Paddle Tennis in Ireland: Courts, Equipment & How to Start

If you have been searching for "paddle tennis" in Ireland, you are looking for the sport that is officially called padel. The terms are used interchangeably across Ireland and the UK, and they refer to exactly the same game — an enclosed-court racquet sport played in doubles that has become one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

Paddle tennis and padel — the same sport

The confusion is understandable. "Paddle tennis" is how many people naturally describe the sport when they first see it. In the United States, there is actually a separate sport called "paddle tennis" (now known as POP Tennis), but that is not what is being played in Ireland. Every facility in Ireland that advertises "paddle tennis" or "padel tennis" is offering the same sport: padel.

For a full breakdown of the sport, see our what is padel guide.

Where to play paddle tennis in Ireland

Ireland now has padel courts across the country, with new venues opening regularly. Here are the main hubs.

Dublin

Dublin has the most courts, including dedicated padel centres and tennis clubs that have added padel facilities. House of Padel and Bushy Park are among the most popular. See our full Dublin guide.

Cork

Cork has a strong and growing padel community with multiple venues. See our Cork guide.

Rest of Ireland

Courts are available in Galway, Limerick, Kerry, Donegal, Kildare, and many more locations. Use our court finder to search by location, or browse the full Ireland court guide.

What equipment do you need?

Padel requires minimal equipment to get started. Most venues offer racket hire, so you can try the sport before investing in your own gear.

A padel racket

Padel rackets are solid (no strings) with a perforated face. They are shorter than tennis rackets and come with a wrist strap. Beginners should look for a round-shaped racket with a soft core for maximum forgiveness. Our racket guide explains all the options.

Padel balls

Padel balls look like tennis balls but have lower pressure for a controlled bounce on the smaller court. Always use padel-specific balls — tennis balls bounce too high.

Shoes

Any non-marking court shoes will do — tennis shoes, indoor court shoes, or dedicated padel shoes. Avoid running shoes. See our padel shoes guide.

Accessories

An overgrip for comfort, and a racket protector to prevent frame damage. Both are inexpensive and worth having from day one.

How to get started with paddle tennis

1. Learn the basics. Padel is played in doubles on an enclosed court with glass walls. The serve is underhand, scoring follows tennis conventions, and the walls are in play. Read our rules guide and beginner's guide for a thorough overview.

2. Find a court. Use our court finder to locate the nearest venue. Book a court for four players — padel is always doubles.

3. Take a lesson. Most venues offer beginner group sessions that cover grip, positioning, the basic shots, and how to use the walls. One lesson will accelerate your progress significantly.

4. Get your own gear. After a few sessions, invest in your own racket. Browse our racket collection or read our best beginner rackets guide.

Why paddle tennis is so popular in Ireland

Padel is social (always doubles, rallies are long, conversations happen mid-game), accessible (most people can rally within 20 minutes), and suits the Irish climate (many courts are indoor or covered). The community is welcoming, venues cater to beginners, and the equipment cost is modest compared to golf or tennis.

Whether you call it paddle tennis, padel tennis, or just padel — it is the same brilliant sport, and Ireland is one of the best places in Europe to discover it. Head to our how to play padel guide to learn the shots and strategy, or jump straight to the court finder and book your first session.