Irish Road Bowling – Tygart Lake State Park, Grafton, WV
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! November 3 Tygart Lake State Park, Grafton, WV www.tygartlake.com Saturday 1:30 p.m. At Tygart Lake State Park, we discovered a beautiful road course through the woods along 10-mile long, 1750-acre Tygart Lake. Close to the start line, in Tygart Lodge, dine overlooking the lake. For lodge reservations, (304) 265-6144 Road bowling contact: Jacob Jackson
Irish Road Bowling
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! October 27 Chief Logan State Park, Logan, WV www.chiefloganstatepark.com Saturday 11:30 a.m. Registration begins 10:30 a.m. Irish road bowling was an old sport before the American Civil War, and Irish emigrant soldiers for both the North and South rolled small cannonballs down country roads between battles. Come and throw cannonballs with us in the morning, then join Civil War re-enactors in the afternoon at Chief Logan's all-day Civil War Days extravaganza. The WVIRBA adds an ancient sport, Irish Road Bowling, to the rich sports tradition of Logan, West Virginia's City of Champions. At 4,000-acre Chief Logan State Park with its outdoor amphitheater and wildlife center, you can loft a bowl beneath the statue of Logan, famous Chief of the Cuyoga -Mingos, or in the footsteps of Aracoma, legendary Princess of the Shawnees. Lodging at Chief Logan Lodge 304 855 6100. For info Terry Mullins 304 855 8591, tmullins@chiefloganreccenter.org, or Chief Logan State Park 304 792 7125.
Irish Road Bowling – Holly River State Park Fall Challenge
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! October 6 Holly River State Park Fall Challenge (& Pig Roast), Hacker Valley, WV www.hollyriver.com Saturday 1:30 p.m. In a deep valley, one of the tour’s most beautiful roads, October colors, a trout stream, rhododendron thickets, a bridge to loft over, a massive stone pavilion for the medieval feast afterward. For info, Holly River State Park (304) 493-6353, hollyriversp@wv.gov
Irish Road Bowling – Wheeling Hibernians Ohio Valley Championship
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! September 15 Wheeling Hibernians Ohio Valley Championship, Wheeling, WV http://aohwheeling.shutterfly.com Saturday 1:00 p.m. The Wheeling Hibernians IRB Tournament benefits local charities and is the northern-most event on the WVIRBA Tour circuit. Centrally located in the Ohio River Valley, this tournament will be an easy drive from Pittsburgh or Columbus, Boggs Hill Road. Craig O'Leary (304) 242-6196, oleary@redp.org In September 2017, 839 bowlers made this WVIRBA event the largest Irish road bowling team tournament in the world. Entry fee includes a big barbecue afterwards, live music. Let's go for 1000 in 2018!
Irish Road Bowling
Come join the fun of this annual competition for a weekend rich in history and plenty of entertainment all situated amidst the enchanting natural surroundings of Shepherdstown, WV. Throw cannonballs on historic Trough Road, where in 1862 Confederate and Union troops fought, as the Confederate army retreated from Antietam. Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! Road Bowling begins at 1:30 p.m. Visit http://www.battleofshepherdstown.org. To be a part of history, contact Road Master Mary Wolfe at (304) 258-4958, or e-mail mwolfe4@frontier.com.
Irish Road Bowling – Doddridge County Fair
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! Doddridge County Park - www.doddridgecountyfair.com Bowling begins Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Contact Road Master Eric Bee at 304-299-2104 for more information.
