Hurling Tours Ireland - Hurling Experience in Kilkenny
Overview
Available languages
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
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
What To Expect
Hurling Tours Ireland
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 inside the intense environment of a teams dressing room. You will discover the origins of the unique sport, hurling and how even in 2024 it remains the fastest field sport in the world. Many moments can occur in the dressing room on match days, things such a aggressive team talks, sweat and tears among some of the more memorable images. You can almost sense the agony and ecstacy from the dressing room upon arrival. Once you are up to date with the basics of the game, you will be brought out to 'the field of dreams' . Here, you will be thought the basic skills of ground strike, hand pass, solo run, and hand strike and even take a shot at the goalposts.
Options
Hurling Tours Ireland - Hurling Experience in Kilkenny
What‘s Included
Use of hurling sticks
Local guide
Parking facilities
Use of hurling helmets
Toilet facilities
Use of hurling balls
Transportation to/from attractions
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
165 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience, skills, history, and some fun competition!
petermW6343QI,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We started our experience with a message from the owner asking if we could move our afternoon time earlier in the day to avoid incoming weather. As we were travelling, it wasn't feasible, but they were able to move us to the following morning when the weather broke. When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to be met by the owner's brother and nephew who were helping out. Michael was a retired Hurler and with his son Charlie we started the experience. They taught us the basics, provided history and let us run drills. They gave us a few competitions with the skills we were learning and answered any questions we had. The day turned out perfectly and we cannot thank James, Michael and Charlie for their flexibility and the experience they provided. My daughter and her boyfriend are already planning on purchasing Hurls (Hurleys) to use at home and to keep practicing. Thanks for a great time and for sharing your knowledge and expertise. It was also great to talk to you about your Hurling career!
Brilliant afternoon outing!
Cheryl S,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a fun break in between castles and museums for our family of adults and older teen girls! James is a wonderful teacher, and even the unathletic among us had a fantastic time learning some hurling skills. Highly recommended for anyone wanting something fun and different on their vacation!
Pure fun
davewN3151VW,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went here with several other couples not knowing a great deal regarding the sport, James introduced us to the basics and history of the sport with aid of Powerpoint and then through several drills and competition at the end, all done with humour and fun, well done James , try it, great laugh
Great hands on tourism experience
tiaanp2018,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked for visitors we had staying with us, age range from 17 to 9 and they really really enjoyed it. They learnt a lot and had great fun. It’s a great hands on tourist experience and they loved the videos too. Would very much recommend this experience for all ages.
Wonderful experience
Freedom42402925885,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I don't usually rate things but I had so much fun at the Hurling experience. I don't know when I've smiled, laughed, enjoyed myself in recent history. I wish I could recall our tour guide's name , he was so much fun and encouraging while we were practicing hurling.
Loved our hurling experience
313carolines,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I came home to Ireland with a dozen friends to celebrate my 60th birthday in May. I booked the hurling experience for something a bit different to do. We all had an absolutely brilliant time. We learned loads, laughed a lot and now have a huge appreciation for the skill of hurlers. This is well worth doing. James was brilliant. Book it. You will not be disappointed.
Caroline’s team visit.
Paul B,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time. James gave us a brief intro to hurling which was interesting and entertaining. Then we were out on the pitch to practice some basic skills that were fully inclusive and lots of fun. It was an experience quite different from our usual guided tours and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Highly recommended
240shannonz,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a great time at this experience! Wish we could have stayed all day playing. Highly recommended
Such a unique and special way to experience Irish culture for the whole family
W8410BAmartinec,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a unique and special way to learn about and immerse yourself in Irish culture. Super hands on and tailored to our needs and abilities - our sporty 4 year old was able to participate and learn and has already said it was his favorite part of our trip. Could not recommend more!
Unique and special way to experience Irish Culture - whole family enjoyed!
martinecharnow,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a unique and special way to learn about and immerse yourself in Irish culture. Super hands on and tailored to our needs and abilities - our sporty 4 year old was able to participate and learn and has already said it was his favorite part of our trip. Could not recommend more!
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Operated by Hurling Tours Ireland