Hurling Experience in Kavanaghs Bar, Freshford, 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: 1 day learn more
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 sport in a traditional Irish countrystyle pub in the heart of the picturesque village of Freshford. you will discover the origins of the unique sport, hurling and how even in 2024 it remains the fastest field sport in the world.
    Once you are up to date with the basics of the game you will be brought to the beautiful green area within the square. Here, you will be thought the basic skills of ground strike, hand pass, solo run, and hand strike.
    Afterwards, you are more than welcome to return to the pub to enjoy a well earned drink in a traditional Irish setting.
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 unmatched in any other sport. Our hurling experience in Freshford gives visitors the opportunity to experience this sport in a tradional Irish pub in the heart of the village. Here we give visitors a presentation information them of the history and rules of Hurling. 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.

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
(25 Ratings)
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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
Maryjay60too
May 17, 2024
Fabulous time for anyone! - We signed up for a Hurling Experience (we chose the one in Freshford) and it was SO MUCH FUN! It was a very rainy day, and the rest of James’ reservations cancelled, and he tried reaching me to see if we wanted to cancel, but my phone didn’t connect. I’m so glad it didn’t! We met James at his family’s bar, where he gave us a presentation on the game, and then he took us to the local pitch, where he taught us the various basic hurling moves. The rain started in earnest, but James was undaunted and we had such a good time - certainly we laughed quite a bit at our general lack of skill! James kept coaching and we were able to “score” (clearly a gimme!) This is a PERFECT family activity - from small children, through teens, and even for out-of-shape grandparents (like us!) Ten stars out of five! If you decide to go, please tell him the folks from St. Louis who played in the rain with him sent you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dannyde8293cy
Apr 21, 2024
A great experience for two London boys who knew nothing about Hurling - Great fun would really recommend trying this when you are in Kilkenny. Fun for families and people of all ages. Learn't about how to play Hurling and then gave it a go. Thanks to James as we really enjoyed it!
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Carriebn1940lx
Mar 29, 2024
A MUST do while in Ireland! - Such an awesome experience! Our family loved learning about and experiencing this (new to us) sport. James is such a great coach, is great with the kids, and his knowledge and humor were enlightening. If we ever make it back to Ireland we’ll be doing this again! We highly recommend this experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Renee
Sep 25, 2023
Highlight of our trip! - We are very happy we booked this experience to learn about the ancient sport of hurling and its pervasive role in the community. Additionally, it is always fun to get hands on in a new sport. Definitely recommend. James was both patient and entertaining as our family (all adults, some of us in the senior ranks) practiced ball and hurley basic skills.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H4338tferict
Sep 20, 2023
First time players and we all had a fantastic time! - We had never heard of hurling prior to our trip to Ireland. What a blast we had. James was a fantastic instructor and our entire group of six was able to enjoy the afternoon. Something totally unique for us and adaptable for all skill levels. Then some Guinness and excellent conversation at Kavanagh's Bar after. What could be better!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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