The League of Ireland is the Republic of Ireland’s national football league, and this hub brings together what you need to follow it in 2026: the live Premier Division table, how the season and European places work, a guide to every senior club, and how to approach betting on the games.
The league has two divisions, the ten-club Premier Division and the ten-club First Division. Each plays 36 rounds a season from February to the end of October, with clubs meeting four times. We check the format and facts against the league’s official site and flag where sources disagree.
- 2026 season: the Premier Division began on 6 February and is scheduled to finish on 30 October.
- Format: ten clubs play each other four times, 36 rounds in all, in each of the two divisions.
- Europe: the top three qualify, for the Champions League first qualifying round (champions) and the Conference League (second and third).
- Down: 9th enters a promotion/relegation play-off, 10th is relegated, and the First Division champions are promoted.
- Club guides: fixtures, squads, stadiums and history for Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Shelbourne, with the rest of the league to follow.
How does the League of Ireland work?
The Premier Division is the top tier and the First Division is the second. Both have ten clubs, who play each other four times, two at home and two away. The 2026 season began on 6 February and is scheduled to end on 30 October. The Premier Division champions enter the Champions League first qualifying round, while second and third place enter the Conference League qualifiers. The club in ninth place enters a promotion/relegation play-off and the club in tenth place is relegated. The First Division champions go up.
Unlike the Premier League, the League of Ireland runs from February to October, so it is played in the spring and summer rather than through the winter. The league is all-island too: Derry City, who play in Derry in Northern Ireland, are in the Premier Division. For a full explanation of qualification places, see our League of Ireland table guide.
League of Ireland Premier Division table
Shamrock Rovers
Bohemians
St Patrick's Athletic
Shelbourne
Derry City
Dundalk
Waterford
Galway United
Drogheda United
Sligo RoversThe table updates automatically every few hours. See the full League of Ireland table page for the First Division standings and the top scorers.
League of Ireland clubs
Premier Division clubs in 2026
- Bohemians – Dalymount Park, Dublin
- Derry City – The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry
- Drogheda United – Sullivan & Lambe Park, Drogheda
- Dundalk – Oriel Park, Dundalk
- Galway United – Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway
- Shamrock Rovers – Tallaght Stadium, Dublin
- Shelbourne – Tolka Park, Dublin
- Sligo Rovers – The Showgrounds, Sligo
- St Patrick’s Athletic – Richmond Park, Dublin
- Waterford – Waterford Regional Sports Centre
Grounds are from API-Football. Every Premier Division club has a full guide with fixtures, squad, stadium and history.
First Division clubs in 2026
- Athlone Town – Athlone Town Stadium
- Bray Wanderers – Carlisle Grounds, Bray
- Cobh Ramblers – St Colman’s Park, Cobh
- Cork City – Turner’s Cross, Cork
- Finn Harps – Finn Park, Ballybofey
- Kerry FC
- Longford Town – Bishopsgate, Longford
- Treaty United – Markets Field, Limerick
- UCD – UCD Bowl, Dublin
- Wexford – Ferrycarrig Park
The First Division table shows the standings.
Betting on the League of Ireland
Most bookmakers price League of Ireland matches, but with fewer markets and lower limits than the Premier League. The core markets are the match result, double chance, both teams to score and total goals. The margin on League of Ireland prices can be wider than on the biggest leagues, so compare prices and use our bet calculator to see what a bet pays before you place it.
Only bet with an operator licensed to take bets from Irish customers. Our guide to checking a bookmaker is licensed shows how to search the registers. Read our football betting guide for how each market works, and use the betting sites comparison to compare licensed bookmakers. Live scores and AI predictions are on our live scores page, and our Shamrock Rovers vs Bohemians preview shows how we write up a game.
Related guides
- League of Ireland table
- Football betting guide for Ireland
- Live scores and AI predictions
- AI predictions track record
Frequently asked questions
What is the League of Ireland?
The League of Ireland is the Republic of Ireland’s national football league. It has two divisions, the Premier Division and the First Division, each with ten clubs.
When does the League of Ireland season run?
From February to October. The 2026 Premier Division season began on 6 February and is scheduled to finish on 30 October.
How do League of Ireland clubs qualify for Europe?
The champions enter the Champions League first qualifying round, and second and third place enter the Conference League qualifiers. The FAI Cup can affect the allocation, so check the league’s announcements.
How many clubs are in the League of Ireland?
Twenty senior men’s clubs across the two divisions: ten in the Premier Division and ten in the First Division.
Which clubs have a guide on this site?
Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Shelbourne so far, each with fixtures, squad, stadium and history.
Can I bet on the League of Ireland?
Yes, with a bookmaker licensed for Irish customers. Odds include a margin and no bet is a sure thing. Set a limit before you start and get free help at gamblingcare.ie if gambling stops being fun.
Sources and further reading
- League of Ireland official site – official tables, fixtures and rules
- Wikipedia: 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division – season format and qualification places
- API-Football – live standings, clubs and grounds feed
18+. Please play responsibly, gamblingcare.ie. This guide is independent editorial opinion; it is not a guarantee, endorsement or financial advice, and does not imply any affiliate or commercial relationship with any operator named.
Last updated 27 October 2026. Written and checked by the Punter Ireland editorial team. Offers, odds and rules change, so always check the operator’s own terms and the official sources above. League format and club details checked against the sources above on 27 October 2026.
