Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has been announced as title partner of the 2026 Irish Open, strengthening the connection between one of Ireland’s leading international tennis events and the county that will host it this summer.
The tournament will return to Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club from Sunday, July 26th to Sunday, August 2nd, with international tour tennis once again being staged in south Dublin.
The Council’s backing represents a significant local investment in an event that brings elite professional tennis to Irish courts, supports opportunities for home players, and provides a platform to inspire the next generation of tennis talent.
World Tour Tennis on Home Soil
The Irish Open will be staged in Carrickmines for the third successive year, with the 2026 edition marking another step forward in the development of the event.
“Having Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on board as title partner is a significant moment for the Irish Open,” said Kevin Quinn, CEO of Tennis Ireland.
“Their backing allows us to grow the event and to mark a real milestone this year, with professional women’s tennis returning to Ireland at this level. It is a partnership built on a shared belief in what tennis can offer local communities and aspiring players across the country.”
The reference to women’s professional tennis is an important one. The return of competition at this level adds depth and significance to the 2026 tournament, broadening the profile of the Irish Open and creating a stronger platform for Irish players to test themselves against international opposition.
County Backing for International Sport
For Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the title partnership reflects the role major sporting events can play in promoting place, participation, and community engagement.
Carrickmines has become a natural home for the event in recent years, combining a strong tennis tradition with the capacity to host an international tournament in a setting that is accessible to local supporters and visiting players alike.
“Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is proud to be the title partner of the 2026 Irish Open, bringing world-class tennis to our county once again,” said Cllr Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
“This landmark partnership strengthens the connection between the event and its home in Carrickmines, while showcasing our area on an international stage.”
“Just as importantly, it provides a unique opportunity for Irish players to compete at the highest level on home soil and inspires young people across our communities to get involved in sport. We look forward to welcoming players and visitors for what promises to be an exciting and memorable tournament.”
Pathway for Irish Players
One of the most important elements of the Irish Open is the opportunity it creates for Irish players to compete at a level that would usually require travel abroad. Coming off the back of the ATP Challenger event held recently at Elm Park, in front of sold-out stands, Irish tennis has rarely been in better shape
Irish players will have the chance to earn a place in the draw through a wild-card play-off at Beckett Park in mid-July. That pathway gives domestic talent a direct route into the tournament and the chance to experience the demands of international professional tennis in a home environment.
For emerging players, the value of that opportunity extends beyond ranking points or prize money. It is about exposure to standards, routines, and competitive intensity that can shape future development.
Tickets for the 2026 Irish Open go on sale at 10 am today, Wednesday, July 1st, through Universe, with main-draw prices starting at €10.
Entry to the qualifying days will be free but ticketed, opening the event up to a wide audience and creating an accessible way for families, young players, and local sports fans to experience professional tennis.
The 2026 Irish Open will take place at Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club from Sunday, July 26th to Sunday, August 2nd.
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Image Credit: Tennis Ireland
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