1980–81 National Hurling League

The 1980–81 National Hurling League was the 50th season of the National Hurling League (NHL), an annual hurling competition for the GAA county teams. It was won by.

Structure
The National Hurling League's top division was divided into two groups - 1A and 1B. The top two teams in Division 1A advance to the semi-finals. The third- and fourth-placed teams in 1A, as well as the top two from 1B, play in the quarter-finals.

Knock-out stage
Play-offs

Quarter-finals

Semi-finals

Final

Top scorers

 * Top scorers overall


 * Top scorers in a single game

Miscellaneous

 * Waterford qualified for the semi-final stage of the league for the first time since the 1962-63 league.