Council gives green light to building for Cork padel club

Cork City Council has granted planning permission for a new indoor padel club at the rear of St Patrick's Woollen Mills in Douglas.

The €2m-plus development will feature six indoor courts, social areas, a mezzanine viewing platform, co-working spaces, an on-site café and bar, and changing facilities.

The application, lodged by XYZ Padel Ltd, which will trade as The Padel Club Cork, was approved by Cork City Council on Monday.

The purpose-built facility is set on a 0.99-hectare site at the western end of the existing St Patrick's Woollen Mills commercial park just off the N40 South Ring Road.

Plans by Cork-based Deady Gahan Architects provide for a new site entrance, 18 car parking spaces, including two disabled spaces and two EV charging spaces, alongside motorbike and bicycle parking.

The Padel Club Cork is headed by Cork businessman Denis Murphy, who 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.”

One of the fastest growing sports in Ireland, padel is a fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash into a highly social, easy-to-learn game.

The Padel Federation of Ireland lists more than 50 courts now operating across the country, with a wave of new clubs opening through 2025 and 2026.

Construction on the Douglas facility is expected to begin in summer 2026, with the new club on track to open to members and the public by the end of the year.

“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," said Mr Murphy.

St Patrick's Woollen Mills dates to 1882 and at its peak operated 5,000 spindles and 135 looms producing tweeds and other woollen goods.

Today, the complex is home to a diverse mix of tenants, including On the Pig's Back, Finline Furniture, POD, Interiosity, Bodymechanics, Educo Gym, and Solis Pilates Studio.

Cork City Council has granted planning permission for a new indoor padel club at the rear of St Patrick's Woollen Mills in Douglas.

The €2 million-plus development will feature six indoor courts, social areas, a mezzanine viewing platform, co-working spaces, an on-site café and bar, and changing facilities.

The application, lodged by XYZ Padel Ltd, which will trade as The Padel Club Cork, was approved by Cork City Council on Monday.

The purpose-built facility is set on a 0.99-hectare site at the western end of the existing St Patrick's Woollen Mills commercial park just off the N40 South Ring Road.

Plans by Cork-based Deady Gahan Architects provide for a new site entrance, 18 car parking spaces, including two disabled spaces and two EV charging spaces, alongside motorbike and bicycle parking.

The Padel Club Cork is headed by Cork businessman Denis Murphy, who 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.”

One of the fastest growing sports in Ireland, padel is a fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash into a highly social, easy-to-learn game.

The Padel Federation of Ireland lists more than 50 courts now operating across the country, with a wave of new clubs opening through 2025 and 2026.

Construction on the Douglas facility is expected to begin in summer 2026, with the new club on track to open to members and the public by the end of the year.

“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," said Mr Murphy.

St Patrick's Woollen Mills dates to 1882 and at its peak operated 5,000 spindles and 135 looms producing tweeds and other woollen goods.

Today, the complex is home to a diverse mix of tenants, including On the Pig's Back, Finline Furniture, POD, Interiosity, Bodymechanics, Educo Gym, and Solis Pilates Studio.

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