Irish Sports You Can Play Abroad

Whether you’re an Irish expat or simply an enthusiast of Gaelic sports, there are plenty of ways to keep the spirit of Irish athletics alive no matter where you are in the world. From Gaelic football to hurling, Irish sports have expanded far beyond the shores of Ireland, with dedicated clubs and communities thriving internationally.

At Irish District, we celebrate Ireland’s sporting heritage with a selection of Irish sports gear and GAA-inspired apparel for players and supporters alike.

1. Gaelic Football

Often described as a blend of soccer and rugby, Gaelic football is one of Ireland’s most popular sports. It’s a fast-paced, physical game played with a round ball, where players can kick, hand-pass, and solo (bounce or toe-tap) their way across the field.

Where to Play Gaelic Football Abroad

With Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) clubs established across the world, it’s easy to find a team near you. The biggest hubs include:

United States: Major cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago have well-established Gaelic football leagues.
United Kingdom: London and Birmingham host competitive GAA clubs.
Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth are home to thriving Irish sports communities.
Canada: Toronto and Vancouver boast growing GAA teams.
Europe: Cities like Paris, Brussels, and Madrid have enthusiastic Gaelic football clubs.

Shop Gaelic football jerseys, balls, and accessories to get game-ready.

2. Hurling & Camogie

Often referred to as the fastest field sport in the world, hurling is a thrilling game that combines speed, skill, and power. The women’s version, camogie, is equally exciting and continues to gain popularity globally.

Where to Play Hurling Abroad

Hurling is spreading worldwide, with clubs in:

North America: New York, Boston, and San Francisco have strong hurling teams.
Australia & New Zealand: Hurling is growing in cities like Melbourne and Auckland.
Europe: Clubs in Germany, France, and the Netherlands actively promote hurling.
Asia & Middle East: Dubai and Singapore have emerging hurling teams.

Find the perfect hurleys, sliotars, and camogie gear to get started.

3. Irish Handball

Irish handball is a lesser-known but equally exciting sport that has gained a loyal following outside of Ireland. Played against a wall with a small rubber ball, it’s a game of skill and reflexes, similar to squash or racquetball.

Where to Play Irish Handball Abroad

Handball is popular in:

United States: The game has a strong following in New York and Chicago.
Canada: Growing popularity in major cities like Toronto.
Europe: Spain and Italy have local handball communities.
Australia: Irish handball courts are available in some sports clubs.

Browse handball gloves and accessories to start playing today.

4. Road Bowling

Road bowling is an old Irish sport that involves rolling a metal ball (or “bullet”) along a country road, with the aim of reaching the finish line in the fewest throws. It’s most commonly played in Cork and Armagh but has also found a home overseas.

Where to Play Road Bowling Abroad

While road bowling is less widespread than Gaelic football or hurling, you can find clubs in:

United States: West Virginia hosts regular Irish road bowling events.
Netherlands: Road bowling leagues have started appearing in rural areas.
Germany: Some clubs in Bavaria have adopted the sport.

5. Joining an International GAA Club

For anyone looking to play Irish sports abroad, the best way to get involved is by joining a local GAA club. Many clubs welcome beginners and seasoned players alike, making it easy to stay connected with Irish culture while keeping fit.

Benefits of Joining a GAA Club Abroad:

Meet new people: Build friendships within the Irish community.
Stay active: Enjoy fast-paced, competitive sports.
Preserve Irish heritage: Help keep Irish sporting traditions alive.
Opportunities to compete: Many clubs participate in international tournaments.

Need gear? Explore our GAA jerseys, sportswear, and accessories to look the part.

Bringing Irish Sports to the World

Wherever you are, you can stay connected to Ireland’s sporting heritage by joining a local GAA club or starting your own team. Whether it’s Gaelic football, hurling, handball, or road bowling, Irish sports continue to thrive far beyond Ireland.

Explore our sports gear and GAA merchandise to get ready for your next match!