Experience the Thrill: 5 Sports Events You Can't Afford to Miss for the Rest of 2025!
From Tipperary’s unbelievable second-half display to demolish Cork in the All-Ireland Hurling Final to Kerry’s tactical masterclass over Donegal in the Gaelic Football final, it's been a truly outstanding summer of GAA action. Add to that an Open Championship held on Irish soil, won comfortably by the world’s top golfer, Scottie Scheffler, and a record-breaking UEFA Women’s Euros decided on penalties in England’s favour, and it’s safe to say sports fans have been spoilt for choice this year.
More to Come?
The excitement doesn’t end there for Irish sports fans. A host of high-profile sporting events are still to come in the months ahead, catering to fans of all interests. With that in mind, here are five standout events on the horizon that Irish sports lovers won’t want to miss.
Top 5 Sports Events Still to Come
From world-class horse shows and international rugby showdowns to elite golf tournaments and even a historic NFL game in Dublin, the months ahead are packed with unmissable action. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, these upcoming events promise to deliver excitement, drama, and plenty of memorable moments for Irish sports enthusiasts.
Ireland are back in this year’s Rugby World Cup after missing out on the 2022 event in New Zealand.
Dublin Horse Show (August 6th – 10th)
Five unforgettable days of horses and fashion will take over Dublin’s RDS as the prestigious Dublin Horse Show celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025. Over 160 competitions boasting a combined prize pool of €1.5 million, will unfold across five days. The highlight? The annual Nations Cup event for the Aga Khan Trophy, held on Friday.
Women’s Rugby World Cup(August 22nd – September 27th)
Ireland returns to Rugby World Cup action after missing the 2022 edition in New Zealand. Under coach Scott Bemand, the team has been drawn in Pool C alongside Spain, Japan, and reigning champions New Zealand. If Ireland progresses from the group, they’ll face a Pool D team in the quarterfinals—likely France or Italy. Ranked No. 5 in the world heading into the tournament, Ireland is riding a strong wave of momentum. They last faced New Zealand in September 2024 during the World XV1 series, shocking the world champions 29–27 in Canada. With strong fan support expected in England, more upsets could be on the cards.
Irish Open Golf (September 4th – 7th)
The 2025 Amgen Irish Open returns to the iconic K Club in Kildare for the first time since 2016. Back then, Rory McIlroy triumphed—and he’s back in the field once again. Following the buzz of the Open Championship in Portrush, Ireland quickly takes centre stage again as top local talent, including McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Seamus Power, and Padraig Harrington, compete against elite players from the DP World Tour.
World Cup Qualifiers(September 6th – November 16th)
Heimir Hallgrimsson leads Ireland into his first World Cup qualifying campaign as manager, with fans hopeful of a return to the grand stage in 2026, hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament will feature 48 teams, with 16 spots allocated to Europe. Ireland faces a challenging group, drawn alongside Armenia, Hungary, and UEFA Nations League champions Portugal. Key fixtures against Hungary are expected to determine Ireland’s chances of securing second place, which would grant a playoff spot. The journey begins on September 6th with a crucial home clash against Hungary, rekindling memories of Ireland’s iconic win over Italy at Giants Stadium in 1994.
NFL in Dublin: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings(September 28th)
Croke Park will host Ireland’s first-ever regular season NFL game when the Steelers and Vikings face off on September 28th. The inclusion of the Steelers is significant—the franchise is owned by the Irish-American Rooney family. Having previously played a warm-up game in Ireland in 1997, the Steelers return hoping to attract a passionate Irish fan base. This historic fixture is part of the NFL’s ongoing global expansion, with additional matches set for London, Berlin, and Madrid in 2025.
Stay tuned for more weekly sports content.
Liam Lacey
Liam is a sportswriter from County Laois in Ireland who specializes in delivering content on GAA and Football matters (though he does see himself as somewhat of a tennis aficionado also!). Liam has written about All Ireland Gaelic Football and Hurling Championships, Premier League, Champions League and International Football offering expert opinion and match previews and predictions. Occasionally even getting some right!