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What is Irish Road Bowling?

Before football, soccer, baseball and golf was...
The Old Game...
Irish Road Bowling
Bowling, Bocce, and Golf all rolled into one great afternoon of play.

The Rules are Simple and the Game is Fun!

Just grip and hurl (underhand) the 28oz steel ball, called a bowl, down a country lane. The fewest number of throws to the finish line wins, similar to golf.

Excitement builds as teams match each other shot for shot for more than a mile. Often, these memorable matches, called scores, are decided by only a few feet or inches distance past the finish line when more than one team finishes with the same number of throws.

The twists and turns of a narrow country lane, as well as the tilt of the surface, provide a rich playing field for strategy and can spark debate among the thrower, his teammates, and full throated spectators.

Get Familiar with the Game...

Irish Road Bowling Terms
  • A Score - an Irish Road Bowling match or tournament
  • Bowl or Bullet - the 28oz steel cannonball used in Irish Road Bowling
  • A Shot - an underhand throw of the Bowl or Bullet
  • Butt - The throwing mark (chalk) on the road marked by each team. Don't step over this line when you throw!
  • Clear the Road - to get spectators out of the road in front of the thrower
  • Faugh a Ballach - Clear the Way! (traditional Irish battle cry)
  • Corner - a sharp curve in the road or a corner where two roads meet
  • Loft - to throw the bowl (underhanded) through the air over a tight inside curve
  • Get Sight or Open the Corner - throw so deeply into the curve that the next throw is a straight shot out
  • Kitter-Paw - a left-handed thrower
  • Stylish Bowler - a road bowler with a smooth, well coordinated delivery
Click Here to see 2015 Irish Road Bowling photos!

Interested in giving Irish Road Bowling a try?

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Day of the Event

  • Registration & Start will be at Motensen's Riverfront Plaza (Lower Plaza) Walkway directly under the Founders Bridge Promenade.
  • Check-in begins at 9:00am
  • Start: teams will begin play at 10:00am
  • Course: The Irish Road Bowling course is approximately 1 mile long running north along the Connecticut River on the scenic Riverfront Walkway and finishes at Riverside Park.
  • Parking: The Science Center garage will be closed on September 24th. Pipes in the Valley guests and Irish Road Bowling players can use the Convention Center garage. Other parking options include several nearby garages, Riverside Park, or on-street parking in Hartford, which is free at night and on weekends. You can also park in East Hartford and take the short walk over the Founders Bridge Promenade.

Safety: The Connecticut Irish Road Bowling Association places top priority on the safety of bowlers and spectators. While participating in the Irish Road Bowling Tournament, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed.

Have any Questions?

Contact Us!