Hurling Tours Ireland: James Gallagher
Can you tell us how Hurling Tours Ireland began and what inspired you to create this unique experience for visitors to Ireland?
I’m a native of Kilkenny, which is known for its love of hurling, so I’ve grown up surrounded by the sport all my life.
The idea for Hurling Tours Ireland came about quite naturally. I also run a pub here in Kilkenny, and I used to meet tourists who were fascinated by the hurleys hanging on the wall or the matches on TV. They’d never seen anything like it before.
That’s when I realized there was an opportunity to share our passion for hurling with visitors in a hands-on way. I started small, using my own hurls and gear, showing people the basics, and telling them about the history of the game.
The business grew from there into what it is today, a proper interactive experience where people can not only learn about the sport but actually get out on the field and play it themselves.
For those unfamiliar with the sport of hurling, how would you describe it and why is it such an important part of Irish culture?
Hurling is Ireland’s national game, and it’s often called the fastest field sport in the world. It’s a bit like a mix between hockey, lacrosse, and baseball, but it’s completely unique. Players use a wooden stick called a hurley and a small ball called a sliotar (pronounced “schlithar”), and the aim is to score points by hitting it over or into the opponent’s goal.
What makes it so special is that it’s deeply rooted in Irish history and community. Every parish in Ireland has a club, and generations of families have grown up playing it. It’s not a professional sport; players do it purely for pride and passion, and that’s what really captures people’s hearts when they learn about it.
What can guests expect when they join one of your tours — from start to finish?
Our tours are a mix of education, fun, and hands-on experience.
We start with a short presentation on the history of hurling — how old the sport is, the basic rules, and why it’s so important to Irish people.
Then we move outdoors, and guests get to pick up a hurley and sliotar and try it for themselves. We teach them how to hold the stick, hit the ball, and even play a few small games together.
There’s always a lot of laughter — people are usually surprised by how fast and exciting it is! We finish off with photos and a chat, and most people leave with big smiles and a new appreciation for Irish culture.
Are your tours suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Absolutely. We design the experience so that everyone can take part, whether they’re young kids, adults, or even grandparents.
We’ve had participants from age 4 right up to 80 and beyond!
It’s not about competition or fitness — it’s about having fun, learning, and trying something new.
We adjust each session to suit the group — so a family group might be more relaxed and playful, while a corporate group might enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry. The main goal is for everyone to leave smiling and having learned something about hurling and Irish life.
What is it that you hope visitors will take away from your tours beyond learning about the sport itself?
For me, it’s about more than just hurling. I hope visitors leave with a real sense of Irish community, culture, and pride.
Hurling represents teamwork, passion, and local spirit — the same things that define Irish people.
When visitors take part, they’re not just learning a sport — they’re connecting with something that’s been part of Ireland for thousands of years. It’s an experience that brings people together, no matter where they’re from.
How has the response been from those who took your tour but had never heard of hurling before or knew much about it?
The response has been incredible. Most visitors have never even heard of hurling before they arrive, and by the end of the tour, they’re absolutely hooked.
We often hear people say it was the highlight of their trip to Ireland.
They love how genuine and down-to-earth it is, and it’s something truly Irish that they get to be part of. We’ve even had people go home and order hurleys online to keep practicing!
What’s the most surprising reaction you’ve had from a customer after trying hurling for the first time?
We’ve had so many great moments.
We’ve had visitors from baseball, lacrosse, and hockey backgrounds who are amazed at how similar some of the skills are, but also how much faster and more physical the game is.
One man told me afterwards that it was “the most fun he’d ever had on a holiday” — and that kind of feedback makes it all worthwhile.
How do you see hurling helping visitors connect more deeply with Irish heritage and community?
Hurling is more than a sport; it’s part of the heartbeat of Irish communities. Every small village has its club, and everyone has a story or connection to the game.
When visitors try hurling, they’re not just learning a skill, they’re getting a glimpse into real Irish life. They see the pride people have for their local teams, the sense of community, and the joy that comes from being part of something shared.
It’s one of the best ways to understand Ireland beyond the usual sightseeing.
Have you noticed an increase in interest from tourists seeking more authentic, hands-on cultural experiences in Ireland?
Definitely. More and more visitors want experiences that feel real and personal, not just sightseeing or tours behind glass.
They want to meet locals, learn something, and feel part of Irish life, even for a short while.
That’s exactly what Hurling Tours Ireland offers. People love that they can actually do something Irish, not just watch it.
And being in Kilkenny, the home of hurling, makes it even more special.
What are your future plans or hopes for Hurling Tours Ireland in the next few years?
The goal is to keep growing while staying authentic.
We’re already welcoming visitors from all over the world — the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe — and I’d love to expand further, maybe working more with schools, sports teams, and tour groups.
We’ve two great locations in Kilkenny City and Freshford, and I’d love to develop more group experiences, maybe combining hurling with other local activities or cultural events.
The aim is simple: keep promoting Kilkenny, Irish sport, and Irish culture to as many people as possible.
If you could invite any famous person to try hurling for the first time, who would it be and why?
If I could invite anyone, I’d pick Patrick Mahomes. He’s one of the most talented and creative athletes in the world, and I think he’d take to hurling unbelievably fast. His hand-eye coordination, speed, and ability to read a game are second to none and I’d love to see how he’d react to the pace of hurling.
Plus, he seems like someone who genuinely enjoys trying new sports and having a bit of fun with them. It would be great publicity for the sport, but more importantly, I think he’d absolutely love it.
James is a member of my Tour Guide Network.
