Dublin’s summer of sports: a 2025 spectacle

As the sun graces Dublin with early summer warmth, we look ahead to an usually warm summer here in Ireland, as the city is poised to host a series of exhilarating sports events that promise to captivate fans both locally and globally.  

From historic American football matchups to traditional Gaelic games and thrilling soccer fixtures, Dublin’s 2025 summer sports calendar is brimming with action.​ 

NFL Touchdown at Croke Park 

In a landmark event, Dublin will host its first-ever NFL regular-season game at the iconic Croke Park. The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team with deep Irish roots through the Rooney family, are set to be the designated home team for this historic match. While the exact date and opponent are yet to be confirmed, the game is anticipated to take place between September and November 2025.  

This event not only marks a significant milestone for American football in Ireland but also underscores the NFL’s commitment to expanding its international footprint. Fans eager to witness this momentous occasion should stay tuned for ticket announcements and further details on all Irish news platforms.  

GAA All-Ireland Championships: The Heartbeat of Irish Sport 

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) continues to be the heart and soul of Irish sports culture, and the summer of 2025 is no exception.​ 

All-Ireland Senior Football Championship: 

Dublin’s senior football team finds itself in a challenging Group 4 alongside Galway or Mayo (Connacht Final winners), Armagh or Donegal (Ulster Final runners-up), and Derry. This grouping has been dubbed the “group of death,” especially after Dublin’s unexpected loss to Meath in the Leinster SFC, ending a 15-year unbeaten streak. 

The championship commenced on April 5, with the All-Ireland Final scheduled for July 27. 

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship: 

While specific fixtures are yet to be detailed, the hurling championship promises intense rivalries and showcases of skill, culminating in the All-Ireland Final later this summer.​ The recent draws between Cork and Clare, as well as Tippereary and Limerick, underscore what is bound to be a pulsating summer of Hurling action.  

Soccer Showdowns: Domestic and International Clashes 

League of Ireland Premier Division: 

Dublin’s soccer scene is vibrant, with clubs like Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians, and St. Patrick’s Athletic is competing fiercely in the League of Ireland at the moment. Matches are held across various venues and will go on until late in the year, with games all through the summer, including Tallaght Stadium, which also hosts international fixtures. 

Aer Lingus College Football Classic: 

American college football returns to Dublin this year with two exciting games at Aviva Stadium: Kansas State vs. Iowa State on August 23 and Pittsburgh vs. Wisconsin on August 28. ​Another example of catering for the international representation of Americans here in Ireland with sports. 

Athletics and Community Events 

Dublin’s summer sports calendar isn’t limited to professional games. The city will also host various community and athletic events, including marathons, charity runs, and local tournaments, fostering community spirit and promoting active lifestyles., with the Termonfeckin half marathon scheduled for the 13th of July this summer.  

Securing Your Spot 

Tickets for these events are expected to be in high demand. For the NFL game, ticket sales are anticipated to commence in June or July 2025. ​NFL.com 

For GAA matches, tickets can be purchased through official GAA channels and participating clubs. Soccer match tickets are available via Ticketmaster and club websites., and fans are buzzing. 

“I couldn’t believe when the announcement was made about the Steelers,” said Alex Devin, a 2nd year engineering student in TU Dublin Bolton Street. 

“It’s a monumental event, I am going to be up at the crack of dawn to get those tickets, it’s the type of thing I’ll tell my kids about.” 

Craig Moore, an Irish student who is studying abroad in Missouri, said he “cannot wait to come home for the summer of sports.” 

“I stayed up late last week to watch the Leinster Semi-Final between Meath and Dublin and I was jumping up and down at three in the morning over there. It’ll be some summer for sports, I think we’ll see one of the best All-Ireland football series’ in years this July because of the new rules.” 

Dublin’s 2025 summer and autumn are set to be a sports enthusiast’s dream. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Gaelic games, international football, or community athletics, the city’s diverse offerings ensure there’s something for everyone. Embrace the excitement and be part of Dublin’s historic sports season, like Moore just said.. “It’ll be some summer for sports,” that.. It most certainly will be.