[2] In Championship 1, Ards were confirmed as the champions on 20 April 2013 after a 1–1 draw against Institute, securing promotion back to the top flight for the first time since the 2005–06 season.
The tie ended 2–2 on aggregate with Warrenpoint Town winning on the away goals rule to reach the top flight for the first time in the club's history.
Chimney Corner finished bottom for the fourth successive season but were saved from relegation by Newry City's demise.
Ballinamallard United were last season's winners of Championship 1, achieving promotion to the 2012–13 IFA Premiership.
Newry City missed out on promotion as they finished as runners-up, but were defeated 3–2 by Lisburn Distillery in the promotion/relegation play-off.