Skip to main content

Hurling Tours Ireland - Hurling Experience in Kilkenny

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kilkenny, Ireland
Great choice
5+ bookings last month.
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
·
· Holly_R ·
Jul 2025
James was an engaging and knowledgeable coach! We learned about the history and significance of hurling. Then he took us through a training practice. He was patient and helpful. My 3 teenaged boys loved this break from touring and history walks. We are now big fans. Thank you!
· Scott_M ·
Jun 2025
What a wonderful experience with James! This sport is woefully unknown outside of Ireland and we had an unbelievable time learning about it, practicing our skills, and taking our shot at one and three points (not pints)! If you are looking for a true Irish experience and learning about this game that is so integral to Irish heritage, I could not recommend this enough!

Overview

The history of hurling in Ireland dates back centuries and many consider this fast-paced field sport Ireland’s national game. Immerse yourself in the ancient sport during your time in Kilkenny and learn the basics during this experience that takes place in a traditional Irish pub. Receive a fascinating presentation on hurling's history and rules and gain a deeper appreciation for Irish culture.
  • Learn about hurling's rich history and rules in Kilkenny
  • Enjoy an enriching presentation at a traditional Irish club
  • Practice your skills with the hurley stick and sliotar ball
  • Fun for all ages and most fitness levels too

What's Included

  • Local guide
  • Use of hurling sticks
  • Use of hurling helmets
  • Use of hurling balls
  • Parking facilities
  • Toilet facilities
  • Transportation to/from attractions

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Club
    Hebron Rd, Leggetsrath West, Kilkenny, R95 RX63, Ireland

    We meet all guest at the Dressing Room at O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Grounds before we commence the Tour.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

1

Hurling Tours Ireland

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0
based on 155 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Hurling fun

Lisa_F, Aug 2025
Exactly how much fun it is I took my 14 year old grandson who already plays American football and he really had a great time

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thanks Lisa for your lovely review, so glad to hear your grandson had a great time too!

Hurling? Yes!

Vicki_B, Jul 2025
Terrific intro to Hurling. My husband and I had just heard about Hurling when coincidentally we saw this opportunity in Kilkenny. James was a great "coach" to our small group of newbies across ages (kids to seniors). We had an opportunity to learn and try out some basic skills and play a fun little game. Definitely, a nice complement to other kinds of touring in Ireland. Also a rare opportunity to learn about the sport in arguably the most Hurling - crazed city in Ireland. Go Cats!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thanks a lot! So glad you found us and enjoyed the intro to hurling!

Best day!

Holly_R, Jul 2025
James was an engaging and knowledgeable coach! We learned about the history and significance of hurling. Then he took us through a training practice. He was patient and helpful. My 3 teenaged boys loved this break from touring and history walks. We are now big fans. Thank you!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

So glad you enjoyed it and it’s great to hear you are now big fans of Hurling. Thanks for joining the tour.

Amazing and Fun Time Learning and Playing

Scott_M, Jun 2025
What a wonderful experience with James! This sport is woefully unknown outside of Ireland and we had an unbelievable time learning about it, practicing our skills, and taking our shot at one and three points (not pints)! If you are looking for a true Irish experience and learning about this game that is so integral to Irish heritage, I could not recommend this enough!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Really appreciate the kind words! It’s fantastic you had such a memorable time with James.

Hurling happiness!

rachel_d, Jun 2025
An excellent informative and fun 90 minutes! You get to learn the history and have a go! Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thanks so much! Great to hear you enjoyed learning the history and having a go!

Highlight of our trip - cannot recommend enough

Jeannine_L, Jun 2025
This was a highlight of our 10-day trip. James was a fantastic coach with an obviously passion for the game. By the end our whole group of 14 (ages 80+ to 6) were having fun an hitting the sliotar. We had enough fun that two of the families bought hurls to play once we returned home and I'm looking up hurling clubs near us to see a game. Cannot recommend this enough it was so fun.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thank you so much! We’re thrilled it was a highlight of your trip and that everyone had fun. Enjoy exploring hurling back home!

Family Irish Fun!

Barbara_N, May 2025
We had so much fun! James explained all of the basics of the game and the deep history behind it. He used our phone to video our "match", something we will treasure. A great activity for our family, bringing us closer to our Irish roots!

