Be Active Be Social
Be Active Be Social is TU Dublin’s recreational sport and physical activity programme for students and staff. It’s all about getting active in a fun, social and welcoming environment, with no pressure and no experience needed.
Our activities focus on participation, enjoyment and connection, not competition. Whether you want to try something new, meet people, or simply move more during your week, there’s something for everyone.
What’s on offer?
- Intercampus tournaments – 5-a-side football, table tennis and 3x3 basketball
- Social drop-in sessions – touch rugby, volleyball and football
- Health & wellbeing programmes – Couch to 5K and campus runs (in collaboration with Healthy Campus)
- Skills & confidence sessions – self-defence workshops, swimming lessons and Learn to Play GAA
- Participation events – Participation Week, taster sessions and fun, enjoyable activities
Most sessions are free or low-cost, beginner-friendly and open to all abilities.
Why join?
- Open to all TU Dublin students and staff
- No experience or commitment required
- Relaxed, friendly and inclusive
- Supports physical and mental wellbeing
- A great way to meet people across campus
Get involved
Have an idea for an activity or want to help make Be Active Be Social even better?
Let us know what you’d like to see on campus or get involved as a Sport Activator.
👉 Tell us what you want to see on campus
👉 Become a Sport Activator
Be Active. Be Social. Be Well.
This year, as part of Marchathon, TU Dublin Sport are teaming up with TU Dublin Sustainability and Healthy Campus for a fun filled month of health, walking and active travel activities.
Marchathon is the Smarter Travel walking challenge that takes place annually in March. Campuses and workplaces across Ireland take part in the challenge and teams compete to win prizes. The aim of the NTA Marchathon step-challenge is to encourage and support students and staff across Smarter Travel workplaces and campuses nationwide to walk more throughout their day, particularly on the commute to campus, and to support and facilitate long term physical activity where possible.
As partners of the NTA Smarter Travel for Campuses programme students and staff at TU Dublin are eligible to compete. If walking to campus is not an option, you might consider engaging in walking on campus as part of your study or workday. While some of our students and staff may work or study remotely as part of their week, we are encouraging our people to step away from the desk during breaks and get walking.
How to take part
Participants organise themselves into teams of three-to-six people, register their team online, and use the NTA activity tracker to record their steps count between Monday 02 March and Sunday 29 March 2026.
- Form a team of 3-6 people and nominate a captain
- Register your team on www.activetravellogger.ie
- Use any step tracking device or app to record your steps and log them to the active travel logger
- Team members or captains must enter their steps for the previous week by 14:00pm each Monday. The deadline to submit your steps for the final week of the challenge is 14:00pm on Wednesday 01 April.
The health benefits of walking
In Ireland a recent survey showed that more than a third of Irish people said that they never engage in any form of physical exercise. Taking the time out of busy study and work schedules to get involved in sport is a common barrier to people maintaining physically active lifestyles. However, keeping fit and healthy doesn't need to be complicated. Walking daily, as a form of exercise is one of simplest and most effective ways to improve your health. By travelling actively, such as walking to or within campus, people have an opportunity to improve their physical health and sense of well-being.
The health benefits of walking include:
- Increased fitness, energy, and alertness levels
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Increased bone density
- Improved sense of well-being
- Opportunity for socialisation and time spent outdoors
Experts recommend us to walk at a brisk pace to enjoy the associated physical health benefits – however far you choose to walk is dependent on your ability and availability, but as a guideline, the recommended 10,000 steps daily is equivalent to approximately eight kilometres.
Join the Couch-to-5km programme at TU Dublin! Whether you are a complete beginner or just looking to get back into running, this programme is the perfect way to gradually build your stamina and confidence.
Week commencing 23 February 2026, Healthy Campus and TU Dublin Sport are running a 4-week Couch-to-5km Walk or Jog Series for students and staff, with locations at Blanchardstown, Tallaght, and Grangegorman, we offer a supportive and motivating environment to help you reach your 5km goal. Finishing with an optional fun run on the Grangegorman campus.
There are lots of prizes and beginners, including walkers, are highly encouraged to sign up. Register for the series prior to 23 February.
Sign up here
As part of the series trained sports and health professionals are offering:
- Free weekly in-person meet up lunch time walk/run sessions
- Free nutritional fact sheets
- Free training plan
| Weekly Session |
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Commencing Tuesday February 24, 13:00 - 13:35pm Outside An Spraoi Building, Blanchardstown |
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Commencing Wednesday February 25, 13:00 - 13:35pm Outside Glassmanogue Gym, Grangegorman |
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Commencing Thursday February 26, 13:00 - 13:35pm Outside Sport, Science, Health & Recreation Building, Tallaght |
This initiative supports United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, and aims to encourage our students and staff to live healthy lifestyles and promotes well-being for all at all ages.
If you would like more information on the Couch to 5k series see:
For more information contact deirdre.mullen-mcguinness@tudublin.ie
Learn to play GAA at TU Dublin
Ever wanted to try Ireland’s national sports? TU Dublin is running Learn to Play GAA Football and Learn to Play GAA Hurling & Camogie sessions, perfect for beginners and international students.
