Hurling Experience: Immerse in Irish Culture in Kilkenny

Immerse yourself in Ireland’s native sport at Kavanagh’s Pub in Freshford. Learn the history and rules of hurling before trying your hand at this challenging and exhilarating sport.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Walsh’s Apartments - 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…
What's Included
  • Use of hurling helmets
  • Parking Facilities
  • Use of hurling balls
  • Toilet Facilities
  • Local Guide
  • Use of hurling sticks
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

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…

Location
Walsh's Apartments
The Square
Kavanagh's Bar in Freshford, Co. Kilkenny.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(29 Ratings)
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Adamdi57at
Apr 21, 2025
Great Hurling Experience! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julie_r
Apr 12, 2025
Definitely our highlight In Kilkenny! - 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!
Review provided by Viator
N9525nhjulier
Apr 2, 2025
So happy we did this! - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bpwestover
Sep 2, 2024
Awesome, Authentic Irish Experience! - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Titellle
Aug 15, 2024
Great first hurling experience :) - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F5294gbbonnieb
Aug 5, 2024
Ireland’s Passion Is Now Ours!! - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah
Jul 30, 2024
A must-do experience! - A wonderful experience! James (and his young son) creates a fun and informative experience. Our group had such fun! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael
Jun 29, 2024
Fantastic insights in the world of hurling - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
827rebeccak
Jun 11, 2024
James is a wealth of knowledge and entertaining - Listen up. Book this lesson with James. You won't be disappointed. Support a local hurler and a local economy by stopping in this beautiful area. We had a quick history of hurling and went over to a pitch in town two minutes away to learn the art of hurling. While searching for a hurling lesson that would fit into our roadtrip and timeframe I stumbled upon James and don't regret booking with him! I feel the other tours that last 3+ hours are overkill. If you want a taste of it, stretch your legs if roadtripping and enjoy a great lunch in town - BOOK THIS HURLING SESSION! My son who is athletic and played baseball in the states loved getting a grasp of this national sport here in Ireland. James is fun, patient and humorous. Especially appreciated that he remembered to capture some moments for us on my phone. This was a top three favorite thing we did on our roadtrip through Ireland. Thanks for the great memories that day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Devo74
Jun 7, 2024
Amazing experience - Just finished doing the tour with Micheal and his son Jamie. This was by far a highlight of my trip. Not only is the sport of hurling amazing(fun and challenging) they were gracious coaches giving my two daughters(8-10) lots of tips and help learning the sport. I would recommend it to anyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $34
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).