Irish Road Bowling – Barbour County Fair
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! History of the area: First land battle of the Civil War, largest covered bridge in WV, Point Pleasant Road starts high on the ridge-top, great views, then a long downhill curve to the fairgrounds. Bowling begins Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Irish Road Bowling National Finals – Bol~Chumnn na hEireann North American Region Finals, Blackwater Falls State Park
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! Hosted by the West Virginia Irish Road Bowling Association (WVIRBA). West Virginia is proud to host the USA national finals for this ancient sport for the fifth time. The three organized clubs, Boston, New York and West Virginia, rotate the exciting weekend tournament every August to decide the best in the USA, under the auspices of Bol~Chumann na hEireann in Ireland. This is where you will see the sport as it is supposed to be played, at the highest level. Boston's Con O Callaghan, Florrie O'Mahoney, his son Sean O'Mahoney, Roger O'Riordan, Brendan O'Sullivan All Ireland winners, New York's Adfrian Lappin, Fergal Carr, both All Ireland winners and Mick Mahoney, and West Virginia's own Travis Craig, Travis McClintic, and Stephen Wallington will be hurling iron and steel road bowls down the Pendleton Point Road. Best the players in the USA in one on one competition at Blackwater Falls. Everyone welcome to all events, including the Welcome Reception and Semi-final Matches Draw, Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. buffet in Blackwater Lodge. Friday afternoon - practice scores in the road, meet the players. Friday evening at the lodge - welcoming reception, buffet dinner, drawing of the scores for Saturday. Saturday - Semi-finals 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. semi-finals in four grades Sunday - Finals and awards ceremony, everyone invited. The North American Region Finals: if you have not seen this amazing sport, this is your chance, easy walking with the throwers - Everyone Welcome!! Winners at Blackwater Falls State Park advance to the All Ireland Finals to be held in the USA on Wampatuck State Park, Hingham, Massachusetts. Blackwater Falls State Park, 304 259 5216, www.blackwaterfalls.com, for the WVIRBA David Powell (202) 387-1680, Cell: (202) 905-1959.
Irish Road Bowling – Cacapon Resort State Park
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! "Gravity is your friend" on this mostly downhill roll through the woods with rocky cliffs alongside. This shaded 1.2 mile course will be cool in the hot summer time and great for beginners. Afterward, lake swim, tennis, golf, hiking trails, horseback rides. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and bowling begins at 11 a.m. Lodge reservations 304-258-1022. Road Master Mary Wolfe 304-258-4958 or mwolfe4@frontier.com.
Irish Road Bowling – Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! Set in Pocahontas County, source of seven rivers in the highest mountains in West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad operates a ride-on steam-powered logging train that climbs even higher above the town of Cass. Cass Scenic RR is a great mid-summer destination in cool mountains, and Old Cass Road is only a couple miles from the giant radio telescopes at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Greenbank, another can’t miss for visitors. Saturday 1:00 p.m. Sign Up for this event will be the day of the Event from 9:30 to Noon at the CSRR Visitor Center and at the start line on Old Cass Road. The event will commence at 1:00 PM at Old Cass Road (County Rt. 7/1) and Route 66 intersection. Parking on opposite side of the road from entrance. Bowling from Deer Creek approximately 1.3 miles to Rt. 66/Old Cass Road entrance. (off Route 66, approximately 4 miles east of Cass Scenic Railroad). Sign-Up, equipment (if you need it), and score cards will be available in the Visitor Center from 9:30 am to Noon the day of the event and at the start line. Contact Marshall Markley at 304-456-4300 ext. 102.
Irish Road Bowling – WV State Championship Finals, Blackwater Falls State Park
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! The top bowlers, men and women, from each of the two qualifiers, Pipestem Resort April 21 and 22, and Strawberry Festival May 19 and 20, meet at Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, WV. See the flamethrowers, top guns in West Virginia, throws can roll 250 - 300 yards. See Travis Craig, Travis McClintic, Stephen Wallington, Bryan Wimer, Rich Meece, Ken McClintic,, Wayne Marrs, Travis Shipley, Stephen Holmes, Morgan Ware, and many more, all the fastest throwers in WV. See the best lady bowlers in the WV state finals. Winners advance to the North American Region Finals, (national championship) again at Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, WV, August 3, 4, 5, 2018. June 23: Semifinals - Novice 1, Novice 2, Novice 3, Novice 4 June 24:Finals - Novice 1, Novice 2, Novice 3, Novice 4 For more information, contact David Powell 202-387-1680, Cell: 202-905-1959.
Irish Road Bowling – Canaan Valley State Park
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! In the highest-elevation valley east of the Mississippi, this open road with sweeping curves is an ideal contrast to the boulders and rhododendron thickets at nearby Blackwater Falls. Enjoy a two-day two-event road bowling weekend at Blackwater and Canaan. Bowling begins at 1:30 p.m. Contact David Vance, 800-622-4121, ext. 2788 for more information.
Irish Road Bowling – Blackwater Falls State Park
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! Bowling begins at 1:30pm. One of the closer events to Pittsburgh and Washington D.C., Blackwater Falls is WV's best known landmark in a state famous for its scenery with Rhododendron blossoms and a circle road. The Washington Post described the Falls as “so perfectly set in its narrow canyon and so beautiful as to be almost surreal.”
