Irish Real Tennis Association

8th Annual Championships: results!
Congratulations to
Roland Budd, 2010 Irish Champion
David Lowry, 2010 Open Champion
Many thanks to the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club for hosting a successful tournament weekend. Full report available.

New article: Trip to Paris
A group of Irish enthusiasts took an opportunity to play on the Paris and Fontainebleau tennis courts.

Exterior of the Dublin Court
Exterior of Dublin Court
The Irish Real Tennis Association exists to promote the sport of Real Tennis in Ireland.

Our main focus is currently the restoration of the Dublin court. This 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, although since the end of 2007 we have been in discussions with the Office of Public Works, who have indicated that they will work with us to restore the court to play. We also make frequent trips to the UK to introduce newcomers to the sport, and to allow existing enthusiasts to play.

For more information on the current situation of the Court, see the Dublin Court page.

Recent news:

  • In 1890, the World Championships for Real Tennis were held on the Dublin court in Earlsfort Terrace. Ted Neville notes the 120th anniversary of this event. [June 2010]
  • AGM held: Many thanks to Trinity College for again allowing us the use of their facilities. Please contact us if you would like any information on what was discussed.
  • Squash players from Trinity College, Dublin visit the real tennis court at Oxford, UK, for introductory lessons — many thanks to David Lowry and Alvar Soosaar for organising this. Report available. [January 2010]
  • Historical article added: Sport to-day: Real tennis may be revived in Dublin, Irish Times, 8 December, 1948. [January 2010]
  • 2009 Championships results: Congratulations to Stuart Baxter, Irish champion, and Mark Heffernan, Open champion! Update: Full report and pictures now available. [January 2010]
  • Report on March 2009 trip to Leamington Spa and Moreton Morrell now available. [May 2009]

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. Thank you.