20 year lease signed for former Dundalk Ice Dome Ireland’s First Indoor Tennis Arena to open in 2025 Designed to inspire and nurture tennis participation at all levels.
Dublin, Ireland – 14/4/2025 – Tennis Ireland is proud to announce an exciting development in Irish sport with the establishment of the country’s first indoor tennis arena. This ambitious project is being realised through a 20-year tenancy agreement with Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) for the former Dundalk Ice Dome.
Once the home of the Dundalk Bulls ice hockey team, the Dundalk Ice Dome has stood vacant for over a decade. Now, it is being transformed into a state-of-the-art indoor tennis arena, designed to inspire and nurture talent across all levels of the sport. The arena is set to open its doors Summer 2025, heralding a new era for tennis in Ireland.
Speaking about the project, President of DKIT, Dr. Diarmuid O’Callaghan said “We at DKIT are delighted to support Tennis Ireland in their ambitions to develop Ireland’s first ever indoor tennis arena in the vacant ice dome. Leasing our facilities for this venture underlines our commitment to promoting health, wellness, and community engagement, providing both our students and the broader public with greater opportunities for physical activity and sport. We sincerely wish Tennis Ireland all the very best in their new endeavour”
Kevin Quinn, CEO of Tennis Ireland, added: “This is a landmark moment for Irish tennis. By revitalising the former Dundalk Ice Dome, we are not only preserving a vital community space but also creating a world-class tennis facility that will serve players and enthusiasts across the island. This arena reflects our commitment to making tennis more accessible, inclusive, and competitive on the international stage. Thanks to the many volunteers, supporters and local patrons for helping make the Dundalk Tennis Arena a reality.”
The Dundalk Tennis Arena will feature:
- 4 tennis courts with advanced surfaces suitable for professional and recreational play
- Built-in spectator seating to accommodate major events and tournaments
- Training facilities tailored for players of all ages and abilities
In addition to hosting regional and national competitions, the facility will serve as a hub for tennis development programmes, national training camps, and community and school engagement initiatives. Tennis Ireland is also working closely with DKIT to ensure that the arena complements the institute’s broader plans for sports and recreation in the region.
John McGahon, former Irish Davis Cup player and current Tennis Leinster Performance Director, who will play a hands-on role in shaping the arena’s tennis programmes, said: “This project has been a labour of love. It’s about giving young players the opportunities many never had—year-round access to world-class facilities, right here in Dundalk.”
A Proud Legacy Reimagined The Dundalk Ice Dome holds a special place in the hearts of the local community, having hosted countless games and events during its tenure as a premier ice hockey venue. Its reinvention as an indoor tennis arena represents a fusion of nostalgia and forward-thinking innovation.
A Bright Future for Irish Tennis Tennis Ireland’s investment in the Dundalk arena is a strategic step towards elevating the profile of tennis nationwide. It aligns with the organisation’s long-term goals of fostering participation, cultivating elite performance, and promoting Ireland as a destination for international tennis events.
ENDS
Photo details L-R
David Spillane Tennis Leinster
Letty Lucas President Tennis Ireland
Kevin Quinn CEO Tennis Ireland
Irene McCausland DKIT
Dr. Diarmuid O’Callaghan President DKIT
Deirdre Brady President Tennis Leinster
John McGahon Tennis Leinster Performance Development Director