The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) is at the heart of Irish culture and community, promoting our unique sports of Gaelic football, hurling, and camogie. These fast-paced, exciting games combine elements of soccer, rugby, and hockey—but with their own distinctly Irish flair.
Our sessions are designed for those who are completely new to the games. No previous experience is needed—just come along, give it a try, and enjoy learning new skills in a fun and friendly environment. It’s a brilliant way to meet people, stay active, and experience a big part of Irish life while studying at TU Dublin.
Become a Sports Activator: Inspire, Lead, and Get Active!
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Lead and assist in organising sports activities for different Student groups.
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Create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all participants.
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Encourage people of all fitness levels to join in and have fun.
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Help with equipment set-up and management.
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Be a role model for healthy living and community engagement.
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Passionate about sports and fitness.
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Positive, energetic, and great at motivating others.
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Enjoy working with diverse groups of people.
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No formal coaching experience required—we’ll provide training!
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Exclusive Sports Activator Merchandise
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Discounted Gym Membership
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Certificates of Recognition
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Discounted Campus Catering
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Basic First aid Qualification
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Free Sports Awards Ticket
- Make a Difference: Help people improve their physical and mental well-being.
- Gain Experience: Develop leadership and organizational skills while working with the community.
- Stay Active: You’ll be staying fit while encouraging others to do the same.
- Networking: Meet like-minded people who share your passion for sports.
- Flexible Commitment: Volunteer a few hours a week or more, depending on your availability.
Become a Sports Activator (2025–26) – Help run and promote activities on your campus.
👉 Sports Activator Expression of Interest Form
Meet Our TU Dublin Sports Activators 2025 - 2026
Here’s a little bit about each of them 👇
Precious enjoys learning new things, meeting new people, and finding fun ways to balance her studies and hobbies.
A big fan of swimming and all things active, Utibe is always encouraging others to move, connect, and make the most of their time at TU Dublin.
When he’s not writing code, you’ll probably find him running around a pitch somewhere, bringing his energy and enthusiasm to everything he does.
For Kseniia, football is freedom. Although scoliosis ended her playing career, it inspired her to coach, especially young female goalkeepers. Through coaching, she continues to share her love for the game and empower others to find their place in sport — on and off the pitch.
3x3 Intercampus Basketball Tournament
The TU Dublin 3x3 Intercampus Basketball Tournament is coming this March, bringing students together from Tallaght, Blanchardstown and Grangegorman for a fast-paced, social and competitive day of basketball.
This intercampus event is all about participation, teamwork and campus pride, with short games, plenty of action and a great atmosphere. Whether you’re a regular player or just enjoy a social game, 3x3 is a fun and accessible way to get involved.
- Campuses: Tallaght | Blanchardstown | Grangegorman
- When: March
- Open to: TU Dublin Staff and Students
More details coming soon — including dates, venues and how to register.
Keep an eye on the page and get ready to represent your campus!
Join us for weekly Touch Rugby drop-in sessions on the Grangegorman Rugby Pitch, open to TU Dublin students and staff.
These sessions are social, inclusive and beginner-friendly, with no experience required. Whether you’re new to touch rugby or just looking for a relaxed way to stay active and meet people, everyone is welcome.
📍 Location: Grangegorman Rugby Pitch
📅 When: Every Monday
⏰ Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Just turn up, get involved and enjoy a fun, social game. No commitment needed!
For more information email: deirdre-mullen-mcguinness@tudublin.ie
Self-Defence at TU Dublin
TU Dublin Sport offers a range of self-defence workshops and courses designed to help students and staff build confidence, improve awareness and learn practical skills for real-life situations. All sessions are beginner-friendly, inclusive and focused on participation in a supportive environment.
City Centre Women’s Self-Defence Workshop
This one-off workshop is a great introduction to self-defence in a fun, supportive setting.
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No experience needed
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Led by Jaque, expert BJJ & Judo black belt
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Delivered in collaboration with the TU Dublin BJJ and Judo Clubs
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Open to all TU Dublin staff and students
Details:
- Date: Thursday 26th February
- Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
- Location: Stanhope Secondary School Sports Hall, 53 Manor Street, Dublin 7
- Cost: FREE
👉 Book here:
Come along, have fun and learn real, practical skills.
Blanchardstown Campus – Self-Defence Course
Build Confidence & Awareness
This 4-week beginner-friendly course is ideal for anyone looking to build confidence and learn basic self-defence skills in a relaxed environment.
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No experience required
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Open to TU Dublin staff and students
Dates:
Friday 20th & 27th February
Friday 6th & 13th March
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: Activity Room, C Block, Blanchardstown Campus
Grangegorman Campus – Self-Defence Course
Ready to take control of your safety?
Join our 6-week self-defence course and learn powerful, easy-to-use techniques designed for real-life situations.
You will:
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Build confidence
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Improve personal awareness
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Learn how to strike and defend effectively
Starts: Thursday 29th January
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Lower House, Studio 2, Grangegorman Campus
Who can take part:
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TU Dublin staff and students: FREE E
👉 Sign up now:
More information
If you have any questions about any of the self-defence programmes, please contact:
deirdre.mullen-mcguinness@tudublin.ie
Blanchardstown Be Active Be Social
City Campus Be Active Be Social
Tallaght - Be Active Be Social
Social Table Tennis
Information Coming Soon