2024 has already produced some of the greatest sports events. The Euros provided intense entertainment with Georgian upsets and English struggles. Moreover, the Cheltenham festival saw Willie Mullins extend his dominance at the prestigious event.
But the action doesn’t stop there. Many sports events in Ireland and beyond will still unfold in the second half of 2024. Football competitions, more domestic horse racing events and international rugby will feature this year.
Discover what’s ahead for sports competitions in 2024. Our insights cover betting on horse races like the Galway Races and sports like Gaelic football. The articles below will tell you more about the most popular betting events in Ireland.
Betting on Sports Events 2024
Although we are just over halfway through 2024, we have already been treated to some exceptional sporting drama.
Sports events highlights of 2024 include Ireland’s retention of the Six Nations and Man United’s stunning FA Cup final win. Moreover, the 2024 Euros provided another compelling instalment of elite international football. At Cheltenham, legendary trainer Mullins led his 100th horse to victory at the horse racing event.
In addition, we’ve had more Real Madrid success in the Champions League and I am Maximus took the Grand National title in April. But, there’s plenty more action to unfold later in 2024.
Some of the leading Irish bookmakers will have special offers and bonuses before and during the most popular sports competitions. See table below for some hand-picked operators who have the most competitive betting selections in Ireland.
Bookmaker | Bonus info | Visit Bookmaker | |
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Bet €10 & Get €30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. | Go to bet365 | Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. | |
Bet €10 Get €40 in Bonuses | Go to Tote | New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. €10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min €10 Win + €10 Place). Receive €20 Tote Credit, €10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. | |
€20 In Free Bets Ker-Ching – When you bet €5 on sports | Go to Ladbrokes | 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first €5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x €5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. | |
GET €20 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU PLACE A €5 BET | Go to Paddy Power | New Customer offer YSKARZ. Place a min €5 bet on the sportsbook at odds of min EVS (2.0) and get €20 in free bets. Free bet rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via Debit Cards & Apple Pay will qualify for this offer. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly Paddy’s Rewards Club: Get a €10 free bet when you place 5x bets of €10+. T&Cs apply. | |
€20 FREE BET | Go to NetBet | 18+. New customers only. Minimum deposit €20. Receive a free bet of €20 when your first sports bet is settled. The minimum odds must be 1.5 per selection. Free bets are credited to the account within 24 hours after the bet is settled. Free Bets can be used on one Accumulator bet (minimum two selections), one virtual sports offer of your choice and one on any sports offer of your choice. The free bet must be used in full. Deposit methods NETELLER, PayPal and Skrill are not eligible for this offer. T&cs apply | |
Enjoy £50 in free bets for the football season | Go to Matchbook | New customers Only. New customer must place and settle £50 in bets on Matchbook markets only. The user must bet on at least 4 different events to qualify. The user must place and settle bets at odds of 2.0 or more. Bets can be placed on singles, multiples and Bet Builders. The user must place and settle bets before the closing date of the promotion to qualify. . T’s and C’s Apply. GambleAware. 18+. | |
Bet €15 Get €10 | Go to Betiton | 18+, WELCOME BONUS: NEW PLAYERS ONLY, 1ST DEPOSIT, MIN DEPOSIT,: €15, MAX €10 FREE BET VALID FOR 14 DAYS, BETS MUST BE PLACED AT ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER AND BE SETTLED WITHIN 14 DAYS OF PLACEMENT. SYSTEM BETS NOT ELIGIBLE. NETELLER, SKRILL AND PAYPAL NOT ELIGIBLE. T&CS APPLY BELOW | |
BET €10 GET €50 IN FREE BETS* | Go to LiveScore Bet | *New members. Min €10 deposit & bet on sportsbook (ex. virtual), placed & settled within 14 days of sign-up. Min odds EVS; win part e/w bet only. Free Bets: valid 7 days on sportsbook. Stakes not returned. T&Cs apply. Full TCs Apply. Bet Responsibly. Gamblingcare.ie. 18+. | |
Bet €10 Get €50 plus 10 Free Spins! | Go to QuinnBet | New Republic of Ireland customers sign-up and place a first bet of €10 or greater at minimum odds of evens (2.00) or greater. Get €50 in Free Bets plus 10 Free Spins when your qualifying bet settles! Republic of Ireland 18+ T&C apply. | GambleAware.ie | Gamble Responsibly | |
Get up to €50 in Free Bets if your first bet loses + 50 Bonus Spins | Go to Betway | New ROI customers only. Min Deposit: €5. Maximum Free Bet: €50. Overall odds: 1.50 (1/2) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 50 Bonus Spins credited on placement of qualifying bet. 50x bonus wagering applies as do weighting requirements. Bonus Spins only available on selected games. Debit card deposits only. Offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+ GamblingCare.ie. Terms apply. Terms apply |
Horse Racing Events
Currently, horse racing betting is an extremely popular choice for many Irish punters. Usually, bettors enjoy the energy of horse racing, while the betting markets are diverse. Today, you can select various horse racing bets including race winners, place bets, tricast and each-way.
