Sport Ireland is encouraging everyone to get involved in European Week of Sport 2025, running from September 23-30. Now in its tenth year, this EU-wide initiative aims to inspire people to experience the physical, mental and social benefits of sport and physical activity.
Sport Ireland is proud to celebrate this milestone by championing the #BeActive message through a programme of inclusive, community-led events across the country. This year’s celebration calls on people of all ages and abilities to embrace the campaign theme: ‘Move More, Scroll Less’.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD said: “As a Government, we are committed to promoting life-long participation in sport and physical activity, supporting healthier, more active lifestyles for all. Our Sport for All approach is about breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, background or ability, can take part and feel a true sense of belonging.
“This year marks the tenth anniversary of European Week of Sport, a milestone that celebrates a decade of inspiring people across Europe to embrace the benefits of movement and wellbeing. It’s a fantastic opportunity for individuals, families and communities to get involved, try something new, and take the first steps towards a more active future.”
This year’s theme encourages the nation to unplug from screens and reconnect with real-world activity. Modern technology keeps us connected, but the European Week of Sport 2025 reminds us that there is immense value in swapping scrolling for moving, and reels for the real world.
Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, with special responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue TD added: “European Week of Sport 2025 offers a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of physical activity and inspire people of all ages and abilities to get involved. With a wide range of events happening nationwide, it’s a great time to discover new ways to stay active and connected. Continued investment in sport and physical activity remains a priority, helping to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has the chance to take part and experience the many physical, mental, and social benefits that sport can bring.”
“With funding allocated to major events and grassroots initiatives, a wide variety of activities will be available, delivered in partnership with the Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies, to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace movement, wellbeing, and joy.
Dr Úna May, Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, said: “As we mark the tenth anniversary of European Week of Sport, we celebrate a decade of encouraging people across Ireland and Europe to embrace the many benefits of physical activity. Staying active not only supports our physical and mental health, but also helps foster connection, inclusion, and a sense of community.”
Mary Van Lieshout, Sport Ireland Director of Participation, Ethics, Integrity and Research, said: “Sport Ireland is proud to work alongside our network of Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies to drive participation and create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active. This week is a celebration of everything sport can bring to our lives, and we encourage everyone to take part, try something new, and experience the joy of being active together.
“Local Sports Partnerships and National Governing Bodies across Ireland are joining forces to host a dynamic programme of events that reflect the #BeActive values of inclusion, empowerment, joy and unity. From fun runs and family fitness days to school programmes and community activities, there will be something for everyone.”
Led by the European Commission, the European Week of Sport aims to increase participation in physical activity across the EU. Its goal is to tackle inactivity and fight obesity by promoting healthier, more active lifestyles. Since it was launched in 2015 it has inspired over 103 million people in 42 countries to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of sport and physical activity.
European Week of Sport 2025 Activities
Tuesday, September 23rd
Limerick Sports Partnership will host a week-long programme of inclusive activities from September 23rd-30th, offering everything from water-based sessions and outdoor yoga to taster sports with local clubs and National Governing Bodies (NGBs). The week kicks off with Park Life events for adults aged 55+ on 23rd, 25th and 30th September, promoting strength, flexibility, balance, and community connection, while all activities aim to engage people of all ages and abilities and provide pathways for ongoing participation in sport and physical activity across Limerick.
The #BeActive Campus Open Week runs from September 23rd-30th at Sport Ireland Campus, offering a diverse programme of free “come and try” events, skills clinics with Olympians, and family activities for all ages and abilities. Delivered in partnership with NGBs, the week invites new visitors to discover everything from gymnastics, archery and target shooting to scuba diving and surfing.
Special Olympics Ireland will host a series of online and in-person events, including CPD launches for Ten Pin Bowling Lane Officials (September 23rd) and Equestrian Judges (September 25th), as well as an Access for All Day video launch in collaboration with Get Ireland Walking (September 26th). In-person activities include the Michael Phelps Foundation IM Coach Level 2 in Galway (September 27), the Eastern Region Coaching Forum in Dublin (September 27–28), Healthfest 2025 in Cork (September 28th), and the launch of an 8-week basketball programme in Dublin (September 30th), all designed to promote inclusive sport and coaching development.
