London 2012
Ireland as a pre-Games Training Base
Ireland is an ideal choice for athletes and teams to acclimatise and train in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We can offer a wide range of world class indoor and outdoor sports facilities catering for a multiplicity of Olympic and Paralympic sports. Our similar climate, proximity to London, good transportation links, common language and our renowned welcoming nature all contribute to making Ireland the perfect location for pre-Games training camps. The sports facilities available are supported by state-of-the-art medical and sports science facilities, quality accommodation and catering services. The facilities also have a history of success in hosting major international sporting events, conferences and related activities.
Why Choose Ireland?
- World Class Sports and Support Facilities – Olympic and Paralympic athletes and teams can avail of a range of world class indoor and outdoor sports facilities for their Pre-London Training Camps. There are first class accommodation and catering options available and athletes will also have access to excellent medical and sports science facilities.
- Proximity to London – Ireland is less than an hour's flight from London and there are numerous direct daily flights to London and many other international destinations through our international airports at Cork, Dublin, Knock and Shannon. There are also comprehensive bus and rail links throughout the country.
- Climate - Ireland enjoys a mild temperate climate like Great Britain.
- An Irish Welcome - Aside from the world class sports facilities available, Ireland offers plenty of opportunities for athletes and their entourage to unwind after training. Perched on the northwest tip of Europe, the island offers a spectacular and unique landscape, a rich cultural and sporting heritage, a variety of festivals and attractions, fine food, friendly pubs and most of all the ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ or one hundred thousand welcomes of the Irish people. The abundance of unspoilt countryside provides an oasis of charm and tireless beauty in an increasingly busy world, while the country's hip, vibrant and cosmopolitan cities offer plenty to see and do. More details on what Ireland has to offer can be found at www.discoverireland.com
- Experience - Ireland has a wealth of experience hosting international athletes, teams and events. The following are just a few examples.
- Volvo Ocean Race 2009 & 2012
- World Rally Championships 2007 & 2009
- Morton Stadium, Dublin was the base for the European Cross Country Championships in 2009
- In 2006 Ireland hosted the Ryder Cup, one of the most revered of international golfing events and the third biggest sporting event in the world.
- The Special Olympics World Summer Games were held in Ireland in 2003 - the first time this major event ever took place outside of the US. Around 7,000 athletes from 150 countries competed.
- The National Aquatic Centre, Dublin hosted the European Short Course Championships in 2003.
- Ireland hosted the opening stages of the Tour de France in 1998.
Venues for Pre-Games Training Camps
The following sports facilities which are available as pre-training camps for Olympic and Paralympic Teams in the lead up to the London Games in 2012.
For further information on any of the facilities please contact the facility directly or email london2012@tcs.gov.ie
Olympic and Paralympic Sports Catered for
| Olympic Sports | Paralympic Sports |
- Aquatics – Diving
- Aquatics – Diving
- Aquatics – Swimming
- Aquatics – Synchronised Swimming
- Aquatics – Water Polo
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Fencing
- Football
- Gymnastics - Trampoline
- Handball
- Hockey
- Judo
- Rowing
- Sailing
- Shooting
- Table Tennis
- Taekwondo
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
|
- Paralympic Archery
- Paralympic Athletics
- Football 5-a-side
- Football 7-a-side
- Paralympic Judo
- Paralympic Rowing
- Paralympic Sailing
- Paralympic Swimming
- Volleyball - Sitting
- Paralympic Table Tennis
- Wheelchair Basketball
- Wheelchair Fencing
- Wheelchair Rugby
- Wheelchair Tennis
|
London 2012 Coordinating Group
Minister of State Michael Ring TD is chairing a high-level coordinating group which is identifying opportunities for Ireland that may arise across the sports, tourism, cultural and enterprise sectors from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition to promoting Ireland as a pre-Games training base, the coordinating group is also looking at other potential benefits. The tourism agencies are working closely with a range of partners at home and overseas to maximise the tourism opportunities. Enterprise Ireland is actively pursuing opportunities for Irish business and the cultural agencies are developing proposals for a cultural programme around the London Games. The London 2012 Coordinating Group will continue to meet on an ongoing basis in the coming year to maximise opportunities across each of the sectors.