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Fun Irish Games

Many traditional Irish games can be traced back hundreds of years, some even to the Middle Ages. Some of them have transformed into games that we still enjoy, like chess and baseball. Many of these games, such as rounders and skittles, have survived the centuries and are still played in Ireland and throughout the world.

Fidchell
- Fidchell, sometimes spelled "fitchneal," is an ancient Celtic board game considered to be the predecessor to chess. One player controls the king and eight pieces. There are various configurations, but the king is generally placed in the center of the board surrounded by the other pieces. The opponent has 16 pieces, which begin along the perimeter of the board. Pieces are moved horizontally and vertically along the spaces and are captured when an opponent moves a piece to either side of the defender's piece. The object of the king is to get off the board. The king is captured when the opponent blocks all four sides.
Irish Skittles
- Irish skittles dates back to the Middle Ages, but was only developed as a competitive sport over the last half of the 20th century. A formal constitution for the game was drawn up in 1976. The game is somewhat reminiscent of bowling or bocce. It can be played by two players or by teams. A ring is drawn, which contains five wooden "standers" with different point values. The standers are 4 inches tall and slightly conical in shape. The game consists of five rounds in which players throw four "pelters" underhand toward the standers. Pelters are wooden rod-shaped devices. If a stander is knocked clear of the ring, the player wins its point value. The individual or team with the highest point total wins.
Rounders
- Rounders is considered a precursor to the game of baseball and uses a bat and ball. It was brought to America by Irish immigrants in the 19th century where it morphed into baseball. The game was included in the original Gaelic Athletic Association charter in 1884; however, no true club play began until 1958. The layout of a rounders field is slightly different than baseball and players run the bases in a clockwise fashion. The ball, softer than a baseball, is thrown underhand. The feeder (pitcher) must throw the ball where the striker (batter) indicates and there no strikes or balls. Pegs or stakes are used instead of bases. Additionally, defensive players can get a runner out by hitting him with the ball. Similar rules include that points (runs) are scored when a player makes his way around the field and reaches home and there are generally nine players per team.
Irish Road Bowling
- Irish road bowling is similar to golf. It is played with a 28-ounce iron ball along a designed road course. Two players throw the ball as fast as they can, using a controlled delivery. The player to reach the pre-determined finishing line with the least number of throws wins the competition. Course distances vary. There are numerous courses throughout Ireland and the game enjoys some popularity in the United States as well.

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