Academic Index Last updated: June 22, 2026

11 Best Universities in Ireland for Sports

Focusing specifically on Sports, our data science engine identified the 11 most influential universities in Ireland. Our methodology evaluated 370.6K subject-specific papers and 11M citations to find the strongest faculties. This targeted approach bypasses general university reputation, directly revealing the strongest programs.

Active Filters: Sports Ireland Clear All

Ranking Methodology Notice

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1

Dublin

University College Dublin

#82 in Europe #225 in the World

42% Acceptance

33,321 Enrollment

1854 Founded

2

Dublin

Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin

#119 in Europe #302 in the World

48% Acceptance

20,430 Enrollment

1592 Founded

3

Cork

University College Cork

#174 in Europe #408 in the World

48% Acceptance

21,894 Enrollment

1845 Founded

4

Galway

National University of Ireland, Galway

#257 in Europe #631 in the World

43% Acceptance

33,321 Enrollment

1845 Founded

5

Carlow

Institute of Technology Carlow

#1123 in Europe #4156 in the World

45% Acceptance

33,321 Enrollment

1970 Founded

6

Dublin

National University of Ireland, System

#841 in Europe #2653 in the World

59% Acceptance

21,894 Enrollment

1908 Founded

7

Waterford

Waterford Institute of Technology

#791 in Europe #2413 in the World

70% Acceptance

13,000 Enrollment

1970 Founded

8

Dublin

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

#432 in Europe #1122 in the World

55% Acceptance

20,430 Enrollment

1784 Founded

9

Maynooth

Maynooth University

#373 in Europe #924 in the World

52% Acceptance

13,000 Enrollment

1997 Founded

10

Limerick

University of Limerick

#305 in Europe #740 in the World

51% Acceptance

17,989 Enrollment

1972 Founded

11

Dublin

Dublin City University

#283 in Europe #679 in the World

49% Acceptance

17,989 Enrollment

1989 Founded