ABOUT
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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.
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You would be mad to visit Ireland and not try our unique and national sport. You will discover the history of hurling and how in 2023 it is still the fastest field game in the world. This is all done inside a Hurling team's dressing room in Kilkenny City, giving you that up-close, intense matchday experience. Once you are up-to-date on the basics of the game, we take you on to the 'field of dreams' to try a few skills for yourself. This will be an unforgettable experience that will always be remembered long into the future. We give everyone an opportunity to take a shot at the goalposts, and score like the Kilkenny Cats so often do.
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.
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My name is James Kavanagh and I created Hurling Tours Ireland in 2018 because of my love of our native sport, hurling. Being from Kilkenny all I knew since I was 5 years old was hurling and playing the sport every day. Everyday I would race home after school to hit the ball off the wall and practice my skills. I admit nothing compares to the exhilaration and excitement of my playing days, but, I get a great feeling from teaching both the young and the experienced about Hurling.
Having worked in the majestic Kilkenny Castle for many years, I was asked several times a day by visitors about hurling. Visitors would ask me what sport everyone around the city is playing and what the 'wooden weapons' every kid had in their hands was. I loved explaining the sport to them and seeing their reaction and interest in the sport. I am shocked that people still have not heard of this wonderful sport. And so, the idea for Hurling Tours Ireland was created- to spread the wonderful message of hurling to all!