Newpark Hotel, Co. Kilkenny

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An Ancient Sport

The fastest land game in the world, a national sport that generates intense friendly rivalry throughout Ireland, hurling must be seen to be believed. And there is nowhere better to sample this native Irish game than in Kilkenny.

Hurling is an outdoor team sport of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks and a ball.

Known as the Kilkenny Cats, Kilkenny are the most successful team in hurling in Ireland, reaching 8 of the last 10 All-Ireland Finals, having appeared in 54 All-Ireland Finals in all (more than any other county) and winning the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 30 times as of 2007 (a record shared with Cork). The county holds a number of distinctive records in hurling championship history, however the distinction of winning three All-Ireland titles in a row has only been attained once (1911-1913).

• No. 7: Wonderful Waterways