The 1986 All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship was the 23rd staging of the All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship since its establishment by the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1964.
Tipperary were the defending champions, however, they were beaten by Limerick in the Munster semi-final.
On 14 September 1986, Galway won the championship following a 0âÂÂ14 to 2âÂÂ5 defeat of Wexford in the All-Ireland final. This was their fourth All-Ireland title in the under-21 grade and their first in three championship seasons.