Kilkenny will begin their Leinster SHC defence away to Galway while round-robin new boys Kildare will open their 2026 championship account with a home tie against Wexford.
The schedule for next year's championship was confirmed CCC Comhairle Laighean, with times and dates to be announced in due course.
Kilkenny will go in search of a seventh provincial title on the spin and for the second successive year they will begin against Galway.
This year the Cats eased past a feeble Tribes display first time out and were too strong in the provincial decider at Croke Park, but next May they will be on the road with Pearse Stadium the venue. The hosts have successive home games to start their campaign, with Offaly travelling to Salthill a week later.
Newly-promoted Kildare will look to carry forward their momentum of a success in the Joe McDonagh, with Wexford first up before travelling to Parnell Park a week later.
The Dubs will start away to Offaly, and could have their toughest fixtures in the final two rounds, away to Galway before concluding with a home tie against Kilkenny.
Wexford, the last county to annex Leinster (2019) since recent Kilkenny domination, may feel that a decent start against Kildare (away) and Kilkenny (home) will stand them in good stead with two of their three games after the break week coming at home.
Chadwicks Wexford Park will host the visits of Dublin and Galway, sandwiched by a trip to Tullamore.
2026 Leinster Hurling Championship
Round 1 – 18/19 April
Galway v Kilkenny, Kildare v Wexford, Offaly v Dublin.
Round 2 – 25/26 April
Kilkenny v Wexford, Galway v Offaly, Dublin v Kildare.
Round 3 – 9/10 May
Offaly v Kilkenny, Kildare v Galway, Wexford v Dublin.
Round 4 – 16/17 May
Kilkenny v Kildare, Offaly v Wexford, Galway v Dublin.
Round 5 – 23/24 May
Dublin v Kilkenny, Wexford v Galway, Kildare v Offaly.
Leinster and Joe McDonagh Cup finals - 6 June
