League of Ireland season gets an earlier start in 2026

The Premier Division season gets underway on February 6 with the First Division starting a week later

Shamrock Rovers will face league runners-up Derry City in the President's Cup on January 31. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The League of Ireland Premier Division campaign in 2026 will start a week early, finally alleviating congestion issues raised by clubs.

Friday, February 6 marks the opening night of top-flight fixtures, with the First Division calendar kicking off a week later.