Gaelic Games
Experience the Passion & Skill of Ireland’s National Sports
Grit, glory and national pride: GAA remains one of our most thrilling traditions to watch.
Hurling, that uniquely Irish sport, may not be ‘the fastest game in the world’ as Stephen Rea’s character in Neil Jordan’s film The Crying Game claims (according to the GAA it’s ‘the fastest field sport in the world’), but it’s certainly one of the oldest.
It’s older than the recorded history of Ireland – people have been playing hurling on this island for over 2,000 years, and Gaelic football for over 700 years.
There’s nothing like the atmosphere of an All-Ireland Championship match in Pearse Stadium in Salthill Galway – the flags, the jerseys, the banter, the tension, the excitement: it’s a day for all the family.
The best way to experience GAA is by following the fortunes of the Galway hurling or football team or even a local club around. Check out where to watch GAA games in Galway.
Want to play Gaelic Games in Galway?
The GAA is one of Ireland’s most dynamic grassroots associations – there are about 3,000 clubs throughout the Island of Ireland, so finding one is never hard. Visit the Galway GAA website to hook up with your nearest club in Galway or to check out their GAA fixtures. You can get a taster with the Gaelic Games Experience in Galway, a fun activity ideal for friends and families. The world of Irish sport is just a click away.
If visiting Dublin make sure to include the GAA Museum and Croke Park Stadium tour in a day trip to get a sense of the history of Ireland’s national sports too.
GAA Clubs of Ireland map
Galway GAA FAQs
How many Gaelic games are there?
While generally believed to consist of only four sports, Gaelic games has six distinct disciplines. Recognised as integral to Irish heritage, these traditional sports include Gaelic Football, Gaelic Handball, Hurling, Rounders, Camogie, and Ladies Football. Each involves a unique blend of skill and strategy contributing to the rich history of Ireland’s sporting life.
How many GAA clubs are in Galway?
There are 80 GAA clubs in Galway – 36 play Gaelic football only, 33 play hurling only and 11 dual clubs play both sports.
How many times have Galway won the All Ireland title?
In Gaelic football, Galway have won 9 times (1925, 1934, 1938, 1956, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1998, 2001).
In hurling, Galway have won 5 All-Ireland Hurling titles (1923, 1980, 1987, 1988, 2017).
How do you play Gaelic games?
From the fast-paced action of Gaelic football and hurling to the skillful precision of handball and the strategic maneuvers of rounders, each sport boasts its own unique rules and playing styles.
Hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, and ladies football involve teams of 15 players engaging in thrilling field games, striving to outscore their opponents. Meanwhile, handball provides an intense one-on-one or two-on-two competition, where players use their hands to strike a ball against a wall. Rounders, reminiscent of baseball, offers a dynamic mix of batting and fielding as teams vie for victory.
Hurling: The fastest game on grass
Hurling is the national sport of Ireland and is the fastest game in the world played on grass. An ancient sport, it’s unlike anything played anywhere else. Hurling is uniquely Irish, and together with Gaelic Football, it is the passion of most sports mad Galway people. Played only by amateurs, it takes strength, speed and stamina to play well.
Contact Galway GAA
📞 (091) 862500
📧 [email protected]
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