The 2025 Guinness Six NationsOpens in new window rugby tournament kicks off on 31 January 2025 in France but for Irish fans the golden ticket events are the two home matches: Ireland v England on 1 February and Ireland v France on 8 March.
The matches will be played in Dublin’s ultra-modern Aviva StadiumOpens in new window where 50,000 spectators will generate a high-energy atmosphere creating a fan experience like no other.
Those lucky enough to get a ticket will enjoy an unforgettable stadium experience but thousands more will gather to watch the matches in pubs around DublinOpens in new window where they will soak up the buzz, banter and a few beers. One of the best places to be is The Bridge 1859,Opens in new window located in the shadow of the Aviva Stadium and owned by former Irish rugby stars.
The heightened excitement during a home match also spills on to the streets and the city will be alive with cheerful, chanting fans enjoying the craic.
After the national rivalries are fought out on the pitch, whatever the outcome, Dublin will be alive with post-match festivities. The famous friendliness of the Irish will ensure visiting fans feel welcome and the party will go on to the wee small hours.
Dublin is a great city for sports fans and beyond the rugby there is always a sporting event to attend or to take part in. Watching a Gaelic football or hurling match at Croke ParkOpens in new window, one of the largest stadiums in Europe, is a thrilling and uniquely Irish experience. Afterwards you can find out more about the history of Gaelic games and Croke Park’s significance in Irish culture in the stadium’s GAA museum.
Dublin’s soccer teams are also worth a watch and the age-old rivalry between two of the city’s top clubs, Shamrock Rovers and Bohemian FC, makes for a fiery fixture usually played at Tallaght Stadium or Dalymount Park. In 2025, however, for the first time the two teams will kick off the League of IrelandOpens in new window season with a match in Aviva Stadium (16 February).
Portmarnock
For those who prefer to play rather than watch sport, Dublin offers lots of options. These include several excellent golf courses such as PortmarnockOpens in new window and Royal DublinOpens in new window. Portmarnock’s Jameson Golf Links has recently been remodelled to create one of Ireland’s most exciting and picturesque links courses while Royal Dublin is considered to be one of the greatest links courses in the world.
There are also many walking and cycling tours around Dublin that visit the city’s famous landmarks including its top sporting venues.
