Irish Road Bowling, popular in Ireland for over 300 years, is returning to Central New York!
What is Irish Road Bowling?
Part golf, part bocce, part bowling – the rules are simple – hurl a small 28 oz. cannonball to the end of a two mile “country road” in the fewest number of throws!
Scoring is similar to golf – the least amount of throws needed to complete the course wins. Teams of four will compete against other teams to see who can cross the finish line in the fewest number of throws. Players must throw underhanded.
Irish Road Bowling Terms
- Bowl or Bullet – the 28 oz. small cannonball
- Butt – the throwing mark on the road. To step over the mark before releasing the bowl is to “break butt.”
- Faugh a Ballach! or Faugh a Ballagh! – Clear the Way! A traditional Irish battle cry
- Kitter-Paw – a left-handed thrower.
- Stylish Bowler – a bowler with a smooth well-coordinated delivery.
- Craic – fun or good time
Rules of Play
When & Where
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool NY
Check In Start: 9:30am
Check In Location: Bay View Shelter
Tee Times: 10:00am – 1:30pm
Start Line: Shoreline Walking Trail
2026 Helen Windhausen Irish Road Bowling Commemorative Event
Helen always saw opportunities to give. She contributed her time and talents. Out of her dedication, the Irish Road Bowling event became what it is today. Carry on her tradition to play, volunteer, and “Faugh A Ballagh”
Registration
Registration Opens: Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 9:00am
Cost: $140 per team
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
*Registration is done on a first come, first serve basis. Participation in last year’s event does not guarantee your team a spot this year. Registration will remain open until all 105 spots are filled.
Day of the Event
- Check-in starts at 9:30am at the Bay View Shelter located in the Willow Bay area of the park.
- Play begins at 10:00am.
- Plan to park one car at the start and one at the finish (near the Salt Museum) or you will have to walk back down the trail to your vehicle.
Onondaga County Parks places a top priority on the safe and legal use of alcoholic beverages. No person under 21 may possess or consume alcoholic beverages in the park. Coolers are not allowed along the course. Alcohol may be brought in and consumed only in designated areas at the beginning and end of the course. Quantity is limited to one six pack of beer (12 oz. cans) per person in cans or plastic. Please drink responsibly.
Become a Sponsor!
Several Irish Road Bowling sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Joe Ostuni, Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake at jostuni1@verizon.net.
For More Event Info
Onondaga Lake Park
315-453-6712
olp@ongov.net
Volunteers Wanted
Interested in volunteering at Irish Road Bowling?
Contact Joe Ostuni, Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake at jostuni1@verizon.net.