The world of chess in Ireland is dynamic and welcoming, built upon a strong network of local clubs and university societies. Whether you are a total novice looking for a casual game or a seasoned player aiming for a competitive rating, finding a club is the fastest way to get involved.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most active and well-known clubs across the country to help you make your next move.
Top Chess Clubs and Meetups by Region
| Club Name | City/Region | Typical Meeting Details | More Info Here |
| St. Benildus Chess Club | Dublin | Wednesdays at 8:00 PM (St. Benildus College, Stillorgan) | More info here |
| Malahide Chess Club | Dublin | Mondays at 8:00 PM (St. Sylvester’s GAA Club) | More info here |
| Phibsboro Chess Club | Dublin | Monday / Thursday nights (Clareville Community Centre) | More info here |
| Cork Chess Club | Cork | Weekly Friday meetups (Check club website for location) | More info here |
| University College Cork (UCC) Chess Soc | Cork (Student Focus) | Meets weekly in the Western Gateway Building (Free membership for students) | More info here |
| Galway Chess Club | Galway | Thursdays at 7:30 PM (The Bridge Club, St. Mary’s Road) | More info here |
| University of Galway Chess Soc | Galway (Student Focus) | Weekly chess meetups (Check society page for schedule) | More info here |
| Limerick Chess Club | Limerick | Wednesday evenings at 7:30 PM (Limerick Lawn Tennis Club) | More info here |
| Sligo Adults Chess Club | Sligo | Wednesdays 6:30 PM–8:00 PM (Avalon Centre) | More info here |
Finding Your Local Community
Clubs are the core of competitive and social chess in Ireland. They run internal competitions, field teams in provincial leagues (like the Leinster and Munster Leagues), and offer invaluable opportunities for coaching and rating improvement.
- For Competitive Players: Clubs like St. Benildus and Limerick are deeply involved in the top divisions of the national league structure.
- For Beginners and Students: University societies (like those at UCC and the University of Galway) often have very relaxed atmospheres and are ideal for learning the game from scratch.
The Ultimate Resource
While the list above covers some of the major hubs, hundreds of other active clubs and junior sections exist across all 32 counties. For the definitive, most current list of clubs, including contact names, up-to-date meeting schedules, and details for every club from Aer Lingus to Kilkenny, you should always consult the official governing body.
To search for all affiliated clubs, broken down by county and province, visit the Irish Chess Union (ICU) Club Finder:
