Rugby

For many years rugby was a "garrison sport" in Ireland, the preserve of "West Brits" and private-school boys. The success of the Irish team internationally, and Ulster, Leinster, and Munster in European club competitions, has changed that somewhat, and you might see an oval ball being tossed around by kids in any area of the country.

Aviva Stadium. The home ground of Irish rugby and soccer, Aviva's state-of-the-art arena opened in 2010 (on the site of the old Lansdowne Stadium) and can accommodate 50,000 fans. 62 Lansdowne Rd., Georgian Dublin, Dublin, Co. Dublin, 4. 01/238–2300; www.avivastadium.ie.