Wednesday, September 24th
Meath Sports Partnership is running a week-long programme of inclusive activities for European Week of Sport 2025, with a range of events happening on Wednesday, September 24. On this day, participants can enjoy volleyball for women at Coláiste na hInse Bettystown, inclusive canoeing at Ribbontail Paddlers Canoe Club, Run Jump Throw sessions, Pétanque on Bettystown Beach, and men’s 3x3 social basketball at Blackwater Park, all designed to engage people of all ages and abilities while promoting fun, skills, and confidence in physical activity.
Thursday, September 25th
Sport Ireland Coaching – ICOACHKIDS Regional Conference
In partnership with the Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League (DDSL), Sport Ireland Coaching will host an ICOACHKIDS Regional Coaching Conference for Directors of Football, Behavioural Officers, and coaches of boys’ and girls’ teams in DDSL clubs. This is a unique opportunity for coaches to learn from renowned speakers in the field of coaching children in sport. The conference takes place from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley. The cost is €10, with all proceeds donated to Barretstown and LauraLynn charities.
Friday, September 26th
European School Sports Day (in collaboration with the Irish Primary PE Association – IPPEA). More than 400 schools across Ireland will take part in active celebrations alongside participants from 40 EU countries, with the flagship event at Redeemer Girls NS in Dundalk, Co Louth. Eve McCrystal, former paracyclist, will attend as athlete ambassador to inspire and encourage the students.
Galway Sports Partnership, in collaboration with Galway City Council and Volunteer Galway, will host #BeActive Night 2025 on the iconic Salthill Prom with a vibrant 5km Colour Run as the centrepiece. The family-friendly evening will feature games, activities and colour stations along the route, creating an inclusive celebration of movement, fun and community spirit for all ages and abilities.
Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership will host a series of inclusive activities during European Week of Sport 2025, featuring 3x3 basketball, climbing, parkour, boxing, NFL flag football and other interactive sessions for young people across multiple locations. These events aim to engage youth of all abilities, encourage active participation, and provide opportunities to try new sports in a fun, supportive environment.
Saturday, September 27th
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership, through the Active Cities Dublin initiative, will host #BeActive Night @ Explorium from 5-8pm. This inclusive, family-friendly event will give participants of all ages and abilities the chance to explore climbing walls, sports simulators, interactive games, STEM exhibits and more in Ireland’s National Sports and Science Centre.
Waterford Sports Partnership will launch a new Junior parkrun in Ballygunner, in partnership with Parkrun, St Mary’s Athletic Club and Ballygunner GAA Healthy Club. The family-friendly 2k event will mark the beginning of a free weekly junior parkrun in Waterford City, encouraging children of all ages and abilities to get active together.
Active South Dublin will host Active Glow Night, an exciting glow-in-the-dark sports event for teens aged 12–18 across four community centres. Participants can enjoy glow basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, and dance in a vibrant neon-lit environment, promoting physical activity, teamwork, and social engagement in a safe and inclusive setting.
Sunday, September 28th
National Walking Day 2025 runs from Monday, 22 September, featuring a full week of themed walking activities. The week culminates on Sunday, 28 September with National Walking Day, hosted by Mountaineering Ireland and Get Ireland Walking, encouraging hillwalking clubs and communities nationwide to organise walks, come together, and highlight the best of walking in Ireland. Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to join in, highlighting the physical, mental, and social benefits of walking while enjoying Ireland’s beautiful outdoors.
Monday, September 29th
Tennis Ireland is running a week-long series of activities across Dublin and Cavan, including ‘Women Try Tennis’, beginner adult sessions, Golden Game tennis for over 55s, school’s taster days, and community tennis events. The programme highlights a teacher training session on 29 September at DCU Teacher Training College from 6–8pm, providing practical learning for student teachers while supporting ongoing participation and skill development in tennis.
Find out more
For details about events near you, visit www.sportireland.ie/europeanweekofsport. You can also visit the website to find out details of events hosted by Sport Ireland, Local Sports Partnerships, and National Governing Bodies.
