Irish Pickleball Nationals return to Lisburn for four days of championship action
Lisburn is preparing to welcome pickleball players from across the island of Ireland as the Irish Pickleball Nationals return to Lagan Valley LeisurePlex from Thursday November 19 to Sunday November 22, marking the second consecutive year the city has hosted the championships.
The four-day event will bring together players of different ages and abilities to compete for national titles across a range of categories, showcasing the growing popularity of one of the world’s fastest-growing racket sports.
Organised by Pickleball Ireland, the championships represent an opportunity to celebrate competitive pickleball while highlighting the friendships, community spirit and sporting opportunities the game has created across Ireland.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is played on a smaller court using paddles and a lightweight perforated ball.
Its simple rules and accessible nature make it easy for beginners to enjoy, while its fast-paced rallies, tactical play and competitive intensity offer plenty of challenges for experienced athletes.
Across Northern Ireland, the sport continues to attract new players, with local clubs helping people of all ages discover the physical, social and competitive benefits of pickleball.
Lisburn Pickleball Club is among those supporting the sport’s development, encouraging participation and helping build a welcoming community around the game.
The return of the Irish Nationals to Lisburn provides another opportunity to showcase the city as a destination for major sporting events.
Throughout the four days, Lagan Valley LeisurePlex will host competitive matches, with players travelling from across Ireland to test their skills and compete for national honours.
Jonathan Gillespie, Digital Communications Officer for Lisburn Pickleball Club, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Irish Pickleball Nationals returning to Lisburn for a second year.
Events like this really highlight how much the sport is growing and the incredible community developing around it.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming players from across Ireland and hopefully inspiring even more people to discover pickleball for themselves.”
Members of the public are welcome to attend the championships free of charge throughout the four-day event, offering an opportunity to experience competitive pickleball first-hand and discover what makes the sport so popular.
Whether you’re already familiar with pickleball or simply curious to see what it’s all about, the Irish Pickleball Nationals promise four days of exciting sporting action right in the heart of Lisburn.