Browse our list of useful sports associations in Ireland, from Taekwondo and Aikido to GAA and mountaineering.
Irish Amateur Fencing Federation
Branksome Dene, Frankfort Park, Dundrum, Dublin
For those who enjoyed The Three Musketeers, fencing might be just the sport to consider taking up. It involves strategy, precisely timed movements and a bit of that swashbuckling spirit.
Mountaineering Council Of Ireland
C/o A.f.a.s., House Of Sport, Longmile Road (Walkinstown), Dublin 12, Dublin
The Mountaineering Council of Ireland organise and co-ordinate a full selection of walks around the country. From The Mountains of Mourne to The Twelve Pins, the Mountaineering Council of Ireland organise a walk that is suited to your level of experience.
It has been noticeable that in recent years, mountaineering in Ireland has become more and more popular.
One great natural advantage that Ireland has in this sport, is that there is little distance to travel to find a suitable location. Within one hours drive from Dublin city centre, you can be free from the hustle and bustle of everyday city living in the Wicklow or Dublin mountains.
Ninjustsu Association
21 Carrigmore ParkAylesbury, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Dublin
The Ninja, Shadow Warriors of feudal Japan, have become a legend shrouded in mystery. Then, and even now, many consider them to have had supernatural powers, but they were simply men of skill and training. Men with a purpose, and the purpose was to win. The Ninja were unrivaled as spies and assasins. With the skill of Inpo, the art of concealment, Tonpo, the art of evasion and escape, and Shinobi Iri, the art of silent movements within darkness, the Ninja movements are invisible. And, armed with amazing systems of weapons and devices, they achieved their goals with brutal efficiency.
Irish National Tae-kwon-do Association
10 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2, Dublin
The name Tae Kwon-Do means simply “WAY OF THE FOOT AND FIST”. Tae Kwon-Do is termed as a hard or external style of martial art. The adjective is used to describe the muscular force used in the development of it’s techniques, and it is therefore quite different from the softer Korean Martial Arts such as Hapkido. These respond to, rather than originate attacks, and use the opponent’s strength against him or her. Tae Kwon-Do is, however, more than just a collection of military techniques. It is also a form of mental training. Tae Kwon-Do is not just about fighting and destruction, there is also a gentle and beautiful side to this skilled Asian Art. Patterns of “forms” as they are known, are sequences of combination techniques performed in a set order. They are representations of combat with imaginary opponents, attacking from different directions.
Volleyball Assoc. Of Ireland
20 Rivervally Close, Swords, Dublin
Volleyball was invented by William J. Morgan, Physical Director of the Holgate, Massachusetts YMCA in 1896. From there, it has become one of the most popular sports in the world, with 200 million registered players worldwide.
Badminton Union Of Ireland
Baldoyle Badminton Centre,
Baldoyle Industrial Est, Baldoyle, Dublin 13, Dublin
If you are starting out, you may want a bit of coaching. Some mistakes common to beginners include standing still and hitting to the opponent instead of making opponents move or hitting an overhead shot with an underarm swing. For a good length or a powerful smash you need a sound technique, and coaching may help you get this. Join a club near you. There you will find an on-site coach who can introduce you to the game and to other players at your level
Irish Aikido Association
Kaynew, The Rise, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Dublin
The literal translation of Aikido is a road to harmony with the spirit. The Tomiki system is named after its founder Prof. Kenji Tomiki. The system concerns itself with practical methods of self defense based on the co-ordination of mind and body, that can be practised competitively.
The Gaelic Athletic Association
G.A.A. Office, Croke Park, Dublin 7, Dublin
The Gaelic Athletic association is Ireland’s leading sporting organisation. Founded in 1884, it has over 2,000 clubs in Ireland and 300 overseas with a total membership of 800,000, including 306,000 players. The G.A.A. promotes and controls the national games of HURLING, GAELIC FOOTBALL, HANDBALL AND ROUNDERS. In addition, it actively supports and promotes the Irish language, Irish Dancing, music, song and other aspect of Irish Culture. The G.A.A. is a COMMUNITY ORGANISATION which provides a focal point for its members. It contributes positively to the social and cultural life of the country as well as to the local community everywhere there is a Club. Football and hurling are played In almost every parish in Ireland while handball is played in every county in a total of 700 courts in over 500 locations.
