1978–79 National Hurling League
The 1978–79 National Hurling League was the 48th season of the National Hurling League.
Division 1
Clare came into the season as defending champions of the 1977-78 season. Carlow entered Division 1 as the promoted team.On 6 May 1979, Tipperary won the title after a 3–15 to 0–8 win over Galway in the final. It was their 14th league title overall and their first since 1967-68.
Carlow were relegated from Division 1 after just one season in the top flight.
Knock-out stage
Quarter-finalsSemi-finals
'''Final'''
Scoring statistics
;Top scorers overall| Rank | Player | Team | Tally | Total |
| 1 | Francis Loughnane | Tipperary | 5-44 | 59 |
| 2 | Ned Buggy | Wexford | 3-35 | 44 |
| 3 | Éamonn Cregan | Limerick | 4-28 | 40 |