The island of Ireland revs up for summer sports thrills

Five adrenaline-pumping sports festivals will take place over the summer on the island of Ireland, making it a go-to destination for those who enjoy the thrill of competition.

Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival
This thrilling three-day flat racing meeting for thoroughbred horses is held at the famous Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare in Ireland’s Ancient East. The festival kicks off on Friday 27 May and as well as the sound of thundering hooves there will be the sounds of live music and partying throughout the weekend.

The world-class Curragh Racecourse is home to Ireland’s five most important flat races each year known collectively as the Classics. Sunday 29 May is Ladies Day featuring the first fillies Classic race of 2023 and is a great social occasion.

Whether you are a horse racing fan or just want to soak up the party atmosphere, the Curragh Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival is the perfect destination.

Ireland Bikefest Killarney
One of Ireland’s most picturesque towns hosts this annual bikefest billed as a three-day “motorcycle and rock music extravaganza”.

Ireland Bikefest Killarney (2–5 June) includes ride-outs along a spectacular section of the Wild Atlantic Way as well as a motorcycle parade through the streets of Killarney and lots of activities in the Bike Village. There will be a custom bike show and the opportunity to take part in demo rides in the Harley-Davidson® Experiential Zone.

A mega programme of live music performed across three stages keeps the atmosphere jumping and ensures bikers and non-bikers alike are entertained.

One of Europe’s premier free open motorcycle festivals, Ireland Bikefest is an action-packed, fun-filled festival not to be missed.

Donegal International Rally
The only three-day tarmac rally in Ireland, the Donegal International Rally (16–18 June) boasts 300km of lightning fast, twisting, narrow roads through gorgeous scenery.

Beginning and ending in the lively town of Letterkenny, the route follows coast roads, passing lush farmlands and skirting open bog landscapes. Broken into several challenging stages, the rally is one of the toughest routes for drivers and teams and is among the most popular in Europe.

More than 70,000 spectators will flock to County Donegal to enjoy the races and the event also attracts drivers from around the world.

SuperCup NI
Taking place 23–28 July, SuperCup NI is one of the biggest international youth football tournaments in the world. The renowned event sees teams from the island of Ireland and around the world line up to have a crack at six competition titles, which include two female categories.

You’ll get the chance to watch some of the world’s most talented young players in action, knowing that some of them are destined for top clubs. Previous years have seen teams such as Manchester United, Valencia, Arsenal, Rangers, Leeds United, Celtic and Right to Dream from Ghana take part.

The competition takes place in one of Northern Ireland’s tourist hot spots, the stunning Causeway Coast, location of Northern Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway and famously the backdrop for Game of Thrones.

Galway Races Summer Festival
An unmissable event in the Irish equestrian calendar, the Galway Races Summer Festival (31 July – 6 August) is an action-packed week of racing, live entertainment and stunning style.

Regarded as Ireland’s largest horse racing festival, the hugely popular event boasts superb competition and an electric atmosphere that draws people from all over the world.

Notable races include the historic Tote Galway Plate Day on Day 3, which is a great example of top-class national hunt racing. Days 4 and 5 combine hurdle racing with the Ladies Day fashion extravaganza and the Friday’s Most Stylish event.

The festival rounds off the entertainment on Sunday 6 August with the Mad Hatter’s Family Fun Day, bringing to an end one of the island’s most popular sporting events.

www.ireland.com