Guide to Ireland's Complicated Soccer League Pyramid

The Complex System

Ireland's soccer league pyramid is a complex and ever-changing system, with clubs moving up and down the divisions on a regular basis. The pyramid is divided into three main tiers: the League of Ireland Premier Division, the League of Ireland First Division, and the League of Ireland Second Division. Below these three divisions are a number of regional leagues, which are not part of the pyramid system but can provide a pathway to promotion to the higher leagues.

Premier Division and First Division

The Premier Division is the top tier of Irish soccer, and is made up of 12 clubs. The league is played on a home-and-away basis, with each club playing every other club twice. The top two clubs in the Premier Division qualify for the UEFA Champions League, while the third-placed club qualifies for the UEFA Europa League. The bottom two clubs in the Premier Division are relegated to the First Division. The First Division is the second tier of Irish soccer, and is made up of 10 clubs. The league is played on a home-and-away basis, with each club playing every other club twice. The top two clubs in the First Division are promoted to the Premier Division, while the bottom two clubs are relegated to the Second Division.

Second Division and Regional Leagues

The Second Division is the third tier of Irish soccer, and is made up of 10 clubs. The league is played on a home-and-away basis, with each club playing every other club twice. The top two clubs in the Second Division are promoted to the First Division, while the bottom two clubs are relegated to the regional leagues. Below the Second Division are a number of regional leagues, which are not part of the pyramid system but can provide a pathway to promotion to the higher leagues. The regional leagues are divided into four divisions, with the top division being the Leinster Senior League. The winners of the Leinster Senior League are promoted to the Second Division, while the bottom two clubs are relegated to the second division of the Leinster Senior League.

Dublin Senior League

The Dublin Senior League is the most famous regional league in Ireland, and is home to a number of former League of Ireland clubs. The league is divided into two divisions, with the top division being the Premier Division. The winners of the Premier Division are promoted to the Second Division, while the bottom two clubs are relegated to the first division of the Dublin Senior League.