First padel courts to open on Laois border
Padel has around 30 million active players in 130 countries
LAOIS will get its first taste of the world’s fastest-growing sport this August, with the launch of the Talbot Padel Club in Graiguecullen on the county border.
Talbot Hotel sales and marketing manager Sarah Breslin said they are “really excited to be bringing the first padel courts to Carlow and Laois” when the facility opens at the hotel in August.
The new courts will fill a significant gap in the region’s sporting landscape. Padel has been experiencing unprecedented growth globally, with around 30 million active players in 130 countries, while in Ireland there are approximately 6,000 players, concentrated mainly in the Dublin suburbs.
With roughly 20-25 padel clubs currently operating across Ireland, the sport remains heavily concentrated in urban areas, particularly Dublin, Cork and Limerick. The Irish Padel Association lists 20 padel courts across the country, with some clubs hosting multiple courts – Padel Tennis Ireland has eight courts in Cork, while Padel LK features eight in Limerick.
Sarah said: “We saw a gap in the region – there were no padel courts in Carlow or Laois and we wanted to be the first to offer this unique, modern facility to the community.”
Padel is described as far less technical than tennis or squash, making it very easy to walk onto a court, young or old, and pick it up very quickly and have fun. The sport combines elements of tennis and squash, played on an enclosed court roughly 25% smaller than a tennis court.
“Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It’s really social, easy to learn and suitable for all ages and abilities, which is why it’s taken off across Europe and is now growing fast here in Ireland,” said Sarah.
The launch strategy includes free trial sessions for local clubs, schools and community groups throughout August. The hotel is also specifically reaching out to GAA clubs to use padel as part of their recovery during championship season.
“We’re inviting local GAA clubs to use padel as part of their recovery during championship season. It’s a great low-impact way to stay active between matches,” Sarah noted.
The timing coincides with significant government investment in padel infrastructure across Ireland, with seven tennis clubs recently receiving funding to add padel courts to their facilities. Major new facilities are also planned, including Ireland’s largest indoor padel and pickleball centre opening in Dublin this year.
Construction of the Talbot Padel Club courts is set to begin shortly, with the hotel planning to document progress on social media to build excitement in the local community.
“We’d love the local community to follow the journey on social media where we’ll post weekly updates and really start building the excitement for this brand-new offering for Carlow and Laois,” Sarah said.
Those interested in staying updated on launch promotions, free trial sessions and membership offers can sign up through the hotel’s Instagram bio or website.
Sarah predicted: “Whether you’re sporty or not, you’ll enjoy it.”
