Padel Tennis: The Complete Guide to Ireland's Fastest Growing Sport

Padel tennis has gone from a niche curiosity to Ireland's fastest growing racquet sport in just a few years. Courts are appearing across Dublin, Cork, Galway, and beyond, and thousands of Irish players are picking up a racket for the first time every month.

What is padel tennis?

Padel is a racquet sport played in doubles on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. The walls are made of glass and mesh, and they are in play — the ball can bounce off them just like in squash. You serve underhand, the scoring mirrors tennis, and the balls look almost identical, though padel balls have slightly less pressure for a lower, more controlled bounce.

The rackets are solid with no strings. They have a perforated face and a short handle, making them easier to control than a tennis racket. This is one of the main reasons padel is so accessible to beginners. Our padel vs tennis comparison covers the differences in detail.

Why padel tennis is booming in Ireland

It is genuinely social. Padel is always played in doubles, so every session is a group activity. The small court means you are close to your partner and opponents, and rallies last longer than in tennis. It is common for strangers to end up playing together.

The learning curve is forgiving. Most people can hold a rally within their first 20 minutes on court. The underhand serve removes one of tennis's biggest barriers, and the walls keep the ball in play longer. Our beginner's guide walks you through everything for your first session.

New facilities are opening regularly. From dedicated padel centres in Dublin to clubs adding courts alongside their existing tennis facilities, the infrastructure is growing fast. Check our court finder to see what is available near you.

How padel tennis differs from regular tennis

The court: A padel court measures 20m x 10m and is fully enclosed with glass back walls and mesh side walls. The walls are part of the playing surface.

The serve: You must serve underhand, bouncing the ball before striking it at or below waist height. No overhead power serves.

The racket: Solid with no strings, typically made from carbon fibre or fibreglass with an EVA foam core. We cover how to choose a padel racket in detail.

Wall play: Playing the ball off the glass walls adds a tactical dimension that does not exist in tennis. Our how to play padel guide covers these techniques.

Essential equipment for padel tennis

A padel racket

Beginners should look for a round-shaped racket with a soft core — largest sweet spot, most forgiveness. As you progress, teardrop or diamond shapes add more power. Our best beginner rackets guide breaks this down.

Padel balls

Always use proper padel-specific balls. Tennis balls bounce too high on padel courts.

Shoes and accessories

Any non-marking court shoes work. An overgrip improves comfort and sweat absorption. A racket protector protects the frame from wall contact.

Where to play padel tennis in Ireland

Dublin leads with several dedicated facilities, while Cork and other cities are catching up. Our Ireland padel guide provides a comprehensive overview, and the court finder lets you search by location.

How to get started

Step 1: Read our padel rules guide for the basics.

Step 2: Find a court using our court finder and book a session. Bring three friends — padel is doubles only.

Step 3: If you enjoy it, invest in your own racket. Browse our racket collection or read our best padel rackets 2026 guide.

Step 4: Take a group lesson. Most facilities offer beginner clinics that cover grip, positioning, and wall play.

Is padel tennis right for you?

If you enjoy racquet sports, team activities, or want a fun way to stay active, padel is worth trying. It suits all ages and fitness levels, the social element is genuine, and the barrier to entry is low. Head to our what is padel page for a quick overview, or dive into our beginner's guide.