Rugby is one of the most established and enduring sports in Northern Ireland. Many fans flock to the country each year to watch this fast and exciting sport. The regional tournaments that take place in Northern Ireland always draw big crowds and many travelling fans choose to combine rugby with a wide range of family activities or even a short holiday. A popular event is the annual Ophir Sevens, which takes place every August at Cottonmount in Newtownabbey.
Rugby spectators can easily get to and around Northern Ireland with an abundance of low-cost flights to the country's three international airports. There are also fast ferry links to the UK mainland. In addition, there are excellent road, train and bus connections, which help make the journey around Northern Ireland as efficient and as cost-effective as possible. Excellent hotels and the famed Irish hospitality make Northern Ireland a popular destination for travelling rugby fans.