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Hurling & Gaelic Games experiences in Kilkenny & Dublin

Kilkenny · Hurling

The Kilkenny
Experience

Welcome to Kilkenny, the hurling capital of the world. Home of the legendary Kilkenny Cats - Ireland's most successful hurling team and the pride of the county.

In Kilkenny, hurling is more than just a game. Local clubs form the backbone of social life, where children grow up playing and families gather to support their county or club. With our Kilkenny Experience, you'll learn, play and feel the thrill of the fastest field sport in the world.

expert

James

Sport

Hurling

From

€119 p.p.

What to expect
1

Culture & Heritage

The heart of rural Kilkenny

Your experience begins with a unique introduction to the world of hurling. Meet our expert on the ground: James, a Kilkenny-native with a lifelong love for the sport. Through an engaging presentation, he introduces you to the history, rules and cultural significance of hurling.

This takes place at a location of your choice:

  • —A traditional Irish pub in the heart of the rural village of Freshford, Kilkenny
  • —The intense environment of a players' dressing room, just a stone's throw from Nowlan Park - the iconic stadium of the Kilkenny Cats
2

Step onto the Pitch

Master the skills for yourself

After immersing yourself in the world of hurling, it's time to take the hurley into your own hands. Led by expert local coaches, you'll learn the fundamentals of the game: the ground stroke, hand pass, solo run and hand strike. Soon you'll be ready to take your first shot at the goalposts.

The moment you strike the sliotar for the first time is one you won't forget.

3

Live Hurling Matchday Immersion

Attendance at a live GAA match included

There's only one thing left to complete the experience: watching the very best players in action. As the first whistle sounds, the match explodes into life. Fast, physical and played with incredible skill and precision, hurling is one of the most spectacular sports you'll ever witness.

With a list of local pubs recommended by James, you can follow the footsteps of the fans and experience matchday the true Kilkenny way.

About Kilkenny

Besides being the hurling capital of Ireland, Kilkenny is a vibrant medieval city. Known as the "Marble City," it enchants visitors with cobbled streets, colourful shopfronts, cosy cafés and the impressive Kilkenny Castle overlooking it all.

Ready to experience it?

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What guests say about the hurling experience with James

Straight from the
people who were there

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"When we arrived in Kilkenny, I fell in love with the game. Learning from James and seeing the sport live made this unforgettable."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"A truly memorable experience. The dressing room atmosphere was intense and unique. It made me want to try the sport myself."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I knew nothing about hurling before - now I love it. James is a great coach and I'm already thinking about coming back."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"An outstanding coach who made everything engaging. Seeing the game up close and holding a major trophy was incredible."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I would do this again in a heartbeat. Fun, insightful, and a special memory we'll share for years."

The Gaelic Games experience from Beyond the Pitch is the most direct way to experience Irish sporting culture as an outsider.

We run group hurling experiences in Kilkenny and Gaelic Football and Hurling experiences in Dublin. Each experience includes: a expert introduction to the sport and its history, a training session with local coaches, and access to a live GAA match.

No prior knowledge of Gaelic Games is needed. Groups start from 4 participants.

James, Hurling Expert
Your Hurling Expert

Meet James
from Kilkenny

"Growing up in Kilkenny, hurling was a way of life. I love welcoming visitors - showing them that while the capital has the lights, Kilkenny has the soul of the game. I don't just teach the skills; I pass on the 3,000 years of history that live in our streets."

Kilkenny Native
Ireland Round Trip
Dublin Day-Trip Specialist
Expert in Gaelic Games
What's included

Everything you need

Match Access

Seats for Gaelic Football or Hurling matches.

Local Expert

Passionate expert who knows Gaelic Games inside and out.

GAA Training Session

Step onto the pitch with local coaches and experience the fastest field sport yourself.

Community Visits

Access to local GAA clubs and authentic interactions with people who live the game.

Pub Experience

Irish cuisine, pub culture and the authentic matchday atmosphere.

Cultural Activities

Heritage sites, Irish storytelling and traditions passed down for generations.

Pricing

What you pay and what you get

The price varies depending on the match. Regular fixtures start from €119, while semi-finals and finals come at a premium due to limited ticket availability

Most popular

Premium

€119

per person

Provincial finals & All-Ireland quarter-finals

Leinster Final · Croke Park

Elite

€149

per person

All-Ireland semi-finals & the final itself

All-Ireland Final · Croke Park

Every tier includes the full experience

Expert · GAA training session · Match access · Pub recommendations · Cultural introduction. The price reflects match access costs.

