Fitness and Sports in Ireland: Gyms, Activities, and Staying Active

Overview of Ireland's Fitness Landscape

Ireland has experienced remarkable growth in sports and fitness participation, with 49% of the adult population now regularly engaging in sport as of 2024—just 1% shy of the national target of 50% by 2027. The Irish Sports Monitor 2024 reveals that personal exercise and swimming lead participation, with these activities primarily taking place in Ireland Active member facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, fitness centers, and leisure centers across the country.

Popular Activities and Participation Rates

Personal Exercise

Personal exercise remains the most popular sport among Irish adults, with participation rates higher than soccer, Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie combined. This category encompasses gym-based workouts, running, cycling, and home exercise, driven by flexibility, accessibility, and broad demographic appeal.

Key Trends:

• Continued growth in weight training, reflecting increased interest in strength-based activities

• Personal exercise is by far the most popular sport for people with disabilities due to its adaptable nature

• Gender gap in overall sports participation now just 2.8%, the lowest on record

Swimming

Swimming ranks as the second most popular activity, with 41% of participation taking place in gyms and sport centers. An additional 23% occurs at beaches or seaside, while 22% happens in dedicated swimming pools.

Weight Training

Weight training has seen consistent growth, with 37% of this activity occurring in gyms and sport centers. The data shows continued interest in strength-based exercise and gym-based training.

Running and Cycling

Running (44% on public roads) and cycling (69% on public roads) remain popular outdoor activities, offering free and accessible fitness options.

Team Sports

Participation in team-based sports, which declined during pandemic restrictions, has rebounded to 18% of sports participants. Gaelic games, soccer, and rugby attract substantial followings both as participants and spectators.

Gym and Fitness Center Options

Ireland offers diverse fitness facilities ranging from budget-friendly chains to premium health clubs with extensive amenities.

Budget-Friendly Chains

FlyeFit

• Multiple locations across Dublin and growing nationwide

• Monthly memberships from €19.99

• 24-hour access at many locations

• No joining fees

• Modern equipment including cardio machines, free weights, resistance equipment

• Recent improvements include better temperature control

Ben Dunne Gyms

• Affordable option with multiple Dublin locations

• Competitive monthly rates

• Basic but functional equipment

• No-frills approach keeping costs low

Mid-Range Options

Westwood Club Ireland's biggest provider of Les Mills fitness classes, offering comprehensive facilities across Dublin.

Facilities:

• 4,500 free fitness classes monthly

• Swimming pools at every location (some with two pools, some with separate kids' pools)

• Most pools are salt-water

• Clontarf location features Ireland's first 50-meter swimming pool

• Tennis courts at multiple locations (Clontarf, Leopardstown, Westmanstown)

• Personalised fitness plans

• FREE 6-Day Personal Training Plan (customized by personal trainers)

• Complimentary personal training sessions

• Fitzone childcare services

• Children's birthday party facilities

Fitness Classes:

• Les Mills BodyAttack (lose weight)

• Les Mills BodyPump (toning)

• BodyBalance (flexibility)

• CXWORX (core strength)

• GRIT (lean, strong body)

• THE TRIP (immersive cycling experience)

• Sh'Bam (dance fitness)

• Yoga classes with qualified instructors

• Gravity Pilates

• Virtual fitness classes

• Teen fitness classes

Swimming Lessons: Westwood Club is Dublin's biggest provider of swimming lessons for all ages and abilities.

Membership: Free 4-day trial membership available to experience facilities before committing.

Premium Health Clubs

David Lloyd Dublin Riverview Luxury health club offering comprehensive wellness experience.

Facilities:

• Heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools

• 9 indoor tennis courts

• Padel courts (coming soon)

• Spacious, modern gym with latest fitness technology

• Treadmills, cross trainers, upright bikes, free weights, cable machines, functional training equipment

• Dedicated stretching zone

• Spa Retreat with hot and cold therapies

• Himalayan salt saunas

• Steam rooms

• Heated relaxation beds

• Ice cave for recovery

• Dedicated Reformer Pilates studio

• Kids' programs (tennis coaching, swimming lessons, arts and crafts)

• Bright, welcoming crèche

• Clubroom café and restaurant

• David Lloyd Clubs app for membership management

Fitness Classes:

• BLAZE: Boutique-style workout blending cardio, strength, and combat

• Reformer Pilates

• Yoga and Pilates with outstanding instructors like Jenny

• DL Kids classes for children

Sport Ireland Campus Fitness (Blanchardstown) State-of-the-art facility with elite-level amenities.

