‘We’ve designed a premium experience both on and off the court’
07:31, 12 May 2026Updated 07:35, 12 May 2026
Padel plans for Douglas
A Cork businessman has secured permission for a major sports investment in Douglas. Denis Murphy of The Padel Club Cork is to develop a €2 million padel club facility, complete with indoor courts, a café, a bar, and co-working spaces. It is expected to bring a “new generation of activity” to a landmark commercial hub in Douglas.
Cork City Council has approved plans for the development at the St Patrick’s Woollen Mills commercial park. The Padel Club Cork ‘s purpose-built facility will measure 2,117 sq m – making it one of the largest dedicated padel venues in Cork.
Denis Murphy says he is confident a new padel club in the vibrant suburb of Douglas will meet strong demand for what is now the fastest-growing sport in Ireland. There are now more than 50 padel courts across the country, according to The Padel Federation of Ireland.
The racket sport has proved incredibly popular in Cork. Ireland’s largest padel facility is at Fota Junction Retail Park. Meanwhile, The Hive opened on Monahan Road in December, with a five-court indoor padel club, wellness spaces, recovery rooms, social areas, a café and retail space. Kevin Canning, CEO of Quintas Capital, said at the time that a €2.27 million investment in the facility is “a long-term investment in Cork’s community and lifestyle.”
Denis said that Douglas is the ideal location for another club. He said: “St Patrick’s Woollen Mills has been part of the fabric of Douglas for nearly 150 years. We’re delighted to be bringing a new generation of activity to the site with a facility that we believe will become a real hub for sport and community in the area.”
“We’ve designed a premium experience both on and off the court,” he said, “Every element of this club has been carefully considered from the outset, with the aim of building something that genuinely raises the bar for padel in Ireland.
“Our hope is that people won’t just come here to play, they’ll come here to spend time. With academy-led coaching, leagues, and events planned year-round, we’re building a club centred around community and connection in Douglas.”
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, with the new club opening by the end of the year. Denis said: “The existing ecosystem of health and lifestyle businesses creates a natural fit for the padel club, positioning the Woollen Mills as a growing hub for sport, wellbeing, and community activity in Douglas.”
The St Patrick’s Woollen Mills is a historic site. It dates back to 1882, and the mill was renowned for tweeds and other woollen goods. Now, the commercial park is home to tenants including On the Pig’s Back, Finline Furniture, POD, Interiosity and leading fitness and wellness operators such as Bodymechanics, Educo Gym, and Solis Pilates Studio.