Each season, the biggest online bookmakers cover the high-profile events from the UK and Irish horse racing. As a result, you will see betting sites post odds and markets for Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National and Royal Ascot.
However, domestic horse racing events in Ireland also prove to be very popular year on year. Some of the punters’ favourite horse race competitions in Ireland include Punchestown 2024, Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Weekend, The Fairyhouse Easter Festival, Galway Races, and Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival.
Offers for Horse Racing Events
Furthermore, several leading betting operators have special offers for domestic horse racing. As a result, punters might find free bets, odds guarantees and more ahead of big horse racing events.
Below, you can check out some of the leading sportsbooks that cover these sports events in Ireland.
Bookmaker | Bonus Offer | Visit Bookmaker | |
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Bet €10 & Get €30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. | Go to bet365 Horse Racing | Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required. | |
BET €10 GET €50 IN FREE BETS* | Go to LiveScore Bet Horse Racing | *New members only. Min €10 deposit & bet on sportsbook (ex. virtual, forecasts & tricasts), placed & settled in 14 days of sign-up. Min odds EVS. Free Bets: valid 7 days on sportsbook. Stakes not returned. T&Cs apply. Bet Responsibly. Gamblingcare.ie. 18+. | |
BET £10, GET £20 IN FREE BETS | Go to Sportingindex | Place a qualifying £10 fixed odds bet at odds of 1/2 or greater. Qualifying bet cannot be placed in-play or cashed out early. A first free £10 fixed odds bet will be credited upon settlement of the qualifying bet. The second free £10 fixed odds bets will be added to your account on the following day. Free bets must be claimed within 28 days of opening. Free bet stake not included in any winnings. Ts&Cs Apply. 18+ GambleAware.org | |
Bet €10 Get €40 in free bets | Go to William Hill Horse Racing | 18+ Play Safe. New customers using Promo code BB40 only. Min €10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 4 x €10, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 7 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. See full terms below. gamblingtherapy.org | |
Get up to €50 in Free Bets if Your First Bet Loses + 50 Bonus Spins | Go to Betway Horse Racing | New ROI customers only. Min Deposit: €5. Maximum Free Bet: €50. Overall odds: 1.50 (1/2) or higher. Free Bets available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 50 Bonus Spins credited on placement of qualifying bet. 50x bonus wagering applies as do weighting requirements. Bonus Spins only available on selected games. Debit card deposits only. Offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. 18+ GamblingCare.ie. Terms apply. Terms apply | |
Get up to €60 matched in Free Bets | Go to BetVictor Horse Racing | 18+ New customers only. Opt in, place your first bet of €10 or more on any sports market. Get up to a €60 match in Free Bets. Offer available until 23:59 IST on 31.12.2024. Free bets expire after 7 days. Debit Card/Apple Pay payments only. T&Cs apply, see below. gamblingcare.ie | Please gamble responsibly | |
Money back up to €40 if your first racing bet loses + €10 Casino | Go to Unibet Horse Racing | 18+ GambleAware.org. New customers only. Min deposit €10. Money back as bonus if first racing bet loses. Wagering requirements: all sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the racing bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. Visit Unibet.co.uk for full T&C’s. #AD | |
Get €50 in free bets When you place €10 bet on Sportsbook | Go to Betfair Horse Racing | Place a min €10 bet on Sportsbook on odds of min EVS (2.0), get €50 in Free Bet Builders, Accumulators or multiples to use on any sport. Rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via cards or Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly. | |