Response from Host, May 2025

Thank you Barbara for your kind review! We are delighted to hear you and your family had a great time.

Great experience!

Stacey_K, May 2025
Fantastic! The experience was very informative and loads of fun! Lots of hands on activities as well. James was excellent and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, May 2025

Thank you Stacey for your lovely review! We are glad to hear you enjoyed your experience!

Absolutely perfect afternoon!

Bailey_M, Aug 2024
Wow! What a spectacular experience. We were traveling through Kilkenny with four generations ages 5-84 and we had a ball learning the basics of Hurling! Our guide was incredibly charismatic and made the hour extremely fun. We highly recommend this experience for families, and really anyone at all!

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Hi Bailey, Thank you for your very kind review, it is greatly appreciated. It is amazing to see people of all ages get to experience this sport and see it grow on a global stage. Kind Regards James

Meeting the Sliotar

Maureen_C, Apr 2024
Taking a hurling lesson with my family was an incredible experience! Our coach was highly skilled and passionate about the sport. He broke down the techniques in a way that's easy to understand and we all had opportunities to practice in an atmosphere that was always positive and encouraging, which makes learning fun. My grandson spent much of our remaining time in Ireland looking for opportunities to practice his new skills. I highly recommend hurling lessons to anyone interested in trying something new and exciting!

Response from Host, May 2024

Hi Maureen, Thank you for your kind review, it is greatly appreciated. I am delighted to read you all enjoyed the tour, particularly your grandson. We woudl be mroe than happy to look into any hurling clubs near you for him to practice his skills. Kind Regards James Kavanagh

Two London boys try their hand at Hurling

Daniel_D, Apr 2024
Myself and my brother signed up for the Hurling Exeperince as a part of a trip to research our family from Kilkenny. We had a great time on the experience and learn't about the game of hurling and then tried out some of the skills and techniques of Hurling. We would thoroughly recommend the hurling experience and say thanks to James for making this a memorable part of our visit to Kilkenny,

Response from Host, May 2024

Hi Daniel, Many thanks for your kind words. I am delighted to read you and your brother had an amazing time at the experience. I am particularly delighted it was such a memorable moment from your trip. Kind Regards James Kavanagh

Great experience, a must do to understand Irish sports culture

Daniel_L, Sep 2023
What a great experience and way to understand the Irish sports culture! Not just for sports people but a must for sports people. This is considered the fastest game on foot and a major part of Irish culture. The game incorporates skills that are used in baseball, golf, hockey, lacrosse, field hockey and more! James is fantastic in explaining not just the game but the history and culture. Hosted in Kilkenny, which is a great town to visit, the home of Hurling. Take the time to do it, I’ll do it again for sure.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Thank you for your kind review Daniel, no better place to play the sport than in the home of hurling.

Embracing Our Irish Roots

Kristen_D, May 2023
We ranged in age from 14 to 79 (3 generations) and everyone had a great time! James was kind, funny, and a great coach and teacher. We loved learning the history as well as the rules and then getting to try our hand at hurling. Immediately afterwards we went in search of a jersey and hurleys (settled for bracelets and will get the gear once we get back home). What a fun sport and great experience! We look forward to watching the USGAA Nationals in August, which are going to be held in our own backyard, Denver, CO.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you for your kind words! It is a beautiful game

Great sport with great history

Kathleen_D, Mar 2023
After a short history of hurling (which was great!), James took us out to the pitch and we learned some fundamentals. It was fun and we’re now definitely fans! Highly recommend!

If you need a break from visiting castles…

James_M, Jul 2022
Had a great time learning the rules and basics of hurling (camogie for the women) from James and his son, Jake…. James demystified the game in a fun way for the whole family. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to educate themselves in this important part of Irish culture.

Response from Host, Jul 2022

Thanks a million for the kind words. James

From $35.81

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 41 days in advance.

Compare Similar Experiences

1 / 3
Current
Hurling Tours Ireland - Hurling Experience in Kilkenny


1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$35.81
Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny: Masters of Ale Experience


1 hour 15 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$67.15
Shenanigans Walks - Guided Walking Tour in Kilkenny


1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$35.81