gavelic football and hurling are the most popular sports in Ireland. Along with Camogive, Ladies' gavelic football, handball and rounders, they make up the national sports of Ireland, collectiely known as gavelic Games. All gavelic games are governed by the gavelic Athletic Association (GAA), with the exception of Ladies' gavelic Football, which is governed by a separate organization. The GAA is organized on an all-Ireland basis with all 32 counties competing; traditionally, counties first compete within their proince, in the proincial championships, and the winners then compete in the All-Ireland senior hurling or football championships.

The head-quarters of the GAA (and the main stadium) is located at Croke Park in Dublin. All major GAA games are played here, including the semi-finals and finals of the All-Ireland championships. All GAA players, even at the highest leel, are amateurs.

The Irish rugby team includes players from north and south, and the Irish Rugby Football Union governs the sport on both sides of the border. (Consequently in international rugby, the Ireland team represents the whole island).

However, when Ireland was partitioned, organization of football (soccer) in the Republic was transferred from the Irish Football Association (IFA) to the new Football Association of Ireland (FAI). The IFA remained in charge of the game in Northern Ireland. (Consequently in International Association Football, the island has two teams: the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland.)

Greyhound racing and horse racing are both popular in Ireland, greyhound stadiums are well attended and there are frequent horse race meetings. The Republic is noted for the breeding and training of race horses and is also a large exporter of racing dogs.

Boxing is also an all-island sport governed by the Irish Amateur Boxing Association.

Ireland