My name is Ollie, a 29 year old tour guide living in Co. Clare on the west coast of Ireland. I love playing my local sports of Hurling and Gaelic Football. One of the most common questions I get asked while tour-guiding are: “Can you explain the GAA?”or “How can I see a game?”
It is for this reason that I have created this everything you need to know guide about GAA and more importantly, how to get tickets. I would like to add that if you have no allegion to any county yet, your new favourite team is Clare. Now, enjoy!
(Me and my friend Aaron after winning the Junior C Championship)
If you’re visiting Ireland and want to experience the raw passion of Irish sports, attending a GAA match is an unforgettable experience. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) governs two main sports: hurling and Gaelic football. These fast-paced, physical games are deeply embedded in Irish culture, with local pride and fierce rivalries at their core.
What is the GAA? (Brief on Hurling & Gaelic Football)
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is Ireland’s largest sporting organization, overseeing the country’s two most popular indigenous sports:
- Hurling – The fastest field sport in the world, played with a wooden stick (hurley) and a small ball (sliotar).
- Gaelic Football – A mix of soccer and rugby, played with a round ball that can be carried, kicked, and hand-passed.
Both sports are amateur at all levels, meaning players compete for the love of the game rather than for financial gain.
Club vs. County: What’s the Difference?
GAA is played at two main levels: club and county.
- Club Matches – Local games where teams represent small towns and parishes across Ireland. If you visit a rural area, you might catch a club game at a local pitch, offering an authentic grassroots feel.
- County Matches – The highest level of competition, where the best players from clubs in each county compete in elite inter-county championships. These games attract huge crowds and are played in major stadiums like Croke Park in Dublin, the home of the GAA.
What is the All-Ireland Championship?
The highlight of the GAA calendar is the All-Ireland Championship, which runs from spring to summer. Each county competes to be crowned All-Ireland champions, with the finals held in Croke Park in September. The two biggest competitions are:
- All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
- All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Beyond the All-Ireland series, there are also provincial championships (Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster) and the National League, which runs earlier in the year.
(Co. Clare fans out to support their hurling team. Johnny Martin, Aaron Donegan, Michael McNielus, Brian Carey and Tadhg Breathnach)
How to Buy GAA Tickets in Ireland
Whether you want to watch a local club game or a high-stakes county match, here’s how to secure your tickets:
Where to Buy GAA Tickets Online
- Official GAA Website – The best place for tickets is www.gaa.ie/tickets.
- Ticketmaster – Some games, especially major county matches, are sold via www.ticketmaster.ie.
- County Board Websites – Check your county’s GAA website for ticket allocations and club sales.
- Retail Stores – SuperValu and Centra outlets across Ireland sell GAA tickets.
Important Note: Tickets for big games (All Ireland Finals) are hard to get. They are released on specific dates through different channels, with club members getting priority. As a tourist, your best chance is to have an Irish connection or ask your travel advisor for help.
Can You Buy GAA Tickets at the Stadium?
For club games, you can usually buy tickets at the gate for a small fee. For county matches, some stadiums sell tickets on match day, but it’s best to purchase in advance, especially for major fixtures.
How to Get All-Ireland Final Tickets
Getting a ticket for an All-Ireland Final is challenging due to high demand. Here’s how:
- Season Tickets & GAA Membership – The best way to guarantee tickets is by being a GAA member or having a season ticket.
- County Board Allocations – Each county gets a ticket allocation, and club members usually have priority.
- General Sale – A limited number of tickets go on sale via the GAA and Ticketmaster, but they sell out fast.
- Secondary Markets – Always be cautious when buying from resellers and stick to official sources.
Experience the Best of Irish Sports
If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket to an All-Ireland final in Croke Park, you’ll witness 82,300 fans roaring for their teams in an electric atmosphere. But even a local club match offers an authentic taste of Irish sporting culture. So, whether it’s in a small parish pitch or a packed stadium, don’t miss the chance to soak in the passion, skill, and intensity of the GAA!
(Ailis & Ollie at the All Ireland Final in 2024. Clare won as you can see.)
FAQs
Where can I buy GAA tickets online?
You can buy GAA tickets from the official GAA website, Ticketmaster, and county board websites.
How much do GAA tickets cost?
- Club matches: Usually under €10 or free.
- County matches: Prices vary, but expect €15-€30 for regular games.
- All-Ireland Finals: Typically range from €80-€100, but can be more expensive on secondary markets.
Can tourists attend GAA matches in Ireland?
Absolutely! Tourists are welcome at all games. Local club matches are great for an authentic experience, while county matches offer electric atmospheres in bigger stadiums.
Do children need tickets for GAA matches?
Children under 16 can often attend for free or at a discounted rate, depending on the game and stadium.
When is the best time to watch a GAA match in Ireland?
The best time to experience a GAA match is during the All-Ireland Championship season (April-July) when the most exciting games take place!
