American Football
Image: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Who: The Irish American Football Association
What: There are currently 15 teams playing fully-kitted American football in Ireland across two divisions, the Shamrock Bowl Conference (established teams) and IAFL-1 (new teams).
Where: With 15 teams spread across the north and south of Ireland, there’s sure to be a team near you.
When: The Shamrock Bowl season ends in July but the IAFL-1 continues until August.
Why: With positions for the fast and the fat, American football really is a sport for everyone. Most teams accept rookies and all have fully qualified coaches.
Baseball
Vimeo Credit: DCTV
Who: Baseball Ireland
What: Baseball, in it’s current guise, has been played in Ireland since 1995 and benefits from having a wonderful National Baseball Facility in Clondalkin, West Dublin.
Where: Most teams are Dublin based but there are also adult and youth teams spread around the country.
When: Baseball is played throughout the summer in Ireland and well into autumn.
Why: Baseball Ireland have put a particular emphasis on youth development so it’s a perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to a new sport.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Image: Twitter/John Kavanagh
Who: Irish Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association
What: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a form or martial art where the aim is to put your opponent in a disadvantageous position by means of throws, trips, sweeps and various groundwork manoeuvres.
Where: There are many gyms with qualified practitioners who welcome rookies around Ireland.
When: Events take place all year long.
Why: BJJ plays a key role in Mixed Martial Arts, the fastest growing combat sport in the world.
Cricket
Image: INPHO/Barry Chambers
Who: Cricket Ireland
What: One of the fastest growing team sports in Ireland thanks to the international team’s recent exploits.
Where: There are dozens of clubs, playing a various levels in all four provinces.
When: It depends on the weather but the the season usually runs from April through to September.
Why: Most clubs have two or three teams for those with different levels of ability so new players are always welcome.
Ice Hockey
YouTube Credit: Ryan Hellyer
Who: Irish Ice Hockey Association
What: One of the toughest, fastest games in the world and it’s all played on ice.
Where: Though there are only a handful of clubs, ice hockey has a hardcore following in this country.
When: The national team’s games can take place throughout the year.
Why: You learn to have the grace of a ballerina, the speed of a sprinter and the power of a wrestler all in one sport.
Kite Surfing
Image: Flickr/Bertknot
Who: Irish Kite Surfing Association
What: Kite surfing uses the power of the wind to drive a rider across the water on a kiteboard and participants can learn many different styles including freestyle and wave-riding.
Where: Kite surfing Ireland have information on the following beaches: Sutton, Dollymount, Elly Bay and Banna Strand. However, wherever you participate, you should read their rules of the sea.
When: The season usually begins around March and stretches right the way through to November.
Why: With so many different riding styles and a multitude of schools providing lessons, kite surfing can be a safe and fun activity for everyone.
Olympic Handball
YouTube Credit: olympic
Who: Irish Olympic Handball Association
What: A mixture of basketball and indoor football, Olympic Handball is fast paced and high-scoring.
Where: You can find a list of all Olympic Handball clubs, spread across the four corners of Ireland, here.
When: With different age groups and male and female competitions, handball events take place throughout the year.
Why: A couple of Olympic Handball training sessions and you'll be fitter than you ever were in your life.
Triathlon
Image: INPHO/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga
Who: Triathlon Ireland
What: One of the most popular endurance sports in the world, thousands of Irish people compete in triathlons every year.
Where: While you can train yourself, the best way to get started is probably through a club, a list of which can be found here.
When: Triathlon Ireland have a full range of events, covering all levels, all year round.
Why: Because who doesn't like swimming, cycling and running in the company of like minded people?
Ultimate Frisbee
YouTube Credit: brodiesmith21
Who: Irish Flying Disc Association
What: A combination of the skills required for five-a-side soccer, basketball and American football, teams must pass the disc between themselves before attempting to score.
Where: There are schools, colleges and club teams popping up all over the country.
When: Club and national events run right the way through to September.
Why: The sport could soon be added to the Olympics, now is your shot at a gold medal.
Poor old lacrosse never gets a look in. Ireland are the second best team in Europe after last summer’s European Lacrosse Championships. We are even hosting our own international tournament this August in UL.
Problem because it has similar qualities to hurling, some Americans are getting into hurling now for that reason.
AFL played it in london last 3 years about 8 teams in Ireland cracking sport
Ultimate frisbee looks cool.
I can’t understand the hype around American Football , such a slow stop start game.
I know what you mean. I am a fan and sometimes the stoppages get a bit much. Actually grand if you’re there in the stadium watching but on telly it’s the amount of ad breaks that really annoys me.
The great thing about playing the game in Ireland though is that you’d don’t have to suffer all the TV timeouts, etc and most games are completed in about 2/2.5 hours.
It’s a lot faster than what it used to be
Only used the telly reference to make the point it’s not really that slow outside the professional game. I know you’re very knowledgeable about the game because I read your piece every week for your picks during the NFL season and you must hear the same from non fans saying its a bit slow.
Always good to see the alternative sports getting some exposure! Cheers guys!
Aussie Rules is a serious sport,,started playing this year great game and it runs from April to September,,
Hi Steve,
Kickass article, American Football and Ultimate Frisbee are as incredible to watch as they are to participate in. If you’re ever doing another article like this, you should check out Jugger in Ireland.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Setanta-Jugger-Club/436283136494814?fref=ts :)