Irish Road Bowling – Strawberry Festival
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! Turkey Run Road, two miles north of Buckhannon, site of the 2006 and the 2015 Irish Road Bowling North American Region Championship Finals, Bol~Chumann na hEireann. Winners advanced to the All Irelands, in Ireland (the country). May 19: 4pm-Team Bowling May 20: 1pm- Men's and Women's Singles Qualifier and Team Bowling www.wvstrawberryfestival.com
Irish Road Bowling – Kanawha State Forest
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! Located just seven miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, Kanawha State Forest is in close proximity to the heavily populated Kanawha Valley and is a recreational haven. The 9,300-acre forest is noted among naturalists for its diverse wildflower and bird populations. Rich cove forest sites provide nesting habitat for 19 species of wood warblers, a feature which draws birders from as far away as Canada. The forest offers some of West Virginia’s best special hikes in winter, spring and fall. Team Registration, 12:30 p.m. Saturday 1:30 pm: Bowling Begins. Contact Kanawha State Forest at 304-558-3500, email kanawhasf@wv.gov, or call Road Master Stephen Wallington 304-638-3224 for more information.
Irish Road Bowling – Coopers Rock State Forest
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! Located near Cheat Lake, Lakeview Golf Resort and with an overlook into Cheat River Gorge, this 12,713 acre forest with cliffs and 11 rustic picnic shelters is ideal for Irish Road Bowling. Bowling begins at 1:00 p.m. See www.coopersrockstateforest.com. Contact Coopers Rock at 304-594-9024 for the WVIRBA.
Irish Road Bowling – Pipestem Resort State Park
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! A magnificent view into the Bluestone River Gorge, Appalachian Spring colors in southern West Virginia, and one of the state's very best road bowling roads, combine for an unforgettable weekend. A second qualifier will be held at the Strawberry Festival near Buckhannon, May 20, 21. Top men and top women scorers from each qualifier - Pipestem and Strawberry - advance to the West Virginia IRBA Men's and Women’s Singles State Championship, June 23, 24, at Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, WV. Saturday, April 21: 12 noon: Registration for Team Bowling. 1:30pm: Team Bowling starts at Park Gate House. Sunday, April 22: 11am: Team Fun Bowl meet at Park Gate House. 12 Noon: Registration at Campground. 1pm: Women's and Men's Qualifiers meet at Campground. Pipestem Resort call Kim Hawkins at 304-466-1800, email pipestemsp@wv.gov or visit www.pipestemresort.com. Ask for Irish Road Bowlers discount. For WVIRBA Kevin Smith 304-228-7928.
Irish Road Bowling – Irish Spring Festival, Ireland, WV
Irish Road Bowling 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. 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! Ireland is West Virginia’s Irish road bowling “homeplace,” the origin and heart of WV Irish road bowling. All events are family friendly. Don't miss Saturday's parade, harp concert, and duck race. Time: Saturday road bowling begins at 2:30p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Location: Wildcat Road to Duffy Bridge, at 2.2 miles our longest course. For more information, visit http://wvirishroadbowling.com/schedule-events.html or call Road Master Denton King 304-452-8962.
Tygart Lake State Park Irish Road Bowling
November 4 at 1:30 p.m. at Tygart Lake State Park, Grafton; www.tygartlake.com At Tygart Lake State Park, we discovered a beautiful road course through the woods along 10-mile long, 1750-acre Tygart Lake. Close to the start line, in Tygart Lodge, dine overlooking the lake. For lodge reservations, 304-265-6144 Road bowling contact: Pat Miller
Chief Logan State Park Irish Road Bowling
October 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Chief Logan State Park, Logan; www.chiefloganstatepark.com The WVIRBA adds a new sport, Irish Road Bowling, to the rich sports tradition of Logan, West Virginia's City of Champions. At 4,000-acre Chief Logan State Park with its outdoor amphitheater and wildlife center, you can loft a bowl beneath the statue of Logan, famous Chief of the Cuyoga -Mingos, or in the footsteps of Aracoma, legendary Princess of the Shawnees. Lodging at Chief Logan Lodge 304 855 6100. For info, contact Terry Mullins at 304-855-8591, or email tmullins@chiefloganreccenter.org, or Chief Logan State Park 304-792-7125.
Holly River State Park Irish Road Bowling
Holly River State Park Fall Challenge (& a Pig Roast), Hacker Valley, WV; www.hollyriver.com at 1:30 p.m. In a deep valley, one of the WVIRBA tour’s most beautiful roads, October colors, a trout stream, rhododendron thickets, a bridge to loft over, a massive stone pavilion for the medieval feast afterward. For info, call 304-493-6353 or email hollyriversp@wv.gov. Also 2010 & 2011 North American Region Ladies Longshot winner Marsha Jordan.