Bet €10 Get €30 in free bets + €10 Casino Bonus + Selected Meetings: Money Back as a Free Bet if 2nd to SP FAV | Go to Boylesports Horse Racing | IRE/NI new customers only. €/£40 in FREE Bets (FB) as €/£30 in sports bets & a €/£10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit €/£10. Min stake €/£10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept €/£10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable €/£100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. 30 days to qualify. 18+. T&Cs apply. T&Cs apply | |
Get £30 in Free Bets on Horse Racing | Go to Matchbook Horse Racing | New Customers Only. Sign up using Bonus Code: HR30. Bet and settle £30 (2x £10 Horse Racing Back Bets, 1x £10 Horse racing Multiple) on Horse Racing only, each at odds of 2.0 or more and receive 3x £10 Horse Racing Free Bets once qualified. T’s and C’s Apply. Gamble Aware. 18+. |
Football Events
Alternatively, football betting rivals horse racing as one of the most popular sports in Ireland. The domestic Ireland Premier League has a large following. Currently, some of the biggest Irish teams like Shamrock Rovers and Derry City compete in Ireland’s top football division.
But, the overseas competitions and international events also prove to be very popular. Sports events like the Champions League, Europa League and the World Cup are well followed. Moreover, Irish football fans often support English Premier League teams too, with Liverpool and Man United popular in the nation.
Generally, bookmakers have huge football betting markets for Irish bettors. For instance, many brands have posted detailed Euro 2024 odds this year due to great interest in the competition.
Offers for Football Events
Due to its high popularity amongst Irish bettors, bookmakers regularly offer special football offers. As a result, you will likely see price boosts, free bets, deposit bonuses and more during major tournaments.
For more details about some of the top football betting operators in Ireland, see some of our favourite options below.
New Republic of Ireland customers sign-up and place a first bet of €10 or greater at minimum odds of evens (2.00) or greater. Get €50 in Free Bets plus 10 Free Spins when your qualifying bet settles! Republic of Ireland 18+ T&C apply. | GambleAware.ie | Gamble Responsibly
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.
18+| New customers only | No deposit required | Promo code: FREEBET70 | Max €70 free bet | Valid Until 31.12.24 | No rollover requirements apply to free bet winnings
18+. Minimum deposit is €20. Maximum bonus is €50. The deposit and bonus need to be wagered 15 (fifteen) times with min. odds 1.90 before a withdrawal is made. Deposits made with Paysafecard will not qualify for this campaign. Once the bonus is credited, you have 60 days to complete the wager requirement. T&Cs apply.
Place a min €10 bet on Sportsbook on odds of min EVS (2.0), get €50 in Free Bet Builders, Accumulators or multiples to use on any sport. Rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via cards or Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.
18+ Play Safe. New customers using Promo code BB40 only. Min €10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 4 x €10, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 7 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. See full terms below. gamblingtherapy.org
Rugby Tournaments
Ultimately, rugby is so popular in Ireland as it is one of the oldest sports in the nation. The first recognised rugby football club was formed by Dublin University in 1854. Since then, the sport has grown in popularity and rugby betting is a sought-after choice for modern punters.
In addition, the Ireland rugby team has a strong competitive record on the international stage. The team has won the Six Nations six times and reached nine World Cup quarter-finals.
Several of the world’s greatest rugby players have also represented Ireland too. Some of the Irish Hall of Famers include Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell and Keith Wood. Ultimately, due to their strength in international rugby, Ireland is often among the top teams in World Cup rugby betting.
