The 1980–81 Harty Cup was the 61st staging of the Harty Cup since its establishment in hurling by the Munster Council of Gaelic Athletic Association in 1918.

[1] The competition contested from 8 October 1980 to 5 April 1981.

North Monastery unsuccessfully defended its title.

[2][3] North Monastery won the Harty Cup final, 2–06 to 1–07, on 5 April 1981 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, against Coláiste Chríost Rí, in what was their first ever meeting in the final, for their 16th successive Harty Cup title overall and a second consecutive title.

[4][5] St Colman's College's Christy Clancy was the top scorer with 4–15.