Ireland’s first Beach Sport Centre opens in Blanchardstown 

Blanchardstown may be miles from the coast, but thanks to the newly opened Beach Sport Centre at the Sport Ireland Campus, the area now offers Ireland’s first-ever inland beach sports facility.   

The centre, which includes three beach volleyball courts, is designed to provide year-round access to a range of sand-based sports, including Olympic handball, beach soccer, tag rugby, and various racquet sports.  

Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, called the opening a major milestone for Irish sport.

“This is an exciting development,” she said.

“The Campus already offers world-class sports facilities, and with the launch of the Beach Sport Centre, we are offering something truly unique.

“We can’t guarantee sun in Ireland, but now we can at least offer sand and sports all year round.”  

Ireland International Volleyball player Lara McNichols with Ciagan Davoren and former Irish International Volleyball player Miriam Gormally

The facility provides a major boost to both elite athletes and local communities.

Ireland’s top beach sport competitors can now maintain their training regardless of the weather, perfecting their serves, spikes, and sprints in preparation for national and international events.

And for locals, the centre offers a fantastic opportunity to try out these exciting sports.  

Gary Stewart, CEO of Volleyball Ireland, expressed his excitement about the new venue, calling it a game changer for beach volleyball in Ireland.

“Volleyball Ireland are thrilled to work with Sport Ireland and the Campus to launch this brilliant facility.

“Beach volleyball has huge potential for growth in Ireland, and having a permanent venue inland will open up many new opportunities for athletes and fans alike.”  

The centre is also integral to Volleyball Ireland’s plans to expand the sport at all levels, with goals focused on athlete development and hosting international competitions.

Upcoming events at the facility include the Beach Volleyball Intervarsity and International Small Countries competitions.  

For Olympic Handball Ireland, the new centre offers much-needed infrastructure to help grow the sport in Ireland.

Joao Ferreira, Operations Director of Olympic Handball Ireland, noted that the facility would allow for top-tier competitions to be held in Ireland, further increasing the visibility and reach of the sport.  

Nicky Cosgrave with Yvonne Hedigan and Claudio Faune

The Beach Sport Centre is part of Sport Ireland’s larger investment in the future of Irish sport at the Sport Ireland Campus.

The centre’s nearby Multisport Pitch Pavilion offers supporting amenities such as changing rooms, player facilities, and offices.

The pavilion also features all-weather public access pitches for soccer, Gaelic games, rugby, and hockey.  

Looking ahead, further projects are planned for the 500-acre Campus, including a National Velodrome, Badminton Centre, and National Cricket Centre, which will play key roles in the Campus’s long-term development.  

The official opening of the Beach Sport Centre was marked by a ceremony attended by Dr Úna May, Michael Murray, COO of Sport Ireland Campus, Gary Stewart, General Manager of Volleyball Ireland, and Joao Ferreira, Operations Director of Olympic Handball Ireland.  

This new facility is set to become a cornerstone of Irish sport, offering a unique space for both elite athletes and the wider community to enjoy the thrill of beach sports year-round.