with Scotland and Wales, World Rugby, formerly the International Rugby Board. This body, which today brings together the federations of 76 countries, promotes the game and defines its status and regulations. The VI Nations Tournament is the highlight of the season for the Shamrock team, which has won it 22 times. The Irish team has achieved the Grand Slam three times (5 wins in 5 games, against England, France, Scotland, Wales and Italy), including in its last victory in 2018. Regularly quarter-finalist of the World Cup (7 times in 9 editions), Ireland has never managed to reach the last four, even during the golden period of the legendary Brian O'Driscoll. For a long time the Shamrock XV threaded the passes in the mythical stadium of Lansdowne Road, it was destroyed to make way for the ultra-modern Aviva Stadium.
Enjoy the coastline
Brrr! We mustn't lie to ourselves, the water here is freezing! But the southern half of the country gathers courageous people and some beaches are crowded during the summer months
Water sports. As a result, it is possible to try some water sports, such as windsurfing and surfing, which are practiced almost everywhere. Water-skiing is best done on rivers and lakes. Moreover, the southern coast of Ireland, with its numerous harbors, is a pleasure for boaters.
A famous fishing spot
Ireland has 3,200 km of coastline and the presence of the Gulf Stream, a large warm ocean current. As a result, more than 70 species of fish have been identified along the coast. And inland, the 14,000 km of rivers and some 400 lakes abound in pike, trout and salmon. Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the country (in Connemara) is well known for its salmon and trout. County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland is famous for its beautiful rivers and lakes where salmon fishing is practiced. You need a permit to fish for salmon, issued locally by the Fisherie Boards. Specialized stores as well as some hotels rent equipment
Taking on nature
When you think of Ireland, you imagine wild green landscapes swept by wind and rain, spectacular cliffs, the sea as far as the eye can see, lakes, mountains, in short, nature in its purest form. All this is true: the magnificent Irish landscapes do not disappoint and are an ideal setting for beautiful walks or bike rides, especially in Connemara and Donegal County. Ireland has many national parks and, for a small country, the diversity of its landscapes is quite amazing. County Donegal is also very famous among climbing enthusiasts.
A golf destination
Golf in Ireland? It's a no-brainer! Ireland has even been named a world golf destination by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. It has hosted the prestigious Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup, and has introduced the world to many great champions such as Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington. On the course side, you'll be spoilt for choice with over 400 courses in the country.