Also, bookmakers cover World Cup rugby betting picks when the tournament is on every four years. Usually, Irish sportsbooks post Rugby World Cup odds to cover possible outright winners and pre-match betting options for individual fixtures.
Boxing Events
Boxing in Ireland is extremely popular and it remains a well-watched sporting competition in the nation. Ultimately, the sport has long-standing roots in Ireland and it has existed for centuries. Moreover, boxing betting in Ireland is an old tradition, which has evolved from punters making bets ringside to online sports betting.
This sport is also enjoyed by many Irish people from the amateur and professional levels. Some of the most successful Irish boxers of modern times include Jimmy McLarnin, Steve Collins, and Barry McGuigan. However, female Irish boxers have also gained worldwide recognition for their achievements in recent years. In particular, Katie Taylor has won multiple world and European Championships and an Olympic gold medal from London 2012.
Currently, Irish sportsbooks offer a variety of boxing selections from the biggest competitions. Before big bouts involving the world’s best, like Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk and Naoya Inoue are available to wager on in Ireland.
Gaelic Football Events
Like many passionate nations, Ireland has its sports to reflect its national identity. One of the country’s sports events that captures Irish spirit and competitiveness is Gaelic football.
Ultimately, this sport is older than other popular Irish sports like football or rugby. It has ancient Celtic roots in the country, while reports of the sport date back to 1802. Gaelic Football is among the most popular Irish sports with such an esteemed history.
The sport combines elements of football and rugby and is admired for its technical skill. Players carry the ball and must bounce it every four steps. Also, players can pass by punching or kicking the ball. Each team scores points by shooting into a goal or by punting in between posts.
Due to the sport’s widespread popularity, Gaelic football betting is a sought-after pick for Irish punters. Generally, you will find most Irish bookmakers offering odds and markets for the biggest events. These include selections for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and the National Football League. In addition, many betting operators have Gaelic Football tips before and during the big tournaments.
Hurling Events
Similarly to Gaelic Football, hurling is another hugely popular national sport in Ireland. In addition, hurling is considered an important cultural and sport within Ireland. The sport is a historic part of Irish life, with records of it being played in 1272 BC.
Hurling is a field sport played by two opposing teams. All players have sticks (hurleys) and they try to shoot the ball (sliotar) into the goal to score points. Centuries ago, hurling matches were unregulated, often played on expansive fields with hundreds of players. However, the game was formalised in the late 1800s and hurling rules were introduced.
Due to its importance in Irish culture, hurling betting is a widespread choice amongst punters. As a result, you will find operators posting odds for major and minor hurling competitions.
However, picks for the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship remain the most popular as this tier-one event is one of the most watched in Ireland. Yet bookmakers will also have markets for regional and other national hurling competitions.
The Biggest Golf Tournaments
Ireland’s natural green and open landscape provided ideal conditions for golfers to enjoy the sport. Ireland has one of the most golf courses per area in the world, giving players of abilities plenty of choice on where to play. But the nation also has some of the most esteemed courses including Royal County Down and Royal Portrush.
Several golf sports events take place in Ireland each year including the Irish Open, which is a popular golf betting choice. However, high-profile international competitions have been held in the nation and the 2027 Ryder Cup is scheduled to take place at the prestigious Adare Manor course. However, Irish bettors also wager frequently on international golfing events. These include the Masters, US Open and British Open.
Some of the greatest ever golf players hailed from Ireland. Two Irish players have won major titles. Pádraig Harrington has won two Open Championships and a PGA Championship title. Shane Lowry has also achieved great success in professional gold. In 2019, he won the Open Championship at Portrush to lift his first-ever career major.
Cricket Events
Although cricket may not be as popular as the likes of Gaelic Football and hurling, it is still well-supported. Variations of cricket originate from Ireland, with the historic Gaelic game, Katty (similar to baseball and rounders) coming from the country.
However, modern cricket was introduced in Ireland by the English during the 1830s. Following this introduction, several cricket clubs started and many are still in existence today.
