Hurling in Kilkenny, Gaelic Games in Dublin, Naadam in Mongolia - and the culture behind every sport we cover.
What once started as a personal experience to find my craft has grown into something much bigger. From solo backpacking through Brazil and Colombia to building Beyond the Pitch - connecting people with authentic cultural experiences through sport.
Marc van der Werf
December 2025
Monthly insights, stories & experience updates
Welcome to our March community newsletter! Updates on upcoming experiences, stories, and cultural insights through sport.
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Authentic experiences from around the world
Why Gaelic Games gets you belonging in this city in a way that no app, no networking event, and no expat group ever quite manages.
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Discover the passion, history and community spirit behind Ireland's national sports.
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Why a hurling match in Kilkenny gets you closer to Irish life than any guided tour - and how to find those moments wherever you travel.
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Henry Shefflin won 10 All-Ireland titles without earning a salary. Discover why hurling legends play purely for the pride of their county.
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Six counties. Five rounds. One cup. Why Ireland's oldest provincial hurling competition still sets hearts racing after more than 135 years.
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Exploring the counties behind hurling’s oldest championship and the identities that drive them
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What to expect, where to go, and how to book - everything you need to know before your first time.
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Beyond the tourist trail - where to watch Gaelic Football and Hurling in Dublin, and how to experience the city the way locals do.
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A personal story about football, community, and the moments that shaped Beyond the Pitch.
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Hurling experiences in Kilkenny and Dublin - small groups, local guides, live matches.
Explore the Gaelic Games experienceBeyond the Pitch is a cultural sports experience organiser, not a travel agency or tour operator. We do not sell travel packages, arrange flights or book accommodation. All prices cover the hosted experience only. Participants arrange their own flights and accommodation independently.