Padel is a smash hit in Ireland, says enthusiast Elliott Dunn. Here’s where to play in Ireland – and what to wear …
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Padel is the world’s fastest-growing sport, played at local clubs and by stars like Serena Williams, Johnny Sexton and David Beckham. I came to padel from a tennis background; I played tennis throughout my teens and mid-20s, competing in tournaments at home in Cornwall in the UK. But in the summer of 2021, a friend introduced me to padel, and I’ve been playing ever since. I’m not alone; many tennis players are transitioning to padel. Ireland is getting hooked.
Elliott Dunn at a tournament in Bushy Park.
WHAT IS PADEL?
Padel has been described as a hybrid between tennis and squash, with glass walls and a fence around the court. The game is always played in doubles, though you can practice one-on-one. The small court size makes it more social – you are relying heavily on your partner. One of the biggest selling points of padel is that it’s easy to get to grips with: although I personally had an advantage with my tennis skills, many players with no racquet sport experience now compete at high levels. It only takes a couple of tries before you can begin having fun, exciting games, whereas with tennis, it takes a while to build up the skills to play long rallies. If you already play tennis, you’ll notice differences: padel tends to be less aggressive, but requires more consistency, and quicker footwork, too.
With padel booming in Ireland, there are plenty of budding players at all levels to ease newcomers into the game. Today, Ireland has around 50 courts open to the public, with new ones springing up all the time, as investors recognise the exploding interest. Many tennis clubs now feature padel courts, such as Fitzwilliam and Bushy Park in Dublin, and Naas in Kildare. And you can play throughout the year: there are indoor courts at PadelZone Celbridge, 54 Degrees North in Moira, Co Down, and the recently opened House of Padel in southwest Dublin. You can book a court via the Playtomic app or the club websites. I’m lucky enough to blend my profession as an architect with my new sporting passion: I have designed the new House of Padel club, and enjoyed being involved in the opening of courts at Fitzpatrick Hotel, Killiney, Co Dublin and Adare Manor in Limerick. The explosion of padel in Ireland has only just begun.
WHERE TO PLAY PADEL IN IRELAND
FITZWILLIAM LTC, DUBLIN 4 Private club; three outdoor courts. Members only.
PADELZONE CELBRIDGE, CO KILDARE Very active community; five indoor courts. Book via the Playtomic app.
PADEL TENNIS IRELAND, CO CORK Social and inclusive club; four indoor courts. €43.60 court per hour (off-peak rate); book via www.padeltennisireland.ie.
BUSHY PARK, DUBLIN 6 Ireland’s padel headquarters, with four outdoor courts. €6 per person per hour; book via www.bushytennispadel.ie.
PADEL 54ºN, CO DOWN Ultimate playing experience; six indoor courts. Book via the club app.
HOUSE OF PADEL, DUBLIN 24 Elegant, social members club; four indoor courts; book via www.houseofpadel.co.
