Historic Rugby’s Annual Opening Day Irish Road Bowling Tournament 

Saturday, March 22 

(rescheduled from Saturday, March 15 due to weather)

Start shaking off that winter chill, gather your teammates, and warm up that arm. 

Get ready to roll! Join us for an exciting day of Irish Road Bowling in the picturesque town of Rugby, Tennessee. Irish Road Bowling is a game that dates back centuries in Ireland and involves teams of 2-4 tossing a cannonball (28 ounces; about the size of a tennis ball) around a set course. 

Gather your team (or we will find one for you), hone your aim, and prepare for some friendly competition on our scenic course through the Village. We'll also be offering road bowling demos so you can work on your technique!

Want to size up your competition? Come early and join us on Friday, March 14th for early registration starting at 5:00 PM ET. Enjoy snacks and drinks while mingling with your fellow participants. Then head to Sawbriar Brewing Company for craft brews, pizza and wings on their shuttle running between Harrow Road Public House and Sawbriar Brewery from 6:00-9:00 PM. 

The schedule is (all eastern time): 

Friday, March 21

5:00 - 6:00 PM: Early registration at Harrow Road Public House

6:00 - 9:00 PM: Shuttle service on the hour between Harrow Road Public House and Sawbriar Brewing Company 

Saturday, March 22

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Meet in front of Harrow Road Public House for a demonstration and practice for those new to Irish Road Bowling or looking for a refresher.

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Register at Harrow Road Public House. You can purchase your T-shirt for $20 at registration. 

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The tournament begins at the Clear Fork Area Volunteer Fire Department (near RM Brooks Store) and winds its way back to the Harrow Road Public House.

4:00 PM (approx.): Award winners announced on the lawn of the Harrow Road Public House. The winning team is determined by the fewest number of throws to complete the course. 

St. Patrick's Day attire is invited and encouraged. You can purchase your Rugby Irish Road Bowling T-shirt printed by the volunteers of Rugby Screen Printers Guild at registration. 

The Harrow Road Canteen, Clear Fork Area Fire Department’s grills, and MoCo Brewing Project will be in the Village for Saturday’s festivities to keep you nourished.

Local entertainers will be performing as folks arrive, entertaining tournament supporters, and welcoming the competitors back as they approach the finish line. Come by to support and enjoy music from Lucas McCoy of Southern Sunrise out of Cookeville, TN and Rugby's own Gerald Hanwright and Annie Motto.

Parking is available at Harrow Road Public House and the Visitor Centre.

We invite you to make a weekend of it. Other activities over the weekend are: 

• Thursday - Saturday at 9:00A, 11:00A, 1:00P & 3:00P and Sunday at 1:00P & 3:00P - Take a guided tour of Rugby’s historic buildings.

• Saturday, 10:00 AM ET - Two guided hikes will depart from the Visitor Centre to view the awakening of the early spring wildflowers with Jackie Broeker or hike along the bluffs with Stephen McClure. No registration is required. 

• Visit the Village’s historic print shop, art gallery and shops featuring a unique assortment of local handcrafted items.

Stay in the area’s unique lodgings: 

• Check Historic Rugby lodging availability and book HERE.

• Grey Gables B&B – $165 (double), $105 (single) – Includes meals. Call 423-628-5252 or email greygablestn@highland.net

• R.M. Brooks Camping – $35 (30 amp), $45 (50-amp full hookup)

• Treehouse Stay – "A Little Closer to Heaven" on Airbnb ($55/night)

All proceeds help support the year-round preservation and educational efforts of Historic Rugby.

Special thanks to our tournament sponsor, the Morgan County Tourism Alliance (MCTA).

Got questions? Email DeAnn at dwkirgan24@gmail.com or Robb at robbgoldwire@yahoo.com. 

REFUND POLICY: There are no refunds for this event if you cannot attend. You may forward your e-Ticket to a friend, family member, etc. prior to the event date. Please notify us by phone (423-628-2441, ext. 1) or email (hri1coordinator@gmail.com) with your name and the name of the person attending instead.