Something for the Weekend: Eight Live Sporting Highlights for the Bank Holiday
County final dreams, provincial rivalries, and the encouragement of thousands of runners on Dublin’s streets will make for a busy October bank holiday weekend.
Here are eight opportunities to enjoy live sport across the island, in date order, from Friday-night football to racing on bank holiday Monday.
A Potential Title Night on Both Sides of Dublin
Friday, October 23 | Bohemians v Shelbourne, Dalymount Park, 7.45 pm; Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers, Tallaght Stadium, 8 pm
The bank holiday begins with potential title deciders on either side of Dublin, as Bohemians welcome Shelbourne to Dalymount Park and Shamrock Rovers host Sligo Rovers in Tallaght. With the championship still in play, supporters at both grounds will have reason to keep an eye on events across the city.
Rovers can secure the title if they achieve a better result than Bohemians, but Sligo have already won in Tallaght this season. Bohs, meanwhile, face the added intensity of a Dublin derby against Shelbourne as they seek to keep their own ambitions alive. Two grounds, staggered kick-offs and potentially decisive consequences. Friday-night football offers a compelling start to the long weekend.
BetVictor Northern Ireland Open
Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25 | Waterfront Hall, Belfast | Various sessions
Belfast’s Waterfront Hall offers a different kind of sporting intensity as the Northern Ireland Open reaches its decisive weekend. Saturday brings the semi-finals, with the Alex Higgins Trophy to be settled on Sunday. Watching snooker in person reveals the precision and tactical patience that television can only partly convey, particularly when a close frame leaves the room holding its breath. It is also an attractive sporting centrepiece for a Belfast city break, with afternoon and evening sessions allowing time to explore the city.
Ireland v Scotland: A Celtic Double-Header
Saturday, October 24 | SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork | 4 pm and 6 pm
Ireland and Scotland bring their shared sporting traditions to Leeside for an international double-header. The women’s camogie-shinty match begins at 4 pm, followed by the men’s hurling-shinty contest at 6 pm. These hybrid games place familiar skills in a different competitive setting, creating an intriguing afternoon for regular hurling and camogie supporters and curious newcomers alike. Having both Irish teams on the same programme adds to the occasion, offering a distinctive way to enjoy international sport at one of the country’s finest stadiums.
Leinster v Munster
Saturday, October 24 | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | 6pm
One of Irish rugby’s great rivalries will be the Saturday evening centrepiece as Leinster and Munster meet at Aviva Stadium. Provincial pride gives this fixture an edge that extends well beyond the league table, while the bigger venue makes it an appealing opportunity to introduce someone to the interprovincial experience. Choose your colours and allow time to enjoy the build-up around Lansdowne Road. With the November international window approaching, this is a chance to see the provinces go head-to-head before attention shifts to Ireland.
Dublin Senior Hurling Final: Cuala v Kilmacud Crokes
Saturday, October 24 | Parnell Park, Dublin | 7.15pm
An extra layer of possibility surrounds Saturday night’s PTSB Dublin Senior Hurling Championship final. Cuala arrive with the chance to complete a senior county football and hurling double after their footballers’ success last Sunday. South Dublin rivals Kilmacud Crokes stand in their way, and their own ambitions should ensure nothing comes easily. Cuala last lifted the hurling title in 2020, while Crokes’ most recent success came in 2022. Under the Parnell Park lights, this promises to be one of the weekend’s most compelling club occasions.
Irish Life Dublin Marathon
Sunday, October 25 | Dublin city and suburbs | From 8.40am
You don’t need a race number to take part in Marathon Sunday. A place along the route, a warm coat and a willingness to cheer can make you part of one of Dublin’s most uplifting sporting days. The wheelchair race begins at 8.40 am, followed by running waves from 8.45 am to 9.45 am. The course starts on Leeson Street and finishes on Mount Street, with countless opportunities along the way to cheer them on. Pick a spot, look out for familiar faces, and enjoy an event where personal achievement matters at every pace.
Galway October Racing Festival
Sunday and Monday, October 25–26 | Ballybrit Racecourse, Galway | Sunday from 12.32 pm; Monday times to be confirmed
The Ballybrit programme has changed: Saturday’s meeting has been moved because of ground conditions and the forecast storm. National Hunt racing will now take place on Sunday and bank holiday Monday, with the Flat meeting transferred to Tuesday, October 27. Monday remains Student Raceday. Racegoers can still make Galway part of their long weekend, but should check the revised race times before travelling. Saturday general admission ticket holders will receive automatic refunds, while Sunday and Monday tickets remain valid.
Mayo Senior Football Final: Castlebar Mitchels v Garrymore
Sunday, October 25 | Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar | 3.30 pm
County final day brings families, neighbours and generations of club service together, and Mayo’s decider has two particularly appealing stories. Garrymore return to the senior final for the first time since 1982, while Castlebar Mitchels make their first appearance since 2017. The Moclair Cup is the prize, with months of preparation coming down to one afternoon. Supporters can make a full day of it, with Ardagh and Eastern Gaels contesting the junior A final at 1 pm before the senior teams take centre stage.
All times are local. Check the latest fixture, weather and ticket updates before travelling. Clocks go back early on Sunday morning.
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Image Credit: Irish Life Dublin Marathon
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