Preston County Buckwheat Festival Irish Road Bowling
Preston County Buckwheat Festival, Kingwood, WV; www.buckwheatfest.com Oct. 1 at 1:00 p.m. The WVIRB Association “Northern Wing” sponsors a terrific tournament with the best prize anywhere, a Buckwheat Pancake Breakfast for the winners. Loft a corner on Pleasant Dale Road and Greens Run Road, one of the best WVIRBA road courses in WV. Contact: Road Master Mark Wilt at 304-698-6817.
Barbour County Fair Irish Road Bowling
August 26 Barbour County Fair, historic Philippi, WV www.barbourcountyfair.com Saturday 1:30 p.m. First land battle of the Civil War, largest covered bridge in WV, Point Pleasant Road starts high on the ridge-top, great views, then a long downhill curve to the fairgrounds.
Cacapon Resort State Park Irish Road Bowling
July 15 Morgan County Fair, Cacapon State Park, Berkeley Springs, WV Saturday 11:00 a.m "Gravity is your friend" on this mostly downhill roll through the woods with rocky cliffs alongside. This shaded 1.2 mile course will be cool in the hot summer time and great for beginners. Afterward, lake swim, tennis, golf, hiking trails, horseback rides. Lodge reservations (304) 258-1022. Road Master Mary Wolfe (304) 258-4958 or mwolfe4@frontier.com
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Irish Road Bowling
♣ July 8 Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass, WV www.cassrailroad.com Saturday 1:00 p.m. Set in Pocahontas County, source of seven rivers in the highest mountains in West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad operates a ride-on steam-powered logging train that climbs even higher above the town of Cass. Cass Scenic RR is a great mid-summer destination in cool mountains, and Old Cass Road is only a couple miles from the giant radio telescopes at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Greenbank, another can’t miss for visitors. Contact information: Monica V. Fleming 304-456-4300 ext. 111 or Monica.V.Fleming@wv.gov Sign Up for this event will be the day of the Event from 9:30 to Noon at the CSRR Visitor Center and at the start line on Old Cass Road. The event will commence at 1:00 PM at Old Cass Road (County Rt. 7/1) and Route 66 intersection. Parking on opposite side of the road from entrance. Bowling from Deer Creek approximately 1.3 miles to Rt. 66/Old Cass Road entrance. (off Route 66, approximately 4 miles east of Cass Scenic Railroad). Sign-Up, equipment (if you need it), and score cards will be available in the Visitor Center from 9:30 am to Noon the day of the event and at the start line. If renting equipment, a $5 deposit is required.
Canaan Valley State Park Irish Road Bowling
June 18 Canaan Valley State Park, Davis, WV www.canaanresort.com Sunday 1:30 p.m. In the highest-elevation valley east of the Mississippi, this open road with sweeping curves is an ideal contrast to the boulders and rhododendron thickets at nearby Blackwater Falls. Enjoy a two-day two-event road bowling weekend at Blackwater and Canaan. Contact David Vance, 1 (800) 622-4121, Ext 2788
Strawberry Festival Irish Road Bowling
♣ May 20, 21 Strawberry Festival, Buckhannon, WV www.wvstrawberryfestival.com Turkey Run Road, two miles north of Buckhannon, site of the 2006 and the 2015 Irish Road Bowling North American Region Championship Finals, Bol~Chumann na hEireann. Winners advanced to the All Irelands, in Ireland (the country). Saturday May 20 4:00 p.m. Team Bowling Sunday May 21 1:00 p.m. Men's and Women's Singles Qualifier and Team Bowling The second Men's and Women's Qualifier will be held at the Pipestem Resort State Park, April 22, 23. Top men and top women scorers from each qualifier, Pipestem and Strawberry Festival, advance to the West Virginia IRB Singles State Championship, June 24, 25, Ireland, WV. Novice I, II, III, IV. Beginners are welcome. Novice IV is for beginners.
Kanawha State Forest Irish Road Bowling
May 13 Kanawha State Forest, Charleston, WV Saturday 1:30 pm. (Team Registration, 12:30 p.m.) Located just seven miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, Kanawha State Forest is in close proximity to the heavily populated Kanawha Valley and is a recreational haven. The 9,300-acre forest is noted among naturalists for its diverse wildflower and bird populations. Rich cove forest sites provide nesting habitat for 19 species of wood warblers, a feature which draws birders from as far away as Canada. The forest offers some of West Virginia’s best special hikes in winter, spring and fall. Kanawha State Forest | (304) 558-3500 | kanawhasf@wv.gov Road Master Stephen Wallington (304) 638-3224 for the WVIRBA, two-time WV state champion.
