Hurling is one of the oldest field games in the world and has been popular for at least 3000 years in Ireland. The game is played with a sliotar and hurl (ball and stick). It is played by teams of 15 on a rectangular pitch with ‘H’ shaped goals at either end. To score points, players must put the ball ‘over the bar’ for one point or in the back of the net for a goal which equals three points.
Hurling is a religion in Kilkenny, we live, breathe and dream about the energetic GAA games in our HQ pitch at Nowlan Park and beyond.
The Kilkenny Cats are the most successful senior team in the history of the All-Ireland hurling championships, with a record-breaking 36 total wins since the championship began in 1887. The team has also won the Leinster Provincial Hurling Championship an eye-watering 71 times!
The county is home to 12 GAA club teams, the most notable being Tullaroan and Ballyhale Shamrocks, who have 20 championships each in the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championships.
Want to try your hand at our national sport? There’s plenty of GAA related activities to do in the home of hurling
Jump into the full hurling experience with Hurling Tours Ireland, learn about the history of the sport in a GAA dressing room and put your skills to the test once you’re up to score on your history. Take to the pitch at O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club, located within walking distance from Kilkenny GAA headquarters at Nowlan Park. Gear up, grab your hurl, sliotar and don’t forget your helmet! Time to battle it out on the pitch with friends and family.
Head out of the city and stop by Pub of the Year, Malzards and experience the best of Irish culture in one spot. Meet the owner, Fred Malzard, who will tell exciting stories about iconic Kilkenny matches and the importance of the community. You’ll then get a chance to take to the green and play the fastest field game in the world! Malzards is the epicentre of Irish culture in Kilkenny, stay for a refreshing pint while enjoying live Irish music. Celebrate the beauty of storytelling, music and make lifelong friends at Malzards!
Become an honorary ‘Kilkenny Cat’ with The Kilkenny Way Hurling Experience, where you can visit the Legends Hurling Bar Museum in Lanigan’s Bar and learn more about the legends of the game. A great experience for families, hurling-mad hens, sporty stags or corporate groups! Head back to Lanigan’s afterwards and you might even catch a glimpse of our hurling players in action on the telly!
Make sure and snap a photo at the hurling statue on Canal Walk. The statue is dedicated to the talented Kilkenny players- past, present and future. Created by artist, Barry Wrafter, the statue depicts 3 players- two in the iconic black and amber striped jerseys, fighting for possession of the ball against a third player.
Show your support for The Cats, follow their journey in the hurling championships and sport the black and amber jerseys on match weekend! Don’t forget to grab a Kilkenny jersey or souvenir hurl as a memento to remember your action-packed trip to Kilkenny. Wear your black and amber stripes with pride! Learn more fixtures, tickets and fixtures at Kilkenny GAA.
