Step into Ireland’s vibrant sporting culture with a hands-on hurling session at Kavanaghs Bar. Learn, practice, and then unwind with local music and food—an all-around Irish adventure awaits.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have basic mobility and be comfortable standing for some time.
Wildlife
History
Hurling is considered one of Ireland’s oldest sports, dating back over a millennium, deeply rooted in Irish identity and culture.
Conservation
Efforts are made to maintain the natural beauty of Kilkenny’s rural areas while supporting sustainable tourism.
Hurling Tours Ireland
Step into Ireland’s vibrant sporting culture with a hands-on hurling session at Kavanaghs Bar. Learn, practice, and then unwind with local music and food—an all-around Irish adventure awaits.
Hurling Tours Ireland is a specialist tour operator based in Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, offering hands‑on hurling experiences that combine instruction on the pitch with authentic local culture.
The company delivers guided, interactive sessions that introduce participants to the history, rules, and basic skills of hurling, Ireland's ancient field sport. Hurling Tours Ireland operates structured experiences in rural Freshford and in Kilkenny city, working with established local venues to create safe, organized visits for visitors interested in Gaelic games.
One signature offering is the Hurling Experience at Kavanaghs Bar, Freshford: a 1.5‑hour program featuring a short history of the sport, coached skill practice on the pitch, and a cultural finish inside Kavanagh's Pub with finger food and live music. Another core experience is the Hurling Experience in Kilkenny City at O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Club, where participants enter the team's dressing room, study match‑day routines, learn the game's basics, and practice scoring on the club field. Both experiences emphasize active participation, local context, and a connection to Kilkenny's strong hurling tradition.
Hurling Tours Ireland partners directly with Kavanagh's Pub in Freshford and O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Club in Kilkenny to provide authentic access to venues and community settings. The company's offerings are rooted in the local sporting culture of County Kilkenny, making them a factual choice for visitors seeking an immersive introduction to hurling and traditional Irish nightlife. Sessions are delivered in County Kilkenny locations and blend on-field practice with pub-based cultural elements alongside established local venues for visitors of varying interests worldwide.
Base Location
Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
Operates in Kilkenny and Freshford
Venues
Kavanagh's Pub & O'Loughlin Gaels
Local club and pub access
Duration
1.5 hours
Kavanaghs Freshford experience length
Experiences
2 Tour Options
Hurling lessons and cultural finish
Reserve a hurling session at Kavanagh's Bar or O'Loughlin Gaels to combine sport, history, and live Irish music.
Wear comfortable clothing and grip gloves
These will help you handle the hurley and sliotar more effectively during practice.
Allocate enough time for the session and post-activity socializing
Plan for at least 2 hours to fully enjoy the experience, including food and music at the pub.
Arrive early to get fitted with equipment and receive instructions
Early arrival ensures you maximize your time on the pitch and connect with your guide.
Respect local customs and traditions
Engage with the community aspect of the event, including enjoying Irish pub culture afterward.
Comfortable clothes
Flexible clothing suitable for light physical activity and varying weather conditions.
Sports shoes or trainers
Good grip and support for quick movements on the pitch.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect yourself during sunny summer practice sessions.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your active session.