Dublin is one of Europe’s most exciting sporting cities, with a packed calendar of rugby, GAA, football and international events taking place throughout the year. From sell-out concerts and championship finals to global sporting fixtures, the city attracts thousands of fans from across Ireland and overseas.
If you're planning a trip for a major match or sporting event, choosing the right location to stay can transform your experience. Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport offers the ideal base — close to key stadiums, with excellent transport links, and just minutes from Dublin Airport.
Here’s your guide to the biggest sporting events in Dublin in 2026 and the best venues to plan your stay around.
Croke Park - Ireland's Biggest Sporting Events
Croke Park is the largest stadium in Ireland and one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world, with a capacity of over 80,000. It is the home of Gaelic games and also hosts major international rugby, football and entertainment events.
Key 2026 events at Croke Park include:
Leinster Senior Hurling Final & Joe McDonagh Cup Final - 6th June
One of the first major showpieces of the summer season, this double-header brings together the best hurling teams in Leinster alongside the Joe McDonagh Cup final. Thousands of fans will pack into Croke Park for a full day of championship action.
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship - June to August
The Sam Maguire Championship reaches its most intense stage in Croke Park throughout the summer. These are among the most highly attended sporting events in Ireland, with fans travelling nationwide for the knockout stages.
All-Ireland Camogie & Ladies Football Finals - August
Croke Park hosts two of the biggest women’s sporting finals in Ireland:
- TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Final – 2nd August
- Glen Dimplex Camogie Final - 9th August
Both finals attract large national audiences and are key highlights of the Irish sporting calendar.
Manchester United vs Leeds United- 12th August
One of the most anticipated international fixtures of the year sees Manchester United face Leeds United in a major pre-season clash at Croke Park. This match is expected to draw a global audience and a sell-out crowd in Dublin.
Katie Taylor Historic Farewell Fight - 5th September
Ireland’s boxing icon Katie Taylor returns to Croke Park for a landmark farewell world title fight, marking one of the most significant sporting nights ever staged in Ireland.
Aviva Stadium - Rugby, Football & International Sport
The Aviva Stadium is one of Ireland’s premier sporting and entertainment venues, hosting international rugby, football, and world-class concerts throughout 2026. Located in Dublin 4, the stadium attracts fans from across Ireland and overseas for some of the year’s biggest fixtures.
Rugby at Avivia Stadium
Rugby remains at the heart of the Aviva Stadium calendar, with Leinster, Ireland and international fixtures drawing huge crowds.
Key 2026 rugby events include:
- Six Nations - Ireland home fixtures - March
- Guinness Women’s Six Nations – Ireland v Scotland - May
- URC & European knockout matches throughout April & May
Football & International Fixtures
The Aviva Stadium also plays a key role in Ireland's international football calendar.
2026 highlights include:
- FAI International Friendly – Ireland v Qatar - 28th May
- UEFA Women’s European Qualifier – Ireland v Poland - April
- UEFA Nations League – Ireland v Austria - 1st October
- UEFA Nations League – Ireland v Israel - 4th October
Special Events - 2026 Highlight Fixture
Aer Lingus College Football Classic – Texas Christian University v University of North Carolina - 29th August
This annual American college football showcase has become one of Dublin’s most popular international sporting events, attracting thousands of US visitors each summer.