The Billiards Room

The history of Hayes Hotel and the GAA in Thurles

At 3 pm on Saturday, 1 November 1884, in the billiards room of Hayes’ Commercial Hotel, Hotel Michael Cusack with seven founding members established the “Gaelic Association for the cultivation and preservation of national pastimes” – Ireland’s most successful amateur sporting organization was born.


The other founding members were Maurice Davin (who presided), John Wyse Power, John McKay, J. K. Bracken, Joseph O’Ryan and Thomas St. George McCarthy.

It is now recognized that Cusack’s inspiration in founding the GAA in 1884 was a sublime stroke of genius inspired by his nationalistic ideals and his desire to wrestle back control over native Irish sports.



No man did more to establish this organization. The organization became known in the shortened version as the “Gaelic Athletic Association“.

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Don't just take our word for it

Very good food and great portions. I had a lovely breakfast and I didn't need to eat again until the evening 🙃! The management and the staff are very friendly and helpful 🙂! Car parking is very convenient at the back of the hotel. Highly recommended 👌!

Alan Whitney September 1, 2025

Food was fabulous. Love the ambience of the venue.

Kelley Lee August 29, 2025

Unreal breakfast, something for all the daily family

Michael Corcoran August 3, 2025

Thurles was a beautiful town to stay in while visiting Ireland. It was central to all of our day trip locations and it was so nice to come back to the Hayes Hotel each night. The restaurant served delicious food and made possibly the best whiskey sour ever! The rooms were lovely though hot as there is no a/c and the noise can be a bit loud in mornings. Otherwise a lovely hotel with great service and food.

Julia H August 2, 2025

Stay only for one night,I couldn't say a bad word about this hotel,everything from our room to the food was outstanding and as for margaret on reception she couldn't do enough for us,will be back,keep up the amazing work 👏👏👏

Margaret Mulcahy July 27, 2025

Nice cozy hotel with secure parking, food is good, and the breakfast is beautiful. Great value for money. The staff are always friendly and helpful. I have used the hotel 3 times now on 1 night stay overs with work. You can get a good rest, and because its in the centre of town, its well placed for a nice walk in the evening.

Gareth Herron July 10, 2025

service was excellent and the salmon I had for main course was also excellent.

Peter Connolly July 7, 2025

We stopped in on the way home for a bite to eat in the bar, and so glad we did. The service was fantastic and the food was just exceptional. We will definitely return. Simply delicious food

Katie Reidy July 6, 2025

We came for dinners beautiful dinners service was excellent alas the desserts too expensive so we didn't have any

Eamonn Quinn June 7, 2025

Dissatisfied disappointed had slow cooked beef on the bone .. could not cut it usually meant to slide of the bone like rubber sent it back and they offered me 3 slices of roast beef with no gravy no apology nothing took out money 76:00 euro bad form on there part …sever was lovely ruined our night….going forward if I get a bad meal I am not paying it’s the only way that will hurt them .

Rachel Meagher May 30, 2025

Great bouncer gavin

Beth Toolan May 18, 2025

We had a great time here. The town is super cute and the people are amazing. The room was small but very clean and the bed was comfortable. We went down to the bar for drinks and chatted with the tender, Leo. He was an absolute joy to chat with. Very knowledgeable about the history of the town and the hotel and bar. He was very kind and even got the chef to make us some deserts, even tho the kitchen was closed when we got there. If you get the chance to check this place out, you definitely should. We had the best time and plan to come back on our next trip!!!

Shawna Vann May 11, 2025

V nice hotel had lunch fast friendly service.Good menu.Toilets v clean . plenty of car parks near by.Main course mushroom lunch.

Marie Kearns April 28, 2025

Great food Serice was second to none

Genevieve Holmes April 17, 2025

Great breakfast.

Donal C April 13, 2025

Excellent hotel, great food, excellent staff

Sean McNamara March 29, 2025

Megan and Leo they were very polite to us. And very kind and the food is amazing here. I would come back here again.

Luchia Kelly March 25, 2025

Great food friendly staff and quick service all in all very happy will be returning

Mark Rowland March 19, 2025

Lovely hotel with a great, busy cafe and bar at the front. Great place to stay in Thurles!

Brian Conlon March 7, 2025

Just went for food and drinks, service was perfect, friendly staff, efficient and attentive, food was amazing have to say one of the best meals I've put with the family, wish the Hayes Team all the best and hope to dine there again, JAMES

James Webster February 22, 2025

Nice hotel right in the town centre book it over the phone pay on arrival then the ask for a deposit of a €120 as well on top of payment was very disappointment the girl that took my booking never said anything about a deposit

majella Clohessy January 14, 2025

I arrived here on Sunday 22nd Dec 24 at approximately 6 30 pm despite being quite busy the concierge immediately found me a table I had the house fish and chips and I must say top marks to the chef Cook on duty absolutely delicious

Eric Hughes December 22, 2024

Popped in, first time in a long time, for a coffee ☕. I was surprised as to how good it tasted. The Home of Hurling is now the Home of Coffee.

N Sweeney December 13, 2024

Excellent food

J.p Stakelum November 1, 2024

Just had dinner here with friends. Really lovely spot. The food was unreal, and the staff were so friendly.

Caroline O'Kelly October 23, 2024

Home Sweet Home 😄

Una Looby October 22, 2024

Very good service but a bit expensive but still a lovely place

Brendan Coburn October 18, 2024

Fabulous place

dan parker October 18, 2024

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Find answers to common questions about the billiards meeting room.

You can contact our events team via phone, email, or by completing the enquiry form on our website. We’ll guide you through available dates, packages, and room setups

Yes, we offer complimentary on-site parking for our guests, located conveniently near the hotel entrance.

Yes, we offer in-house catering with freshly prepared dishes, as well as outside catering options for off-site events. Menus can be customised to suit your event requirements.

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