Gaelic Games Class in Dublin: Learn Football, Hurling & Handball

Three sports, one afternoon: Gaelic Football, Hurling, Handball and the history that made them

A Gaelic Games class at Na Fianna, a local club 10 minutes by bus from Dublin city centre, where you learn and play Gaelic Football, Hurling and Handball in a single three-hour session. The guide introduces the history and cultural place of the games in Irish life, then leads you through team-building activities and mini-matches outdoors. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Children from age 6 are welcome. The guide speaks English, Spanish, French, German and one additional language.

Step-by-step itinerary

Gaelic Games session at local club

• Travel to Na Fianna Gaelic club
• Attend introduction on Gaelic Games history
• Participate in Gaelic Football activities
• Play Hurling and Handball team games
• Enjoy mini-matches with trainers

The experience

You arrive at Na Fianna, a real Gaelic club just 10 minutes by bus from Dublin's city centre: three public routes (4, 9 and 155) stop directly across the road. The session opens indoors with a guide who walks you through the history of Gaelic Games and their place in Irish life, then moves outside to the pitch. What follows is not instruction in isolation: you step into gentle team-building activities in Gaelic Football (think soccer, rugby and basketball combined), Hurling (a stick-and-ball game with roots stretching back over 3000 years), and Gaelic Handball. The trainers are passionate about these games and they interact with you throughout: depending on your group, you'll likely play mini-matches, all in good fun.

The whole thing runs three hours, flat shoes and casual clothing are all you need, and water, tea and coffee are on-site. If you want to use the dressing rooms and showers afterward, bring your own towels and toiletries. The facility is modern and wheelchair accessible, and the session operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions. What makes this different from watching is that you're doing it: becoming, as the operator puts it, a Gaelic Warrior for the first time, in the heart of a community club rather than a tourist venue.

What’s included

• All activities (Gaelic Football, Hurling and Handball instruction and play).
• a guided introduction to the history and cultural significance of the games.
• access to the modern Na Fianna facility and outdoor pitch.
• water, tea and coffee.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 to 65 years) · Youth (6 to 15 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Polish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Experience Gaelic Games Limited

Is this one for you?The guide delivers the session in English, Spanish, French, German or one additional language, so language barriers don't get in the way of learning. Book in whichever language you speak most comfortably. The three-hour format works well if you have a free afternoon in Dublin and want to do something genuinely different, not a quick tourist stop.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Polish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 15 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What are Gaelic Football and Hurling, and how do they differ from sports I already know?

Gaelic Football combines elements of soccer, rugby, basketball, volleyball, golf, hockey, lacrosse and baseball into one sport. Hurling is a stick-and-ball game played with a wooden stick and small ball. Both have roots in Irish culture stretching back over 3000 years and are recognized by UNESCO as part of Ireland's cultural heritage.

Do I need to be athletic or have played these sports before to join the class?

No. The session is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and the trainers work with beginners and experienced players alike. Children from age 6 are welcome, and the activities are designed as team-building exercises rather than competitive drills.

How do I get to Na Fianna from Dublin city centre?

Na Fianna is a 10-minute bus journey from the city centre. Public bus routes 4, 9 and 155 stop directly across the road from the club, making it easy to reach without a car or taxi.

What should I wear and bring to the session?

Wear flat shoes and casual clothing. Bring sporting attire if you want to get competitive. The club provides water, tea and coffee. If you plan to use the on-site dressing rooms or showers afterward, bring your own towels and toiletries.

Does the session run if I'm the only person booked?

Sessions require a minimum number of bookings to proceed. If your preferred time doesn't reach that minimum, the operator will contact you to reschedule or offer a full refund.