Experience Gaelic Games

The games. The people. The feeling.

Gaelic football experience in Nijmegen Small group hurling experience in Kilkenny with local expert James Local hurling expert James with guests in the dressing room in Kilkenny Packed Irish sports stadium with passionate fans during a GAA match Action shot from the All Ireland Hurling Final at Croke Park Hurling wall of fame celebrating Kilkenny's greatest players and GAA history Hurling kilkenny legends in action Pub wall in Dublin decorated with Croke Park and GAA memorabilia
Frequently asked questions

Good to know

What is a unique thing to do in Ireland? +

One of the most unique things to do in Ireland is joining a small-group hurling or Gaelic Games experience in Kilkenny or Dublin. You learn the sport's history from a local expert, try it yourself on the pitch, and watch a live GAA match alongside real fans. Beyond the Pitch runs these experiences from €109 per person - no prior knowledge required.

What is hurling and why should I experience it in Ireland? +

Hurling is Ireland's ancient national sport - widely considered the fastest field game in the world. Played with a wooden stick (hurley) and a small ball (sliotar), it has been part of Irish culture for over 3,000 years. Kilkenny is the most successful hurling county in Ireland.

How does the booking process work? +

When you submit a booking request, it is not an instant confirmation - we personally review each request within 24–48 hours. First, send us your details, preferred fixture and group size. We then check host availability and match access to find the best fit for your chosen date. Once reviewed, you'll receive an email confirming what has been arranged and the next steps to finalise your booking. Please note that match access and specific local arrangements remain subject to availability at the time of confirmation.

Can I join if I'm travelling solo? +

Yes. We run open-group experiences where solo travellers join a small group. Message us and we'll match you to the right date.

How long does the full experience take? +

Plan for roughly 5–6 hours from start to final whistle - including the intro session, training, and the match itself.

What happens if it rains? +

Hurling and Gaelic Football are played in all weather - and so is the matchday experience. We'll make sure you're prepared.

Do I need any experience to join the hurling experience +

No experience needed. The hurling experience is designed for complete beginners and international visitors. You'll learn the basic skills in a relaxed and welcoming environment typical of Irish GAA club culture.

How do I get from Dublin to Kilkenny for this experience? +

Kilkenny is approximately 90 minutes from Dublin by car, train or bus. Direct coaches run regularly from Dublin's Busáras station. This is one of the most accessible authentic Irish cultural experiences outside the capital.

What is the best time of year to experience hurling in Ireland? +

Hurling experiences and matches are available year-round.

Can I watch a hurling match in Kilkenny as a visitor? +

Yes. The Kilkenny Experience from Beyond the Pitch includes facilitated access to a live hurling match at UPMC Nowlan Park in Kilkenny. Match access is confirmed personally within 24–48 hours of your booking request. During the Leinster Championship season (April–June), matches are available most weekends. Outside the championship, club fixtures run year-round.

How is this different from a standard Ireland experience? +

Most Ireland experiences show you the country from a bus window. Beyond the Pitch puts you inside Irish culture - on the pitch with local coaches, in a traditional pub learning the history, and in the stands at a live hurling match where possible.

What's Not Included

Flights to and from Ireland

Accommodation - recommendations provided

Travel insurance

Free expert

Never miss a game
in Ireland

Get the full 2026 GAA fixtures calendar for Kilkenny and Dublin - including the matches we attend with our experiences.

  • All hurling and Gaelic football fixtures
  • Kilkenny and Dublin - both locations
  • Our picks for the best matches to attend

Want to check availability? Send us your preferred date and we'll send you the full fixtures guide.

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2026 GAA fixtures - preview

Kilkenny v Tipperary

Nowlan Park · 15 Jun

Hurling

Dublin v Kerry

Croke Park · 22 Jun

Football

Kilkenny v Wexford

Nowlan Park · 6 Jul

Hurling

Dublin v Mayo

Croke Park · 13 Jul

Football

+ 18 more fixtures in the full guide

Ready to Experience
Gaelic Games?

Step into an experience where sport opens doors to Irish culture, community, and identity.

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