Ireland has an international cricket team that has competed in some of the biggest tournaments. Since 2009, the Irish cricket team has reached the group stages of every ICC T20 World Cup. Moreover, the nation has competed in three World Cup finals since 2007.
The nation also has several domestic leagues like the Inter-Provincial Series and Super Series. Players betting on cricket will find odds for most international cricket tournaments and some domestic competitions too.
Darts & Snooker Events
UK and Irish betting regularly covers the big snooker and darts events. Some of the greatest snooker players of all time were Irish. These include Ken Doherty, Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor. In addition, Irish professional darts players Steve Lennon and William O’Connor performed well at the 2023 World Darts Championships.
While there is some interest in these indoor sports, they sometimes attract fewer punters compared to other options. Yet, the major darts and snooker tournaments usually have widespread interest in Ireland. As a result, bookmakers will have betting picks and build up to the sought-after international events. Bettors will generally find many bets for the PDC World Championship and snooker World Championships.
E-sports Tournaments
Compared to some of the nation’s more traditional sports, esports Ireland is a more modern activity. In the last decade, esports betting has become popular worldwide. The sport involves teams or individual players competing in popular console games. Such games include League of Legends, CS: Go, FIFA and Dota 2. However, esports events are streamed to millions of fans worldwide.
As a result, it is a hugely accessible sport and is available to watch for free on several channels. The access and popularity of esports make it one of the newer and exciting sports events in Ireland, generally popular with a younger audience.
Several renowned tournaments have become popular among esports betting in recent years too. Many punters wagered on the League of Legends 2023 World Championship, which had a peak audience of over six million people. Similarly, the 2022 League of Legends World Championships attracted more than five million spectators globally. Often, the e-sports World Championship events are the most popular among online bettors.
Safer Gambling
Whether you are betting on sports events or using bookmaker offers, always practice safer gambling procedures. Presently all Irish online bookmakers have a range of safer gambling tools available. Bettors can use these systems to manage their betting activities and limit their stakes online.
Currently, some of the tools available to online bettors include deposit limits, automatic timeouts and temporary account suspension. Ultimately, such services are on offer to help players manage their bankroll and avoid excessive gambling activity.
Moreover, Irish operators have plenty of links to gambling support charities. These organisations are available if bettors require further support with safer gambling.
Conclusion
Overall, bettors have plenty of action to get involved with via hundreds of sports events. Presently, bookmakers cover betting picks for the biggest and best sports competitions in Ireland, the UK and worldwide. Therefore, you can find bookmakers covering Euro 2024, Irish horse racing, the 2024 British Open and more.
Furthermore, plenty of Irish betting platforms have sports events 2024 promotions and special offers. Ahead of the biggest and most popular sporting competitions, some brands might have a variety of betting promos. However, before you join a betting operator, ensure you read its terms and conditions and check it has all your preferred betting services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lastly, in the section below, you can view responses to bettors’ most common questions about Irish sports betting events.
In 2024, some of the biggest sports competitions will take place or will unfold later in the year. Some of the major events include the Euros, Cheltenham, the Grand National, Six Nations, English Premier League and Wimbledon.
Presently, several different sports have proven to be popular for Irish bettors. Firstly, horse racing is a sought-after betting option, with UK and Irish race events proving popular. Also, bettors enjoy wagering on football as the Premier League and Euro 2024 were well-liked.
Generally, Irish online betting operators have ongoing offers for sports events. However, some brands post special, limited-time bonuses for new and existing customers before a big event. Today, bettors can head to their provider’s promo page for the latest sports offers.
Overall, thousands of football events take place each year and bettors can wager on most professional leagues worldwide. But the two major football competitions that took place in 2024 were the Euros and Copa America.
Presently, the biggest domestic sports in Ireland are Gaelic Football and Hurling. Ultimately, Irish communities have played these sports for centuries. They are the oldest and most revered sports in the country. However, sports enthusiasts also enjoy football, golf, tennis, cricket, rugby, horse racing and more.