The 1987âÂÂ88 National Hurling League (known as the Royal Liver National Hurling League for sponsorship reasons) was the 57th edition of the National Hurling League.
Galway came into the season as defending champions of the 1985-86 season. Westmeath and Wexford entered Division 1 as the promoted teams.
On 24 April 1988, Tipperary won the title following a 3-15 to 2-9 win over Offaly in the final. It was their first league title since 1978-79 and their 14th National League title overall.
Clare and Cork were relegated from Division 1.
Tipperary's Pat Fox was the Division 1 top scorer with 6-40.
Quarter-finals
Semi-finals
Final
Down, Offaly, Roscommon and Westmeath entered Division 2 as the promoted and relegated teams from the previous season.
On 6 March 1988, Offaly secured the title following a 1-13 to 3-4 win over Down in the final round of the group stage. Antrim secured promotion to Division 1 as the second-placed team.
Down and Roscommon were relegated from Division 2.
Mayo, Meath and Tyrone entered Division 3 as the promoted and relegated teams from the previous season.
Meath secured the title following a 5-7 to 2-5 win over Kildare in the final round of the group stage. Derry secured promotion to Division 2 as the second-placed team.
Tyrone were relegated from Division 3.
Monaghan entered Division 4 as the relegated team from the previous season.
On 29 July 1988, Longford secured the title following a 2-9 to 2-7 win over Monaghan in a replay of the league final.
Semi-final
Finals