SETU Arena gears up for the GAA World Games 2026

More than 2,000 players from over 100 teams will descend on Waterford for the global event

South East Technological University (SETU) is proud to welcome the O’Neills.com GAA World Games 2026 to SETU Arena, as Waterford takes centre stage in the largest ever global celebration of Gaelic games, culture, and community.

From 13-17 July, more than 2,000 players from over 100 teams, along with coaches, officials and supporters, will descend on Waterford for five days of Gaelic games. World GAA clubs from every continent will compete in displays of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, ladies' Gaelic football, and handball, with exhibition games in Rounders.

Off the pitch, the Games will celebrate cultural exchange, strengthen international connections and showcase the global reach of the GAA.

SETU Arena, which successfully hosted the World Games in 2019, is once again playing a key role as one of the competition’s main venues. With its world-class facilities and proven experience in delivering major sporting events, SETU Arena at West Campus, Carriganore is well placed to welcome competitors, supporters and volunteers for another memorable week of international games.

Paul Morrissey, Events and Business Manager at SETU Arena, said:

“We are delighted to welcome the O’Neills.com GAA World Games back to SETU Arena. Having hosted the event in 2019, we know first-hand the unique atmosphere it creates, bringing together players, families and supporters from across the world through a shared passion for Gaelic games.

“It is a privilege to once again showcase our facilities and play a role in delivering an event of this scale. We look forward to welcoming athletes, supporters and the local community to SETU Arena for what promises to be an exciting week of sport and cultural celebration.”

It is a privilege to once again showcase our facilities and play a role in delivering an event of this scale. We look forward to welcoming athletes, supporters and the local community to SETU Arena for what promises to be an exciting week of sport and cultural celebration.

Paul Morrissey, Events and Business Manager at SETU Arena

All matches at SETU Arena are free to attend throughout the week. Paul says, “This provides a fantastic opportunity for local communities, sports clubs and visitors to experience international Gaelic games and support teams that have travelled from around the globe. We encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the atmosphere and be part of this special occasion.”

Furthermore, the World Games is expected to deliver a significant economic and social boost to the South East, with thousands of visitors supporting hotels, restaurants, cafés and local businesses across the region.

Adding to the programme, the ‘World GAA Connects’ forum on Thursday, July 16, at Waterford City Council will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs and members of the international GAA network to explore new opportunities for collaboration while showcasing Waterford and the South East as a destination for sport, business and innovation.

SETU Arena looks forward to playing its part in this unique international event and welcomes everyone to experience the atmosphere, excitement and community spirit of the O’Neills.com GAA World Games 2026.