FAI Cup

The FAI Cup is Ireland’s premier annual knockout football competition, organised by the Football Association of Ireland. Open to 44 clubs from across the Republic of Ireland and Derry City from Northern Ireland, it runs through the football season and concludes with a grand final at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

• 44 teams compete, including league and non-league clubs
• Final played at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium since 2010
• Shamrock Rovers hold the record with 26 wins
• Winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League
• First held in 1922 as the Free State Cup

What it is

The FAI Cup is the most prestigious knockout football tournament in Ireland, drawing teams from the League of Ireland and top non-league clubs. Each year, 44 teams compete in a series of elimination rounds, all aiming for a place in the final and a chance to lift the iconic trophy. The competition is a highlight of the Irish football calendar, offering underdog stories, fierce rivalries, and a route to European competition. For players and fans alike, the Cup is a symbol of national pride and footballing tradition, with its winner earning a coveted spot in the UEFA Europa League.

Where it comes from

The FAI Cup was first contested in 1922, originally known as the Free State Cup. Its early years saw participation from teams in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, reflecting the evolving landscape of Irish football after partition. Over the decades, the Cup has witnessed dramatic finals, legendary clubs, and memorable moments—such as St. James's Gate winning the inaugural title and Shamrock Rovers becoming the most successful club in its history. The competition has adapted through changes in league structure and venue, but its core spirit remains unchanged.

How it is celebrated

The FAI Cup unfolds over several months, with matches held in stadiums across Ireland. The excitement builds with each round, as league and non-league teams face off in knockout ties. The final, now held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, is the pinnacle event, drawing large crowds and national attention. Fans gather in their team colours, singing and cheering, creating a vibrant atmosphere both inside the stadium and in pubs and homes across the country. The Cup final is broadcast on national television, and the day is marked by anticipation, celebration, and, for one club, the joy of victory and a place in European football.

Joining in

Visitors can experience the FAI Cup by attending matches throughout Ireland, with the final at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium being the main event. Tickets for the final are in high demand, and the stadium fills with passionate supporters from both sides. Expect a lively crowd, pre-match festivities, and the chance to witness Irish football history in the making. Even if you can’t get a ticket, the atmosphere spills into the city’s pubs and streets, making Dublin an exciting place to be on Cup final day.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article FAI Cup, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• FAI Cup on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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