Hurling Experience in Kavanaghs Bar, Freshford, Kilkenny

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

At Hurling Tours Ireland, we provide a unique cultural Irish experience for visitors. Established in the home of hurling, Kilkenny, we give guests an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Irish culture, by attempting our most ancient sport, hurling. Hurling is a game steeped in tradition and history, played with a passion and intensity that is unmatched in any other sport.

Our hurling experience in Freshford gives visitors the opportunity to experience this sport in a tradional Irish pub in the heart of the village. Here we give visitors a presentation information them of the history and rules of Hurling.

We have had visitors from many different nationalities and backgrounds fall in love with Hurling and the culture it creates in Ireland. Visitors from Canada, USA and Australia even promising to join a GAA Club when they return home, it is never too late to try new things and why not the sport that is at the heart of Irish culture and community.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Visitors will gain a unique cultural Irish experience through the native sport of hurling. Established in the home of hurling, Kilkenny, guests will be given the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Irish culture by attempting Irelands most ancient and cultural past time. The activity begins with an introduction to the sport in a traditional Irish countrystyle pub in the heart of the picturesque village of Freshford. you will discover the origins of the unique sport, hurling and how even in 2024 it remains the fastest field sport in the world. Once you are up to date with the basics of the game you will be brought to the beautiful green area within the square. Here, you will be thought the basic skills of ground strike, hand pass, solo run, and hand strike. Afterwards, you are more than welcome to return to the pub to enjoy a well earned drink in a traditional Irish setting.

What‘s Included

Use of hurling helmets

Parking Facilities

Use of hurling balls

Toilet Facilities

Local Guide

Use of hurling sticks

Private transportation

Options

Hurling Tour - Kavanaghs Bar

Hurling Tour: Immerse yourself into the heart of Irish culture through a class teaching the basics of the Irish sport, hurling.
Duration: 1 hour

Reviews

5.00

31 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

S1984JGjeffb,,Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Top notch! After watching Cork v Tipperary at a pub, I really wanted to smack a sliotar with a Hurley! I stumbled upon a pamphlet and so my wife and I signed up. What a blast it was! James and Charlie were excellent coaches and really made the day fun! We both got a lot out of this experience including many laughs. I can’t wait to go watch some local matches or even join a club!
Definitely worth the stop!
R8451QBmarciam,,Jun 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My husband and I are on a tour that stopped at James’ hurling experience. What fun! Really enjoyed learning about the game that’s so dear to Ireland and trying it for ourselves!
Great Hurling Experience!
adamdI57AT,,Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
First trip to Ireland as a family and we really didn't know anything about hurling. We had a great time learning about the game and trying our best to learn some of the skills. James was great with our boys (9 and 11) and we really enjoyed playing.
Definitely our highlight In Kilkenny!
Julie R,,Apr 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was such a great experience! We were interested in learning more about the sport of Hurling and James, our Guide is just the right person! He’s extremely knowledgeable, passionate and an excellent player himself! He gave us the history of the game as well as the basic fundamentals before taking us out to the local field! After we went back to his pub and enjoyed a pint! A great experience all the way around!
So happy we did this!
N9525NHjulier,,Apr 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Do not hesitate at all about booking this experience! We absolutely loved it! Our guide/instructor was James and he is excellent at what he does! We met up with him at his Pub where he gave us the history and the fundamentals of the game. After, we went to the local field where he taught us how to play! That was no easy task as it was our first time trying the sport but he was patient, encouraging and made it fun for all of us! After about an hour on the field, we went back to the pub and we enjoyed a pint! (James may even show you how to pour a pint of Guinness!) So, if us 60 some year olds can do it, so can you!
Awesome, Authentic Irish Experience!
bpwestover,,Sep 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely incredible cultural experience! We didn't know what Hurling or Camogie were, and my wife does NOT play sports, but my wife and I had an incredible time could not stop smiling and laughing! We're in our late 20s and did our tour with an older couple in their 80s, and we all had so much fun! James was patient, kind, and so helpful! The entire experience was excellent, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! If you're already making a trip to Ireland, you MUST do this experience!
Great first hurling experience :)
Titellle,,Aug 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience with a kind and patient coach. We learned a lot about hurling and we practised a few technics. All the family had so much fun, we do recommand!
Ireland’s Passion Is Now Ours!!
F5294GBbonnieb,,Aug 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fun and informative experience! Our family of 8 knew very little/nothing about hurling until our amazing coach James taught us the history of and the passion Ireland has for hurling! We learned how to cradle, pass and throw the sliotar (the ball) a few of us better than the others! This is no easy feat since unlike a lacrosse stick, the head of the hurl is flat with no net or basket! James was so patient and an amazing teacher! We highly recommend booking this adventure for a hands on experience. Thanks James!
A must-do experience!
Sarah P,,Jul 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A wonderful experience! James (and his young son) creates a fun and informative experience. Our group had such fun! Highly recommend!
Fantastic insights in the world of hurling
Michael R,,Jun 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great first time experience getting known hurling. James is a great guy who has a great way in introducing people to the sport. we had lots of fun and became fans of Hurling!