Sport Ireland is calling on people of all ages and abilities to get involved in the European Week of Sport 2025, which takes place from September 23 to 30.
Now in its tenth year, the EU-wide initiative encourages communities across Europe to embrace the physical, mental, and social benefits of sport and physical activity.
This year’s theme, “Move More, Scroll Less”, highlights the importance of disconnecting from screens and re-engaging with real-world activity.
A programme of inclusive, community-led events will take place nationwide, delivered in partnership with Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies. Activities will range from fun runs and family fitness days to school programmes and community events, all promoting Sport Ireland’s #BeActive message.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said the campaign reflects the Government’s Sport for All approach.
“This year marks the tenth anniversary of European Week of Sport, a milestone that celebrates a decade of inspiring people across Europe to embrace the benefits of movement and wellbeing. It’s a fantastic opportunity for individuals, families and communities to get involved, try something new, and take the first steps towards a more active future.”
Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, said the week is a chance to promote healthier lifestyles and discover new ways to stay active.
“With a wide range of events happening nationwide, it’s a great time to discover new ways to stay active and connected. Continued investment in sport and physical activity remains a priority, helping to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has the chance to take part and experience the many benefits that sport can bring.”
Sport Ireland Chief Executive, Dr Úna May, said the tenth anniversary highlights the campaign’s impact.
“Staying active not only supports our physical and mental health, but also helps foster connection, inclusion, and a sense of community.”
Mary Van Lieshout, Sport Ireland’s Director of Participation, Ethics, Integrity and Research, added:
“This week is a celebration of everything sport can bring to our lives, and we encourage everyone to take part, try something new, and experience the joy of being active together.”
European Week of Sport is led by the European Commission and has inspired over 103 million people in 42 countries since its launch in 2015. Its goal is to tackle inactivity and obesity by promoting healthier, more active lifestyles.
Here are a selection of the projects taking place across the country.
Tuesday, September 23rd
Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership will host a series of inclusive activities during European Week of Sport 2025, featuring 3×3 basketball, climbing, parkour, boxing, NFL flag football and other interactive sessions for young people across multiple locations. These events aim to engage youth of all abilities, encourage active participation, and provide opportunities to try new sports in a fun, supportive environment.
The #BeActive Campus Open Week runs from September 23rd-30th at Sport Ireland Campus, offering a diverse programme of free “come and try” events, skills clinics with Olympians, and family activities for all ages and abilities. Delivered in partnership with NGBs, the week invites new visitors to discover everything from gymnastics, archery and target shooting to scuba diving and surfing.
Special Olympics Ireland will host a series of online and in-person events, including CPD launches for Ten Pin Bowling Lane Officials (September 23rd) and Equestrian Judges (September 25th), as well as an Access for All Day video launch in collaboration with Get Ireland Walking (September 26th). In-person activities include the Michael Phelps Foundation IM Coach Level 2 in Galway (September 27), the Eastern Region Coaching Forum in Dublin (September 27–28), Healthfest 2025 in Cork (September 28th), and the launch of an 8-week basketball programme in Dublin (September 30th), all designed to promote inclusive sport and coaching development.
Wednesday, September 24th
Meath Sports Partnership is running a week-long programme of inclusive activities for European Week of Sport 2025, with a range of events happening on Wednesday, September 24. On this day, participants can enjoy volleyball for women at Coláiste na hInse Bettystown, inclusive canoeing at Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club, Run Jump Throw sessions, Pétanque on Bettystown Beach, and men’s 3×3 social basketball at Blackwater Park, all designed to engage people of all ages and abilities while promoting fun, skills, and confidence in physical activity.
Thursday, September 25th
Sport Ireland Coaching – ICOACHKIDS Regional Conference
In partnership with the Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League (DDSL), Sport Ireland Coaching will host an ICOACHKIDS Regional Coaching Conference for Directors of Football, Behavioural Officers, and coaches of boys’ and girls’ teams in DDSL clubs. This is a unique opportunity for coaches to learn from renowned speakers in the field of coaching children in sport. The conference takes place from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley. The cost is €10, with all proceeds donated to Barretstown and LauraLynn charities.
Friday, September 26th
European School Sports Day (in collaboration with the Irish Primary PE Association – IPPEA). More than 400 schools across Ireland will take part in active celebrations alongside participants from 40 EU countries, with the flagship event at Redeemer Girls NS in Dundalk, Co Louth. Eve McCrystal, former paracyclist, will attend as athlete ambassador to inspire and encourage the students.
Galway Sports Partnership, in collaboration with Galway City Council and Volunteer Galway, will host #BeActive Night 2025 on the iconic Salthill Prom with a vibrant 5km Colour Run as the centrepiece. The family-friendly evening will feature games, activities and colour stations along the route, creating an inclusive celebration of movement, fun and community spirit for all ages and abilities.
Limerick Sports Partnership will host a week-long programme of inclusive activities from September 23rd-30th, offering everything from water-based sessions and outdoor yoga to taster sports with local clubs and National Governing Bodies (NGBs). The week kicks off with Park Life events for adults aged 55+ on 23rd, 25th and 30th September, promoting strength, flexibility, balance, and community connection, while all activities aim to engage people of all ages and abilities and provide pathways for ongoing participation in sport and physical activity across Limerick.
Saturday, September 27th
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership, through the Active Cities Dublin initiative, will host #BeActive Night @ Explorium from 5-8pm. This inclusive, family-friendly event will give participants of all ages and abilities the chance to explore climbing walls, sports simulators, interactive games, STEM exhibits and more in Ireland’s National Sports and Science Centre.
Waterford Sports Partnership will launch a new Junior parkrun in Ballygunner, in partnership with Parkrun, St Mary’s Athletic Club and Ballygunner GAA Healthy Club. The family-friendly 2k event will mark the beginning of a free weekly junior parkrun in Waterford City, encouraging children of all ages and abilities to get active together.
Active South Dublin will host Active Glow Night, an exciting glow-in-the-dark sports event for teens aged 12–18 across four community centres. Participants can enjoy glow basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, and dance in a vibrant neon-lit environment, promoting physical activity, teamwork, and social engagement in a safe and inclusive setting.
Sunday, September 28th
National Walking Day 2025 runs from Monday, 22 September, featuring a full week of themed walking activities. The week culminates on Sunday, 28 September with National Walking Day, hosted by Mountaineering Ireland and Get Ireland Walking, encouraging hillwalking clubs and communities nationwide to organise walks, come together, and highlight the best of walking in Ireland. Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to join in, highlighting the physical, mental, and social benefits of walking while enjoying Ireland’s beautiful outdoors.
Monday, September 29th
Tennis Ireland is running a week-long series of activities across Dublin and Cavan, including ‘Women Try Tennis’, beginner adult sessions, Golden Game tennis for over 55s, school’s taster days, and community tennis events. The programme highlights a teacher training session on 29 September at DCU Teacher Training College from 6–8pm, providing practical learning for student teachers while supporting ongoing participation and skill development in tennis.
Image Credit: Sport Ireland
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