Bringing the beach to Blanch - Ireland’s first-ever Beach Sport Centre opens on the Sport Ireland Campus
Sport Ireland Campus has opened Ireland’s first-ever Beach Sport Centre, which includes three beach volleyball courts.
Blanchardstown may be 20k from the coast, but the sand-based facility will offer year-round access to beach courts that can also be used for Olympic handball, beach soccer, tag rugby, and racquet sports.
Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said: “This is an exciting milestone for Irish sport. The Campus already offers a host of sports facilities and with the launch of the Beach Sport Centre we’re offering something unique. In Ireland we can’t guarantee sun, but now at least we can offer sand and sports all year.
“This really reflects our vision for inclusive and innovative spaces that support both high-performance athletes and the local communities. We’re very happy to be able to open the door for people to experience the thrill of beach sports.”
The fantastic facility means Ireland’s top beach sport athletes can stay on top of their training, no matter the weather. They can perfect their serves, spikes, and sprints while gearing up for big competitions and international showdowns. And the best part? It's not just for pros – local communities can join in the fun too.
The Beach Sports Centre also forms a key part of Volleyball Ireland’s ambitious development plans, supporting long-term goals for athlete development, event hosting, and increase participation across all levels of the sport.
Gary Stewart, CEO of Volleyball Ireland, said: “Volleyball Ireland are delighted to work with Sport Ireland and the Sport Ireland Campus to launch such a brilliant facility. Beach Volleyball has huge potential to grow in Ireland, and our first inland permanent venue will be a game changer. We’d like to thanks to Sport Ireland and the Campus team for their energy and enthusiasm in developing this historic project.”
Volleyball Ireland will host a range of international and national competitions at the facility, including the Beach Volleyball Intervarsity and International Small Countries events.
Joao Ferreira, Operations Director of Olympic Handball Ireland, said: “This new centre provides the infrastructure we need to grow the sport, engage new audiences, and host top-tier competitions right here at home.”
The Beach Sport Centre is a key component of Sport Ireland’s investment in the future of Irish sport at the Sport Ireland Campus.
Supporting amenities — such as changing rooms, player facilities, offices, and meeting rooms — are housed within the nearby Multisport Pitch Pavilion, which features all-weather public access pitches catering for soccer, Gaelic games, rugby, and hockey.
Additional projects in the pipeline for the 500-acre Campus include the National Velodrome and Badminton Centre and the National Cricket Centre, both are integral parts of the long-term masterplan for the Sport Ireland Campus Masterplan.
The new facility was officially opened by Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland; Michael Murray, COO of Sport Ireland Campus; Gary Stewart, General Manager of Volleyball Ireland; and Joao Ferreira, Operations Director of Olympic Handball Ireland.
