LOI 2026 Fixtures Released as Rovers Host Dundalk

By ArdeePost Reporter

League of Ireland 2026 Fixtures Confirmed

The 2026 League of Ireland (LOI) fixtures have been officially released, setting the stage for a blockbuster opening weekend as Shamrock Rovers host Dundalk on the opening night of the new season. The full fixture list was published on Tuesday morning, sparking excitement among fans across the country.

LOI Opening Night Showdown at Tallaght Stadium

Fresh from completing a League and FAI Cup double, Shamrock Rovers will begin their title defence at Tallaght Stadium on Friday, 6 February, welcoming newly promoted Dundalk back to the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.

The opening fixture promises a high-octane start, with Dundalk returning to the top tier eager to make an immediate impact against the reigning champions.

Final Day Rematch in Oriel Park

Stephen Bradley’s side will travel north later in the campaign, with Rovers set to face Dundalk on the final day of the season, a fixture that could prove decisive in the title race as the Hoops attempt to reclaim the league crown.

Aviva Stadium Set for Another Early-Season Spectacle

Following the opening-night clash, attention will turn to the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, 8 February (14:00), where Bohemians face St Patrick’s Athletic.

After more than 33,000 supporters attended Bohs’ Aviva opener last season against Shamrock Rovers, the club will again use the national stadium, this time welcoming Stephen Kenny’s St Pat’s.

Tickets are now on sale via Ticketmaster, with club allocations also available directly from the teams.

LOI Premier Division Opening Fixtures Elsewhere

Elsewhere on the opening night of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division:

Derry City welcome Sligo Rovers to the Ryan McBride Brandywell
Shelbourne, champions in 2024, travel to Waterford

Women’s Premier Division: Champions on the Road

In the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, reigning champions Athlone Town begin their title defence away to Sligo Rovers.

Meanwhile, Sean Russell’s first competitive game in charge of Shelbourne will see him face his former club Treaty United on Saturday, 14 March.

First Division Promotion Battle Begins

The SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division kicks off with a Munster derby as Cork City host Treaty United on Friday, 13 February.

Bray Wanderers will also be in action early, facing Longford Town following their Play-Off run last season.

Historic Season for Bohemians and Dalymount Park

The 2026 campaign will mark Bohemians’ final men’s season at Dalymount Park before redevelopment begins. Their last men’s fixture at the historic venue will be against Shelbourne, echoing the stadium’s inaugural match in September 1901.

The final women’s fixture at Dalymount will be Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers, according to the published schedule.

President’s Cups and LOITV Coverage

The new LOI season officially gets underway with:

Men’s President’s Cup: Shamrock Rovers v Derry City, Saturday, 31 January (17:00)
Women’s President’s Cup: Athlone Town v Shelbourne, Sunday, 8 March (14:00)

In 2026, over 550 League of Ireland games will be broadcast live on LOITV. Fans can purchase an Annual Pass for €99 or monthly subscriptions from €9.99.

LOI Full Fixture Lists Available

The complete 2026 schedules for:

are now available, as anticipation builds for another major year in the LOI calendar.

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