Most popular sports in Ireland

The most popular sports in Ireland include football, hurling, Gaelic football, rugby, golf and horse racing. Football is a very popular sport in Ireland and is known as the most followed sport in the country. The Ireland national football team has enjoyed worldwide success and the country's top-flight football league is the Premier Division. Hurling is considered the national sport of Ireland and is governed by the Gaelic Athletics Association. This sport is played with a stick to throw the ball into the opposing team's goals. Hurling matches attract large audiences, especially in rural areas of Ireland. Gaelic football is another popular sport administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association. Gaelic football is a mixture of football and hurling, and players may carry the ball by hand. Gaelic football matches are followed with great interest in Ireland. Rugby is also a very popular sport in Ireland. The Ireland national rugby team has achieved success around the world and Pro14, rugby league in Ireland, is the country's top level rugby league. Golf is also a widely played sport in Ireland. There are many golf courses across the country and Ireland is home to some world-famous golf courses. Horse racing is also considered a popular sport in Ireland. There are many horse racing tracks in the country and horse races are held to large audiences, especially at venues such as Leopardstown and the Curragh near Dublin.