Hurling Experience: Dive into Irish Culture in Kilkenny

Experience the thrill of Hurling, the fastest field game in the world, with O’Loughlin Gaels. Join our 1-hour tour in Kilkenny City, where you’ll learn about the history and evolution of Hurling, and even try your hand at the basic skills. Immerse yourself in Irish culture!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 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…
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Use of hurling sticks
  • Use of hurling helmets
  • Use of hurling balls
  • Parking facilities
  • Toilet facilities
What's Not Included
  • Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information

At Hurling Tours Ireland, we offer a distinctive cultural Irish experience for our guests. Based in Kilkenny, the birthplace of hurling, we provide an opportunity for visitors to deeply engage with Irish culture by trying out our oldest sport, hurling. This game, rich in tradition and history, is played with unparalleled passion and intensity.
Our…

Location
O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Club
Hebron Road
We meet all guest at the Dressing Room at O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Grounds before we commence the Tour.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(148 Ratings)
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B8333zzpath
Oct 17, 2025
Never too old to learn a new game!! - I forgot the guy's name, but he explained the game to us, which most of us had never heard of hurling. He was patient with all and we all had a great time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patanddianel
Oct 16, 2025
Awesome hurling - Great time. James was fantastic and funny. Lots of fun and laughter. Our instructor James was a super nice and took time for personalized touches
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janetwc7910cu
Oct 13, 2025
A True Irish Experience! - We had a great time learning an Irish tradition! James was engaging and encouraging as he taught us Ireland’s beloved sport. Our group (age early 60’s) had no trouble participating and would definitely give it a go again! This activity would be good for all ages.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gemma4567889
Sep 10, 2025
Brilliant Experience! - I accompanied a group of adults with disabilities to participate in this fun, interactive experience over the Summer. James was absolutely brilliant with each of the individuals from the offset. He delivered the experience in a way that was easy to understand for the group. He was extremely accepting, inclusive and patient with each and every one of the group who practiced the skills of hurling on the pitch, and encouraged them to try their best. It is clear that James is very passionate about hurling and is hugely knowledgeable in this area. James was also very humorous and the group praised him afterwards for joining in with their banter and creating a sense of animation and spirit for the sport. James acted as a personal photographer, which was an added bonus and managed to take some incredible photos of everyone in action on the field. I would highly recommend this hurling tour to anyone thinking of booking. A very big thank you to James for accommodating the group. You were brilliant!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Madelinep962
Sep 8, 2025
Unforgettable experience! - James was such a great instructor. He was knowledgeable, patient, informative, and fun, by making a game we were new to, easy to understand. We went as a family and enjoyed every minute of the lesson. We strongly recommend adding this to your itinerary!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katewu1526ox
Aug 24, 2025
Hurling in Ireland - This was an excellent thing to do on vacation. It was so much fun. Colin was great! Our tour guide recommended it and I’m so glad we did it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I9793ykolivierm
Aug 12, 2025
Excellent experience, good humor and discovery - Discovering something with passionate people who know how to transmit is incredible. James “breathes” hurling, you can see that he knows everything about the sport, which is ultimately more than just a sport, it is a way of life in Ireland. After a quick and interesting theoretical presentation on history, principles and rules, make way for the field with fun activities that make it possible to take control of hurley and sliotar. It’s very dynamic, it’s fun, James animates it all with a lot of spirit and good humor. This is how to have a good 1h30!!! To do (or redo) without any hesitation
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisa_f
Aug 4, 2025
Hurling fun - 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
Review provided by Viator
Wander561718
Aug 4, 2025
DO THIS EXPERIENCE! - James, our hurling instructor, was AMAZING! My husband, my boys (ages 5 and 7) did a group lesson and James was patient, kind, and responsive. We learned how to hurl and had a blast. James did a nice job walking us through the history of the game, the rules, and how to play. It was one of the highlights from the trip. I highly recommend doing this, regardless of age!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan
Jul 30, 2025
Awesome Irish Hurling Experience! - Really enjoyed trying hurling together with my family, including 2 teenage boys. James is a fantastic teacher and made me feel comfortable even though I lack any type of sports aptitude! He made it fun with the drills and even took some fun pictures and videos with my phone which we enjoy. Also, his love for the sport is completely infectious. Great to learn more about the sport that the Irish are absolutely mad about. Highly recommend, especially if you have kids!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $35
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).