Exterior of the Dublin Court

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, and the court is not currently playable.

We are working vigorously towards the return of the Earlsfort Terrace court to play. If you would like more information regarding progress, please contact us at info@irishrealtennis.ie.

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.

The site RealTennis.TV is regularly updated with video of Real Tennis being played, including live streaming of major events.

Recent news:

• The launch of a new book on Irish sporting history took place in the real tennis court on Earlsfort Terrace. [October 2011]
• Dublin court used as venue for art exhibition: IRTA member Mark Heffernan reports, with photos, on a recent visit to the Dublin court. [October 2011]
• 2011 Closed Championships results: Congratulations to Roland Budd! Full report now available. [September 2011]
• Brigands Doubles Tournament for Peripatetic Clubs: the IRTA entered a pair in this tournament, reaching the semi-finals. [September 2011]
• 2011 Open Championships results: Congratulations to Maggie Henderson-Tew! Report available — check back soon for pictures. [July 2011]
• David Keane’s article on the Human Rights in Ireland site argues for the importance of the Dublin court from the perspective of cultural rights. [June 2011]
• Historical article added: The Championship Of Tennis, The Speaker, 7 June, 1890. Many thanks to Brian Rich for bringing this article to our attention. [April 2011]
• 2011 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. [March 2011]
• Fixture at Bristol and Bath Tennis Club, UK, held on Sat 19th and Sun 20th February 2011. Many thanks to B&BTC for hosting this excellent weekend.
• Newspaper article from early days of IRTA’s campaign added: Anyone for real tennis?, Irish Times, 29 October, 1998. [December 2010]
• Wall Street Journal article on real tennis. [November 2010]
• Launch of realtennis.tv. This new website shows videos of matches, interviews, and other material related to real tennis. [October 2010]
• Match report: Peripatetic Tournament The IRTA pair, Mark Heffernan and Roland Budd, reached the final of this tournament for peripatetic clubs. [September 2010]