This weekend offers plenty of opportunities to experience live sport across Ireland, from international rugby at the Aviva Stadium to the FAI Cup Final, provincial club championship encounters, National Cup basketball and two days of National Hunt racing.
Here are eight sporting occasions worth seeing.
1. Ireland v Argentina – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Friday, November 6 | 8.10pm
The weekend begins under the lights at the Aviva Stadium as Ireland take on Argentina in the Nations Championship.
It is the first of three home internationals this November, with Fiji and South Africa still to come. The atmosphere around Lansdowne Road on a Friday night is always special, and the opening fixture of a new international competition offers another reason to be there.
2. National Hunt Racing – Gowran Park, Kilkenny
Saturday, November 7 | Afternoon
Gowran Park brings its 2026 racing programme to a close with its National Hunt Finale, offering an excellent afternoon out in one of Ireland’s most attractive racecourse settings.
The meeting is also billed as Kilkenny GAA Race Day, linking two sporting communities.
A complimentary shuttle bus service is available from Kilkenny city, while the combination of racing, hospitality and the atmosphere of a country racecourse makes this an appealing alternative to the traditional team sports.
3. Gowna v Crossmaglen Rangers – Kingspan Breffni, Cavan
Saturday, November 7 | 7.15 pm
The Ulster Senior Club Football Championship reaches the quarter-final stage, with Cavan champions Gowna welcoming Crossmaglen Rangers to Kingspan Breffni.
Crossmaglen carry one of the great histories in Irish club football, but Gowna arrive with confidence following their emphatic county final victory.
There is also an earlier game at the same venue, with Butlersbridge facing St Peter’s in the Intermediate Championship at 5 pm. Supporters can make a full evening of it, though they must buy tickets in advance.
4. Nemo Rangers v Loughmore-Castleiney – Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork
Sunday, November 8 | 1.15 pm
Two of Munster’s most recognisable club names meet in the Senior Club Football Championship quarter-final.
Cork champions Nemo Rangers enjoy home advantage against Tipperary’s Loughmore-Castleiney, a club renowned for its ability to compete at the highest levels of both football and hurling.
For those who enjoy the club championship at its best, this has all the ingredients of a fascinating contest.
5. Return of the Jumps – Naas Racecourse, Kildare
Sunday, November 8 | Afternoon
Naas welcomes the return of National Hunt racing with an eight-race programme featuring the Grade 3 Barberstown Castle Steeplechase.
The meeting also includes the Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle and offers a first opportunity of the season to enjoy jumps racing at the Kildare venue.
General admission has been advertised at €15 in advance, rising to €20 on race day.
6. Killester v Limerick Eagles – Basketball Ireland National Cup, Dublin
Saturday, November 7 | 6pm | IWA Clontarf
The Basketball Ireland National Cup takes centre stage this weekend, with the opening round of the knockout competition bringing together some of the leading teams in the country.
One of the standout fixtures sees Killester welcome Limerick Eagles to the IWA in Clontarf on Saturday evening, with tip-off at 6pm.
The National Cup provides a different challenge from the regular Super League campaign, where one defeat can bring an abrupt end to the prospect of reaching the showpiece finals at the National Basketball Arena in January.
There is plenty of action elsewhere too, with Trinity Meteors hosting Liffey Celtics in the Women’s National Cup at Coláiste Íosagáin in Dublin at 7.15pm, while Cork hosts Ballincollig against UCD Marian and Neptune against Belfast Star.
For those looking for something a little different this weekend, the pace, intensity and close-up atmosphere of top-level Irish basketball make it well worth getting along to a game.
7. Derry City v Waterford – Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup Final, Aviva Stadium
Sunday, November 8 | 3pm
One of the great days in the domestic football calendar returns to the Aviva Stadium as Derry City and Waterford meet in the Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup Final.
It is the first meeting between the clubs in an FAI Cup Final, with both sets of supporters travelling to Dublin hoping to bring home silverware.
The Cup Final is about much more than the result. It is a celebration of the League of Ireland, with supporters, families and clubs coming together for an occasion that has become one of the highlights of the Irish football year.
Tickets have been advertised from €16, subject to availability.
8. Áth Fhada v Gaultier – Munster Ladies Football Final, Mallow
Sunday, November 8 | 3.30pm
The Munster Senior Ladies Club Football Championship Final brings Cork’s Áth Fhada and Waterford’s Gaultier together at the Mallow GAA Complex.
The provincial title and the opportunity to continue towards an All-Ireland club final are on the line.
It is another reminder of the breadth of sporting occasions available to attend around the country, and the important role the club game plays in bringing communities together.
From the international stage to the club grounds of Munster and Ulster, the basketball courts of Dublin and the racecourses of Kilkenny and Kildare, there is no shortage of live sport to enjoy this weekend.
Whatever you choose, get out and support live sport. There really is nothing quite like being there.
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