Facilities:

• Newly refurbished state-of-the-art gym

• 50-meter Olympic standard competition pool

• Private member-only health suite (sauna, steam room, jacuzzi)

• Over 80 fitness classes weekly

• Option to purchase membership for Sport Ireland National Indoor Athletics Training Centre

• Highly qualified and experienced fitness coaches

• Free WiFi

Located at Ireland's National Sports Campus, this facility serves both recreational exercisers and athletes training at elite levels.

Public Leisure Centers

Markievicz Leisure Centre (Dublin)

Public facility offering accessible fitness and swimming services.

Features:

• Clean, well-maintained facilities

• Attentive staff

• Swimming pool with accommodations for school groups

• Affordable membership options

Note: The center accommodates coach loads of school children most weekdays, which should be considered when planning visits.

Apex Swimming Pool

Community swimming facility with coach parking and group accommodations.

Strengths:

• Accommodates large groups

• Driver-friendly with designated coach parking

• Community-focused approach

Outdoor Activities

Running

Ireland offers numerous scenic running routes, from urban parks like Phoenix Park in Dublin (one of Europe's largest enclosed parks) to coastal paths and mountain trails.

Popular Running Spots:

• Phoenix Park, Dublin

• Dun Laoghaire Pier

• Howth Cliff Walk

• Killiney Hill

• Wicklow Way trails

Running Clubs: Numerous running clubs across Ireland welcome all abilities, providing structured training, social connections, and motivation.

Cycling

With 69% of cycling occurring on public roads, Ireland's countryside offers beautiful cycling routes, though safety considerations are important given narrow rural roads.

Greenways:

• Waterford Greenway (46km traffic-free route, best explored by electric bike)

• Great Western Greenway, Mayo

• Royal Canal Greenway

Swimming (Outdoor)

Ireland's coastline attracts year-round sea swimmers, with numerous clubs dedicated to cold-water swimming.

Popular Sea Swimming Spots:

• Forty Foot, Dublin

• Sandycove

• Killiney Beach

• Numerous beaches along Wild Atlantic Way

Sea Swimming Clubs: Provide community, safety in numbers, and social aspects to outdoor swimming.

Hiking

Ireland's mountains, hills, and coastal walks offer excellent hiking opportunities.

Popular Hiking Areas:

• Wicklow Mountains (Glendalough, various peaks)

• Mourne Mountains (Northern Ireland)

• Connemara National Park

• Killarney National Park

• Carrauntoohil (Ireland's highest peak)

Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)

GAA clubs are community centers providing opportunities to play Gaelic football, hurling, camogie, and handball. Clubs welcome newcomers and provide excellent social integration alongside sport.

Benefits:

• Strong community connections

• Amateur sport ethos

• Clubs in every county

• Welcoming to beginners

Golf

Ireland's golf heritage is world-renowned, with hundreds of courses including links courses along the coast.

Course Types:

• Links courses (coastal, challenging)

• Parkland courses (inland, often more forgiving)

• Public courses (accessible, affordable)

• Private clubs (membership required, higher fees)

Fitness Class Trends

Group Classes

Group fitness classes have surged in popularity, with facilities offering dozens of options weekly:

Popular Class Types:

• Spinning/Indoor Cycling

• HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)

• CrossFit

• Bootcamp-style classes

• Yoga (various styles)

• Pilates (mat and Reformer)

• Zumba and dance fitness

• Aqua aerobics

Boutique Studios

Specialized studios focusing on single discipline (yoga, Pilates, spinning, CrossFit) have proliferated, offering premium, focused experiences.

Virtual and Hybrid Classes

Post-pandemic, many facilities maintain virtual class options alongside in-person offerings, providing flexibility for members.

Sports Clubs and Organizations

Sport Ireland

Sport Ireland is the national agency with responsibility for the development of sport. The Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown offers diverse facilities creating an environment where "performance, participation, and recreational sport live side by side."

Public Awareness: Just under 1 in 10 respondents (7%) reported visiting the campus,