Sport in Northern Ireland: Community, culture and craic
Sport is woven into the fabric of life in Northern Ireland. In the past year alone, we’ve had some incredible achievements from our own.
From Northern Irish athletes winning a whopping seven Olympic medals at the 2024 games, to Rory McIlroy completing the grand slam, we’re a force to be reckoned with.
But sport in Northern Ireland isn’t just about the medals and trophies. It’s about community, connection and culture – of which we have plenty.
So, whether you’re a world-class athlete or someone who loves a bit of craic on the sidelines, don’t worry: Northern Ireland’s sporting scene has something for everyone.
Read on to hear some of the stories behind our love for sport in Northern Ireland.
Ready to Tee Off?
Northern Ireland has a strong golfing heritage, with roots tracing back to the arrival of railway networks in the 19th century.
Making regular travel the norm, the remote coastal town of Portrush was suddenly within easy reach.
The word of golf and the North Coast’s breathtaking ocean views spread… and the rest is history.
Carrying this heritage into the present day, our historic and unique links courses are renowned all over the world and continue to attract international visitors all year-round.
Not only to experience the incredible scenery, but to take a shot at the world-famous Calamity Corner at Royal Portrush.
The golfing spirit isn’t just for tourists either.
Thanks to the Performance Golf Programme at Ulster University, a new generation of talent is keeping the sport alive and thriving, with young Northern Irish golfers given the opportunity to practice for free at Royal Portrush (We’ve talked about this on the blog before, read about it here...Royal Portrush: A Fairway to Success for NI Students | NI Connections)
And to top it all off, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome from the local golfing community – that’s right, the ones responsible for churning out golfing champions like Rory McIlroy.
As The 153rd Open makes its way back to Royal Portrush this July and global eyes are once again on the North Coast, it’s easy to see why… and we’re all buzzing about it.
Surf’s up in the North Coast
Who said you have to go all the way to California to live the Cali surfer life?
We might not have the weather, but Northern Ireland’s got the waves, the scenic charm of the Causeway Coast, and we’ve got the craic. That should be enough for any seasoned surfer!
It was enough for now 86-year-old Ian Hill, who bought his first surfboard from an Australian lifeguard and became one of the first to surf the waves at Castlerock, all the way back in 1964.
That legacy has ridden the waves into the present day.
The area now has a thriving surf scene welcoming wave-chasers year-round and a surf shop run by Ian’s own son, Alan. How’s that for local heritage?
With swells from the North Atlantic Ocean bringing waves, ripples and breaks to our emerald shores, there’s something for everyone.
The waves of the sheltered East Strand are beginner-friendly in the summer months, becoming what’s known as “East the Beast” in Winter – not for the faint hearted!
We’re also a notoriously friendly bunch in Northern Ireland, and the local surfing community is no different.
Ready to welcome anyone hoping to catch some waves, it’s no wonder local and international visitors come back to the area time and time again.
Tour De Causeway Coast
The home of Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, the Causeway Coastal route really is a gem for cyclists.
A journey like no other: Just you, two wheels, 120 miles of stunning ocean views and quaint towns stretched before you… as well as the odd sheep or two.
Spanning from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry, it’s one of the most impressive coastal routes in Europe (if we do say so ourselves).
People travel from all over to experience it, with must-stop-at destinations dotted along the way – like The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Mussenden Temple.
The passion for cycling here is undeniable, with thriving local clubs like Causeway Cycle Club creating a community and bringing hundreds of cycling enthusiasts together for group rides.
And with heaps of other events around the rest of Northern Ireland, from ‘Tour of Mournes’ to ‘Women’s Wee Day Out’, it’s no wonder cycling has taken off in Northern Ireland.
Sport in Northern Ireland is about more than fitness or competition. It’s a way to connect, celebrate culture, and build communities with like-minded people.
From humble beginnings to being kept alive by the passion of people who live here, sporting culture is an important part of what makes life here pretty special.
So, whether you live in Northern Ireland, are just visiting, or thinking about moving home permanently, the Northern Irish sporting community is ready to welcome you with open arms.
