Road Bowling Seeks UNESCO Status To Protect One Of Ireland’s Oldest Sports

Why Road Bowling wants UNESCO protection

Played mainly on the public roads of counties Cork and Armagh, road bowling sees two competitors throw a 28-ounce iron ball, or bowl, along a course of between two and three kilometres, with the winner completing it in the fewest throws. The sport is spreading to other counties and is now played internationally, with the earliest recorded reference dating to 1714 in Derry.

“Road bowling is part of our distinctive cultural heritage, and for the sport to have a chance to survive and grow, it needs corresponding protection from the United Nations.”

Séamus Ó Tuama, Secretary General, Irish Road Bowling Association

The push for recognition comes as the sport celebrates its stars, with Cork’s Arthur McDonagh recently crowned All-Ireland Senior Men’s champion. Backers hope UNESCO status would secure the future of a game woven into Irish life for more than three centuries.