Whether you’re in serious sport withdrawals after another blockbuster GAA season, or if you’re riding the absolute high of Irish pride that naturally follows the Rugby World Cup, trying to find an interesting sport outside of the usual go-to’s can be difficult. Here are five alternative sports that you can attend where Ireland are also flourishing.
Field Hockey
The Irish Women’s hockey team has seen spectacular success in the last year. The team are the only Irish team to make it to a World Cup final (in any sport!); they took home silver from the 2018 World Cup event in London. If you want to catch the only Olympic qualification event to be held in Ireland this year across any sport, and follow what will undoubtedly be another fantastic year for Irish field hockey, make sure head along to the Energia Park in Donnybrook for the Women’s Olympic Qualifier match against Canada. The fixtures in question take place on Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd of November and it’s definitely an event that shouldn’t be missed.
Karate
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games start in under a year and the Karate world could not be more thrilled. The countdown to the anticipated Olympic debut of the sport is on, and excitement is gaining serious momentum among karate enthusiasts all over the world. Irish athletes have been extremely successful for many years in Karate, and this may be their time to shine. If you’re looking to get a taste of the sport and to spot future Olympic hopefuls, check out the Karate Ireland National Championships taking place on the 1st of December 2019 in the National Indoor Arena, Blanchardstown, Dublin.
Darts
There exists a haven where men with Dad bods 
are welcomed to the stage like rock gods and people in their thirties are the rookies, this is the world of darts. The spectators are more important to the darts than to almost any other sport – they are loud, creative, ritualistic and fickle. If you’re seeking a sporting event that’s just all round good fun, then the Darts Exhibition may just be the perfect option. Check it out on Sunday the 8th of December 2019 at the Crescent Concert Hall Drogheda. Grab your tickets and use the GeoFind It app to find your way there.
Gymnastics
If you’re searching for a sport with a bit more glitz and glam, gymnastics may be the sport for you. The sparkly, bright leotards and flawless routines may fool you into thinking the sport is simple. On the contrary, gymnastics is one of the most exciting, dynamic and daring sports, requiring amazing physical strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, balance and endurance. To watch some of Ireland’s elite gymnasts compete at the National Gymnastics Series, head to Abbotstown on the 9th and 10th of November.
Wheelchair Basketball
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The incredible Paralympic sport of wheelchair basketball is fast paced and energetic, with athletes being exceptionally strong, determined and highly competitive. Wheelchair basketball retains most of the major rules of basketball, including the 10-foot basketball hoop and standard basketball court. These players don’t hold back when it comes to this terrific sport! The Irish senior basketball league is currently underway, with the Titan Wheelers set to play Clonaslee WBC on the 26th of October 2019 in St. Mary’s College, Galway. Use the GeoFindIT app to get your way there and watch one of the most entertaing sports around.