Ireland Active welcomes the newly released Irish Sports Monitor 2024 from Sport Ireland, which brings encouraging insights into the nation’s physical activity trends.

One of the most positive takeaways is that 49% of the adult population now regularly participates in sport, a 2% increase from last year. With a national target to reach 50% by 2027, this progress highlights the growing importance of sport and physical activity in people’s everyday lives.

Continued rise in sports participation, with 49% of the adult population now regularly playing sports. Credit Sport Ireland/Irish Sport Monitor

Personal Exercise and Swimming Remain Ireland’s Most Popular Sports

According to the report, personal exercise and swimming were once again the most popular sports when adults were asked what activities they took part in over the previous seven days.

Most popular sports: Personal exercise remains the most popular activity. Credit: Sport Ireland/Irish Sport Monitor 2024

These results are especially relevant to the leisure, health, and fitness sector, as these activities primarily take place within Ireland Active member facilities, such as gyms, swimming pools, fitness, and leisure centres across the country.

The data also shows continued growth in weight training, reflecting increased interest in strength-based activity and gym-based exercise.

Personal Exercise Leads Over Traditional Team Sports

The report highlights that personal exercise participation rates are higher than those for soccer, Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie combined.

Credit: Data taken from Sport Ireland: Irish Sports Monitor 2024

This reinforces a long-standing trend: personal exercise continues to be the leading sport among adults in Ireland, driven by its flexibility, accessibility, and wide appeal across all demographics.

Gender Balance in Personal Exercise and Swimming

The Irish Sports Monitor 2024 shows that the gender gap in overall sports participation is now just 2.8%, the lowest on record.

Progress towards targets. Credit: Sport Ireland/Irish Sports Monitor 2024

Personal exercise (18%) and swimming (8%) continue to attract strong participation from both men and women, with previous trends showing a near-equal gender split in personal exercise and slightly higher female participation in swimming.

Credit: Sport Ireland/Irish Sport Monitor 2024

These activities remain some of the most inclusive and accessible ways for adults in Ireland to stay active.

Personal Exercise and Disability Participation

The Irish Sports Monitor 2024 also highlights that personal exercise is by far the most popular sport for people with disabilities.

Credit: Sport Ireland/Irish Sport Monitor 2024

Its adaptable nature makes it an ideal activity for individuals with varying abilities, and many Ireland Active member facilities are proud to offer inclusive environments that support and encourage participation for everyone.

What This Means for Our Sector

These findings reaffirm the vital role that Ireland Active member facilities play in supporting the nation’s health and activity goals:

  • Personal exercise and swimming remain Ireland’s top activities.
  • Gym-based and pool-based sports are central to national participation.
  • The trend toward self-directed and inclusive physical activity continues to grow.

As Ireland moves closer to the 50% participation goal by 2027, we are proud to see our sector leading the way in helping more people become more active, more often. Read the full Irish Sports Monitor 2024: View Report