Coopers Rock State Forest Irish Road Bowling
Located near Cheat Lake, Lakeview Golf Resort and with an overlook into Cheat River Gorge, this 12,713 acre forest with cliffs and 11 rustic picnic shelters is ideal for Irish Road Bowling. See www.coopersrockstateforest.com. Contact Coopers Rock (304) 594-9024. For the WVIRBA Clifton Colebank (304) 698-9065.
Pipestem Resort Irish Road Bowling
A magnificent view into the Bluestone River Gorge, Appalachian Spring colors in southern West Virginia, and one of the state's very best road bowling roads, combine for an unforgettable weekend. Pipestem Resort call Kim Hawkins 304 466 1800, www.pipestemresort.com. Ask for Irish Road Bowlers discount. For WVIRBA Kevin Smith 304-228-7928. Also 2011 Women's State Champion Samantha Mann, 2014 North American Region Novice 1 Finalist Rich Meece. Saturday family fun bowling, Sunday Men and Women Singles qualifiers for the WV State Championship.
Irish Road Bowling – Kanawha State Forest
An iron and steel small cannonball, called a “bowl” is hurled down a 1.2 mile country lane, fewest throws to the finish line wins, similar to golf. Throws can roll 250 or even 300 yards. Irish Road Bowling can be traced back to the 1600s. One story is that Dutch soldiers brought it when William of Orange came to Ireland in 1689. Another legend says that Irish patriots robbed English cannonballs and rolled them down a country lane by the light of a full moon. Faugh a Ballach! Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Team registration at 12:30 p.m. Located just seven miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, Kanawha State Forest is in close proximity to the heavily populated Kanawha Valley and is a recreational haven. For more information regarding the State Forest – Kanawha State Forest 304-558-3500. For info WVIRBA - Road Master Stephen Wallington 304-638-3224.
Buckwheat Festival
The 75th Annual Buckwheat Festival will be held Sept. 29-30 and October 1-2, 2016. Festival events include arts and crafts, a carnival, Buckwheat cakes and sausage, livestock, Irish Road Bowling and performing artists. Visit the Web site for the entire schedule and event updates: http://www.buckwheatfest.com/events.htm
Cass Scenic RR State Park – July 9 – IRISH ROAD BOWLING
This Irish Road Bowling event is set in Pocahontas County, source of seven rivers in the highest mountains in West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad features a steam-powered logging train that climbs even higher than the town of Cass. Cass Scenic RR is a great mid-summer destination in cool mountains, and our bowling road is only a couple miles from the giant radio telescopes at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Greenbank, another can't miss for visitors. Irish Road Bowling will commence at 1:30 PM at Old Cass Road (County Rt. 7/1) at the bridge end of the road. Bowling will commence at Deer Creek Bridge area and end at approximately 1.3 miles at the Rt. 66/Old Cass Road entrance. Sign-up for this event will be on the event date, from 9:30 a.m. to Noon at the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Visitors Center. Equipment (if you need it),and score cards will be available in the Visitor Center from 9:30 am to Noon the day of the event. If renting equipment, a $5 deposit is required. This is part of the WVIRBA schedule. More information on Irish Bowling can be found at wvirishroadbowling.com
Pipestem State Park – 4/16-17 – IRISH ROAD BOWLING
A magnificent view into the Bluestone River Gorge, Appalachian Spring colors in southern West Virginia, and one of the state's very best road bowling roads, combine for an unforgettable weekend at Pipestem State Park . It's time to go Irish Road Bowling. Women's Singles Qualifier, Men's Singles Qualifier, and Team Bowling and Fun Bowling scheduled. April 16 - Team registration begins at Noon, team bowling at 1:30 p.m. at Park Gate House. April 17 - Fun Bowl (no registration) begins at 11:00a.m. at Park Gate House. April 17 - Men's and Women's singles qualifiers, Registration at Noon at Campground. Qualifiers start at 1:00 p.m. Lodge room discount available at McKeever Lodge. Ask for Irish Road Bowling room rates. To register for Road Bowling call Kevin Smith, organizer at 304 -228-7928.