Photo Chester Zhivanos.
The Wild and Wonderful West Virginia Irish Road Bowling Association (WVIRBA) originated in the tiny village of Ireland, West Virginia. The WVIRBA mission is to provide you with the same great fun those in Ireland experience when participating in this sport. Ready to start bowling?
Support WVIRBA.org - Healthy, outdoor family-fun exercise is happening on country roads all over West Virginia, thanks to the 501(c)3 nonprofit all-volunteer West Virginia Irish Road Bowling Association. The WVIRBA sponsors 20 scores (matches) open to the public at 17 events from March to November, in all regions of West Virginia. To help keep them rolling, the best nation is a do-nation, go to www.wvirba.org.
About Irish Road Bowling
Irish Road Bowling is primarily played in County Armagh in Northern Ireland and in County Cork in Southern Ireland. It consists of a ball made of iron and steel that is heavy enough to pick up speed, yet small enough for any person to handle. Besides the basic rules and terms, all you do is hurl this 28 oz. sized "bowl" with an underhand motion over a 1 to 2 mile country road and see how far it goes! Scored like golf, the fewest number of shots from the start to the finish line wins. Right now, you can find three (3) organized leagues in the United States, Boston, New York and West Virginia, but this sport is gaining rapid popularity throughout the country.
An Addicting Game
Irish Road Bowling is similar to fast pitch softball, except with a running start. It's also like bowling if you had enough room to run 10 or 15 yards. Irish Road Bowling is ideal for young athletes or seniors who are looking to enjoy a scenic walk on a country road, combined with an ancient and exciting, but not overly strenuous, sport! While it's very easy to learn, it takes time and skill to become as proficient as some of those who have set records.
