Across history, the Irish have been among the most famous travelers. The island of Ireland has around seven million inhabitants today (including the UK region of Northern Ireland), yet there are approximately 70 million people who claim Irish roots living in other countries, many of whom are young people who emigrated from Ireland in recent years. The hotspots are the United States, Canada and Australia, as well as neighboring European countries, such as the UK and France.
But there are Irish on every continent, and where the Irish settle in numbers, there’s a fair chance of having a GAA club. A GAA — Gaelic Athletic Association — club is primarily a sports club, though it is a bit broader than that. It facilitates Gaelic games, including Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie, but there are also Irish cultural activities, such as dancing and music. It is effectively a hub of Irish athletic competition and culture.
OVER 500 CLUBS GLOBALLY
There are around 500 GAA clubs outside Ireland, and they are present on every continent bar Antarctica. They are a beacon for Irish expat communities, and they are welcoming of locals and other foreign nationals who wish to be involved. Some are small and may struggle with both finances and participation; others, such as those in big cities like New York, flourish. But big or small, they represent a vital link to the homeland for expats, while also showcasing Irish sport and culture to those unfamiliar with them.
Broadly speaking, GAA fans interact with sports the way other sports fans do. There are fierce rivalries in the same way as soccer. They’ll have a wager on the action in the same way that football fans bet on NFL games. There is also organized competition, both in the club format and inter-country All-Ireland Championships. Yet, the difference arguably comes away from the games. GAA clubs — both at home and abroad — often double up as community centers, hosting events — dinners, (Ceili) dances, etc. Many of the club buildings will have a makeshift pub inside.
As you might imagine, these clubs can be a lifeline for Irish expats, especially lone travelers or younger people. Indeed, in some cases, the clubs can act as de facto embassies or consulates, helping expats with advice or aiding their search for a job or accommodation. It is the kind of place you visit if you need a helping hand when you’re new to the area.
GAA WANTS TO SEE GAELIC GAMES GROW
As mentioned, the clubs are welcoming to expats and locals alike. That is also by design, as the Gaelic Athletic Association’s hierarchy is both keen to serve the Irish abroad and promote Irish sports and culture to new markets. It’s part of a growth strategy, supported in large part by the Irish government.
In July 2026, the GAA World Games were held in County Waterford, featuring over 100 teams from 30 countries. It remains a relatively niche event, eclipsed by the All-Ireland Championship series held in and around the same dates. Yet, the fact it exists at all is a testament to those clubs — mostly set up by expats — around the globe, providing an Irish sporting and cultural hub away from “home.”
This growth is all relatively new, so one wonders how the Global Games and the expansion of GAA clubs around the world will continue.
With the passion shown by the members, that growth could continue to be considerable.
