The 1981 All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship was the 18th staging of the All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship since its establishment by the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1964.
Tipperary entered the championship as the defending champions.
On 13 September 1981, Tipperary won the championship following a 2-16 to 1-10 defeat of Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final. This was their fifth All-Ireland title in the under-21 grade and their third in succession.
Final
First round
Semi-finals
Final
Semi-finals
Final