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The Irish Real Tennis Association exists to promote the sport of Real Tennis in Ireland. We are working vigorously towards the return of the Earlsfort Terrace court to play, and we also also make frequent trips to the UK to introduce newcomers to the sport, and to allow existing enthusiasts to play.
Upcoming IRTA Events
- 2025 Irish Open Championship, Sat 14th and Sun 15th June, Radley, UK.
- 2025 Irish Closed Championship, Sat 13th and Sun 14th September, Cambridge, UK.
Please contact us if you are interested in taking part in either of these events.
See our upcoming fixtures page for details of other upcoming events.
How you can help
The more members we have, the stronger the case for restoring the Dublin court to play will be. If you would like one day to play on Dublin's historic court, please consider joining the IRTA to support our campaign. A membership form is available on the contact details page, which also includes details on how to make a donation to cover our costs in campaigning for the restoration of the Dublin court to play. Thank you.
Existing members: Your membership subscription is on the basis of “one-off until the Dublin court is open for play”, but if you are able to make an annual contribution to our costs, we would very much appreciate it. Details on our contact page.
#SaveTheDublinCourtThe Dublin Real Tennis Court
The Irish Real Tennis Association's main focus is the restoration of the Dublin real tennis court. The court was built in 1885 by Sir Edward Guinness, and hosted the 1890 world championship. It was played on until 1939, when it was bequeathed to the Irish State, to be used as a real tennis court. Sadly, this wish was not followed, and the court is not currently playable.
April, 2024: An Bord Pleanála has granted permission for a planning application of September 2022 by the Commissioners for Public Works to create a Children’s Science Centre. This proposal is largely a re-submission of an application from 2016. The new application states that “The Real Tennis Court building will be refurbished including the restoration of the tennis court (to a playable condition), and to facilitate space for temporary displays and exhibitions.”
The IRTA made an observation on this application, and appealed, via Cunnane Stratton Reynolds, Dublin City Council’s November 2022 grant of permission. An Bord Pleanála imposed a condition requiring the developer to “engage the input of a Real Tennis specialist in the Design Team to ensure that all of the key features are designed in accordance with all relevant Real Tennis Guidelines, and that no improvement works, including the design of the penthouses, wall and floor surfaces, services and additional or widened openings, will interfere with the use of the Real Tennis Court for Real Tennis”. We have written to the Office of Public Works and to the National Children’s Science Centre to offer our help in meeting this condition.
Recent news:
- Celtic Challenge, Ballarat and Radley: The Scottish team emerged the victors of this year’s Celtic Challenge event, held over two locations — congratulations! Many thanks to our hosts at both clubs. [March 2025]
- IRTA v Wales, Moreton Morrell, UK: Congratulations to Wales on their 10–3 victory, and many thanks to our hosts at Moreton Morrell. [March 2025]
- IRTA vs Leamington: Congratulations to our hosts Leamington Tennis Court Club on their 6–5 victory over the visiting IRTA team. Many thanks to our hosts. [February 2025]
- IRTA at inter-club tournament, Leamington and Moreton Morrell: Many thanks to the hosts and organisers of this excellent weekend of tennis. The IRTA team came tantalisingly close to victory in many games. [October 2024]
- Launch of website for Jeu de Paume Bayonne Pays Basque: The Euskal Real Tennis club aims to promote real tennis (jeu de paume) in the Bayonne area. It has recently launched its website, and would welcome contact from players or other enthusiasts. [October 2024]
- 2024 Closed championship: Congratulations to Magnus Garson! [September 2024]
- 2024 Open championship: Congratulations to Laura Neill! [June 2024]
- Drawings relating to Real Tennis Court in planning application: For ease of reference, we gather together the relevant drawings from the OPW's October 2022 planning application. [May 2024]
- IRTA long weekend trip: Leamington, Moreton Morrell, The Oratory: Many thanks to the three clubs who welcomed IRTA players for an extended weekend of tennis. [April 2024]
- IRTA vs Wellington Real Tennis Club: Many thanks to Wellington Real Tennis Club for welcoming the IRTA for its first visit to this relatively new club. Congratulations to our hosts for their 3–2 victory! [March 2024]
- IRTA win sixth Celtic Challenge: Many thanks to our hosts Radley, to organiser Maggie Henderson-Tew, and to sponsors Pol Roger and Tunnock's. [March 2024]
- An Bord Pleanála decision on planning application: Permission was granted for an application proposing to incorporate Dublin’s Real Tennis Court into a Children’s Science Centre. The decision imposes a four-part condition relating to the Real Tennis Court. [April 2024]
- IRTA at Jesmond Dene RTC: Many thanks to all at Jesmond Dene Real Tennis Club for welcoming the IRTA for an enjoyable weekend of tennis. [January 2024]
- Brigands doubles tournament: Roland Budd and Jack Woods represented the IRTA in this enjoyable event. Many thanks to the hosts and organisers. [September 2023]
- 2023 Closed championship: Congratulations to Mikey Hennessy! [August 2023]
- 2023 Open championship: Congratulations to Roland Budd! [June 2023]
- Fixture IRTA vs Jesmond Dene: The IRTA enjoyed a weekend of tennis at Jesmond Dene, UK, in a very close fixture which Jesmond Dene won 10 matches to 9. Many thanks to our hosts. [January 2023]
- New planning application affecting Dublin Real Tennis Court. [October 2022]
- 2022 Closed championship: Congratulations to Roland Budd! [August 2022]
- 2022 Open championship: Congratulations to Jeremy Garson! [June 2022]
- IRTA wins Celtic Challenge: Many thanks to Radley for hosting an excellent event. [March 2022]
- IRTA v The Haphazards: Many thanks to our hosts at Hardwick House. [March 2022]