In 1989 the Scottish Petanque Association accepted an invitation to play Wales in Cardiff, won by Scotland. The return match was held in Sitrling in 1990 and, following a request from Northern Ireland to be included, the Celtic Challenge was formed. In 1991 the Irish Petanque Association was formed and the 3rd Celtic Challenge was held at Clandeboyne, NI.

The Celtic Challenge is played over two days. Each nation supplies 4 teams of 3 or 4 players, with the host nation supplying an additional ‘B’ squad. The winner is the squad who achieve the most wins after 12 rounds (when each team have played against all opposing teams). The host nation’s A and B squad play each other in the first 4 rounds on the opening day.

Strong competition coupled with a social and friendly atmosphere combine to make the Celtic Challenge one of the highlights of the pétanque year.

Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 Celtic Challenges were not contested.

Year	Host	Winner
2024	Wales – Caerleon	Ireland
2023	Ireland – Bangor	Ireland
2022	Scotland – Glasgow	Wales
2019	Wales – Pontyclun	Scotland
2018	Ireland – Dublin	Scotland
2017	Scotland – Edinburgh	Scotland
2016	Wales – Caerleon	Scotland
2015	Ireland – Cork	Scotland
2014	Scotland – Fochabers	Scotland
2013	Wales – Llanhennock	Wales
2012	Ireland – Bangor	Scotland
2011	Scotland – Troon	Scotland
2010	Wales – Wenvoe	Wales
2009	Ireland – Cork	Wales
2008	Scotland – Fochabers	Wales
2007	Wales – Abergavenny	Wales
2006	Ireland – Dublin	Ireland
2005	Scotland – Inverness	Scotland
2004	Wales – Brecon	Ireland
2003	Ireland – Bangor	Scotland
2002	Scotland – Stirling	Wales
2001	Wales – Pontypool	Wales
2000	Ireland – Cahir	Ireland
1999	Scotland – Drymen	Wales
1998	Wales – Brecon	Scotland
1997	Ireland – Castlewellan	Wales
1996	Scotland – Perth	Wales
1995	Wales – Cardiff	Wales
1994	Ireland – Cork	Ireland
1993	Scotland – Troon	Wales
1992	Wales – Brecon	Wales
1991	Ireland – Clandeboyne	Ireland
1990	Scotland – Stirling	Scotland
1989	Wales – Cardiff	Scotland