Hurling Season 2025 in Ireland

Hurling is a traditional Gaelic sport with similarities to hockey but played on a football-like pitch. Originating around 2000 BC, it is considered one of the oldest field sports in the world. The game is deeply rooted in Irish culture and is immensely popular among both locals and visitors. Each year, the hurling season features a national competition culminating in major matches, with Dublin often hosting the championship's most significant events at Croke Park.

Allianz Hurling League (January 25–April 6, 2025)

The Dublin hurling league typically runs from January to March, coinciding with the Allianz Hurling League, an annual inter-county competition. This league features 35 teams from Ireland and England, organized into five divisions with seven teams in each. During the season, each team in a division competes against the others once.

National Hurling League Final (April 5–6)

The league culminates in a National Hurling League Final, where the top two teams from Division 1A compete for the prestigious Dr. Croke Cup. The winners are recognized as the National Hurling League champions. These matches are a significant part of the Irish sporting calendar, showcasing the skill and tradition of this ancient Gaelic sport.

Venues

The Allianz Hurling League matches are hosted at various iconic venues across Ireland, including Semple Stadium in Thurles, Nowlan Park in Kilkenny, Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, and Pearse Stadium in Galway. A notable venue is Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland’s national stadium and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) headquarters. Since 1891, it has hosted major Gaelic football and hurling championships. Visitors to Croke Park can explore the GAA Museum, located in the Cusack Stand, which details the history and cultural significance of Gaelic sports in Ireland.

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship (July 20, 2025)

The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship begins with the provincial championships in Leinster and Munster on April 19/20 and culminates in the All-Ireland Hurling Final on Sunday, July 20. This prestigious event, organized by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) since 1887, determines the winner of the Liam MacCarthy Cup. The competition follows a knockout format, where a single loss eliminates a team. Qualification is derived from the Leinster and Munster Senior Hurling Championships, along with the Joe McDonagh Cup.

The Munster and Leinster champions secure direct entry into the semi-finals, alongside two other teams advancing through the tournament. Held at Croke Park since 1910, the All-Ireland Hurling Final is recognized globally for its excitement and cultural significance, ranked by CNN as the second "must-see" live sporting event worldwide.