Fast, furious and exciting, hurling is the kind of sport that makes you wonder how anyone is left standing at the end of it all. Attending a match is likely to be one of your most unforgettable experiences in Ireland, with the passion of the supporters both captivating and infectious. It might take you a while to master the rules, but basically hurling is all about trying to get a hockey-style ball (called a sliothar) into a net using a curved wooden stick (called a hurley or camán) with a paddle at the end of it. Hurling has featured in Irish folklore to illustrate heroic deeds of legendary figures and has been chronicled as a pastime in Ireland for the past 2,000 years. The best place to see hurling is at Croke Park – home of the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association, the governing body for Irish indigenous sports), and the scene of some cracking sporting action. Alternatively, you can always check out the local venues near you, which will be the scene of many regional on-pitch battles.