Tipperary were the defending champions but were disqualified from the championship after fielding an ineligible player in their Munster semi-final defeat of Clare.
On 4 September 1938, Dublin won the championship following a 2-5 to 1-6 defeat of Waterford in the All-Ireland final.
Galway were the sole representatives from the Conancht Championship and received a bye to the All-Ireland semi-final.
Quarter-final Semi-finals Clare later objected to the victory as Tipperary had fielded Jimmy Cooney who was suspended.
Final Waterford won the Munster title for the first time in their history.