There GAA It is Ireland's largest sporting association and represents hurling, Gaelic football, handball and rounders. Camogie and women's Gaelic football are governed by other associations, but together these six sports form the Gaelic Games family.

Gaelic games are said to represent the heart and soul of the Irish people and anyone who has ever attended a GAA football or hurling match knows that emotions are high and the atmosphere is electric.

Hurling and Camogie as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Recently, Gaelic football and women's Gaelic football have received official state recognition as an integral part of Ireland's living cultural heritage, along with St Bridget's cross weaving, traditional Irish dance and the Irish amateur theater tradition.

Gaelic Football for Dummies, including traditional Irish music, hurling, camogie, basketry and traveler tinsmithing, will join 38 others already included in the National Inventory of Ireland's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In 2018, UNESCO inscribed hurling and camogie on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Hurling is considered the world's fastest outdoor game since ancient Celtic times.

Gaelic Sports – Hurling for Dummies

Cork Park: The den of the GAA

Dublin's Croke Park Stadium is the home of Gaelic games and the GAA, and its GAA Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Irish national sports and try to put yourself in the shoes of a player in the interactive games area. You can take a guided tour of Europe's third largest stadium and walk in the players' footsteps. The tour includes a stop at the team locker room, a walk around the field and a chance to sit in a VIP seat.

While you're there, experience the excitement of Kellogg's Skyline Croke Park Tour, a 17-story rooftop promenade that offers sweeping views of Dublin city and beyond.

Croke Park: Dublin's sporting gem that transcends time

To better understand the importance of the GAA in Irish history and culture, visit the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History in Dublin. A temporary exhibition titled GAA: People, Things & StoriesIllustrates the impact of the GAA through the prism of social history, design and popular culture. Fascinating objects on display include 15th century woven cow hair balls, a medieval mether (sharing goblet) and a 10 carat gold GAA medal made in New York from 1936.