Sport Ireland, the organisation in charge of all things active in Ireland, has unveiled ‘Get Ireland Active’! This all-new database is the ultimate guidebook for anyone, no matter your age or skill level, who wants to get off the couch and get active. This next-generation resource is like having your own adventure planner for staying active and enjoying everything Ireland has to offer. Time to lace up those sneakers and get out there!
The first project of its kind in Ireland, ‘Get Ireland Active’ brings together the collective resources of the Government of Ireland, Sport Ireland, local authorities, State agencies, local sports partnerships, and Irish sport’s national governing bodies to capture all sports facilities and places for people to be active in Ireland in one free, convenient, and comprehensive website. A complementary app is due to launch in 2024.
There are already well over 10,000 opportunities to be active in the database, including 6,000 clubs, 4,000 locations and 1,000 trails. Data has come from over 60 authoritative sources, with more coming daily. Ranging from rock climbing gyms to mountain biking trails, the database is bursting with over 10,000 exciting opportunities to be active and embrace the great outdoors.
Get Ireland Active is your ultimate guide to unleashing the active outdoor enthusiast in you! Whether you’re into sports and recreation facilities, public playgrounds, or the best trails for walking, running, and biking, it’s all here for you to explore. And the best part? You can customise your search to find the most accessible spots, while also checking out handy amenities like parking and changing facilities.
Get Ireland Active will support greater access and usage of facilities and amenities in the near term. The database will also help the Government of Ireland, Sport Ireland, Local Authorities and National Governing Bodies of Sport improve how sports and recreational facilities and amenities are planned and managed. It will give comprehensive data and insights that will help with investment and planning decisions to meet the future needs of activity participants at all levels.
Commenting on the launch, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said, “The launch of this new website will bring together everyone who wants to be more active with all the resources and amenities that can help them on their activity journey. The delivery of this new database marks the completion of an important action on the National Sports Policy 2018 – 2027. This facilities audit will also help to guide decisions regarding the sport capital projects which will be prioritised for public funding.”
Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD, said, “I am delighted to support this valuable initiative through the Dormant Accounts Fund. Get Ireland Active will be a key tool for people to access information on recreation amenities in a clear, accessible way. In line with the objective of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, this new website will raise awareness of the vast array of sport and recreation activities available locally whilst encouraging responsible behaviour in the great outdoors.”
Chairperson of Sport Ireland, John Foley, added “On behalf of the board of Sport Ireland, I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the development of the Get Ireland Active website. The establishment of a comprehensive National Database of Sport and Recreation Facilities, which catalogues amenities across the country, is a critical step towards achieving the objectives outlined in the National Sports Policy. The project has required detailed collaboration between many stakeholders including the Government, Local Authorities and the National Governing Bodies of sport. This database will serve as a valuable resource for anyone interested in leading a healthy and active lifestyle.”
Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, Dr Úna May encouraged the Irish public to engage with the database: “The launch of Get Ireland Active is the culmination of an enormous amount of work from the sports sector, Government, and local authorities. We believe there’s something in it for everyone and ask that people take the time to use this resource to explore all the ways they can get active in their local area. Hopefully, many people will find something new to try that will ignite a lifelong passion for being active.
“I would like to thank my colleagues in all sectors who have contributed to this resource, and it really is a strong demonstration of the innovation that exists within our sports sector in Ireland,” she concluded.
To find opportunities to get active in your local area, visit www.getirelandactive.ie.
