Republic of Ireland football clubs in European competitions

Statistics

As of 24 July 2025, the European Cup and UEFA Champions League saw Shamrock Rovers play the first game by a League of Ireland side, losing 0-6 to Manchester United on 25 September 1957 in the preliminary round first leg. Shamrock Rovers have appeared in the competition 13 times, the most of any Irish club. Dundalk have played the most games in this tournament with 33, while Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne share the most wins with 5 each. Dundalk also hold the record for most draws with 12, and Shamrock Rovers have the most defeats at 19.

In the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Europa League, Drumcondra Dublin played the first match, beating Odense XI 4-1 on 3 October 1962 in the first round first leg. Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians have each appeared 15 times, the highest number. Shamrock Rovers have played 50 games, won 13, and suffered 28 defeats, all competition records. Bohemians have the most draws with 10.

The UEFA Conference League began for Irish clubs with Dundalk's 4-0 win over Newtown on 8 July 2021 in the first qualifying round first leg. Shamrock Rovers lead in appearances (5), games played (20), wins (6), draws (4) and defeats (10).

In the European Cup Winners Cup and UEFA Cup Winners Cup, St. Patrick's Athletic played the first match, losing 1-4 to Dunfermline Athletic on 12 September 1961 in the first round first leg. Shamrock Rovers have the most appearances (6), games (16), wins (5) and defeats (9), while they share the most draws (2) with Bohemians.

For the UEFA Intertoto Cup, Bohemians played the first game, losing 0-2 to Odense on 24 June 1995 in the group stage. Cork City have the most appearances (4), games played (16), draws (6) and share the most wins (4) and defeats (6) with Bohemians.

Overall, Shamrock Rovers dominate the records with 41 competition appearances, 124 games, 32 wins, 23 draws (tied with Dundalk) and 69 defeats. The biggest winning margin in a single match is 5 goals, achieved by Derry City in a 5-0 away win over Aberystwyth Town in the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round. Derry City also hold the record for largest aggregate win, 9-0 against the same opponent. The heaviest defeat in a match is 12 goals, suffered by Finn Harps against Derby County (12-0) in the 1976–77 UEFA Cup first round, and the worst aggregate defeat is 15 goals, Finn Harps losing 1-16 to Derby County over two legs.