Support Us Button Widget

Catch the Gaelic game of hurling in Austin, TX

We’re breaking down the Irish sport of hurling including its rules and where you can catch a game.

A worn white ball with curved stitching like a baseball lies on a pitch of sunny grass.

The ball is called a sliotar, pronounced “slit-er.”

Photo by Adrian via Pexels

Table of Contents

There are many ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but have you heard about hurling? No, not that kind of hurling. We’re talking about the Irish sport.

What is hurling?

This ancient Gaelic game is the national sport of Ireland and looks a bit like field hockey played with a baseball.

Players use a wooden stick to pass and score points by shooting through the opponent’s goalpost. Players use the stick (called a hurl or hurley) to hit and balance the ball (called a sliotar).

Want to learn all the official rules? Check out the US Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA).

Get involved

Whether you want to hurl yourself onto the field or be a spectator, the Austin Celtic Cowboys has you covered. Scope out the competition, as well as other Gaelic sports, with the USGAA’s interactive map.

More from ATXtoday
We’ve got some jokers in the Capital City, and these pranks from local businesses almost had us fooled.
Who says the kids should have all the fun? Here are four Easter egg hunts where everybunny 21 and up can relive the nostalgia.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
The momentous 40th anniversary of the festival brought hundreds of celebrities, dozens of premieres, thousands of steps, and some key messages to ATX in 2026.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Experience jousting, live performances, artisan markets, and feasts every weekend through Sunday, April 19.
This year’s national list includes 14 entrepreneurs behind local companies — from dating apps to jewelry to nutrition.
We know Austin has an exquisite culinary scene, and apparently celebrities do too, because they’re all over town visiting the city’s famous restaurants and hidden gems.
Warning: Setting foot on Lunch Ranch may make you want to never leave.
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in town, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, micheladas, and more.