Irish women’s professional tennis reaches a new high as the Irish Open women’s event is upgraded to World Tennis W50 status
Stronger fields, higher ranking points, and elite tennis on home soil
DLR’s Beckett Park to host wild card playoff tournament for Ireland’s top tennis players
A landmark moment for Irish tennis takes place this summer as the 2026 DLR Irish Open reaches new heights, with the women’s event upgraded to World Tennis Tour W50 status and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council announced as title partner of the combined men’s and women’s tournament.
The upgrade of the women’s tournament sets an important milestone, marking the first time in over 40 years that Tennis Ireland will host a women’s event at this level, bringing stronger international fields, higher ranking points and a major platform for top Irish players to compete on home soil.
The 2026 DLR Irish Open, will again be hosted at Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club, returning for its third consecutive year.
The Council’s support enables the continued growth of this tournament into a two-week festival of tennis, bringing the World Tennis Tour back to South County Dublin and inspiring the next generation of Irish players.
A major boost for Irish players
Tennis Ireland has secured wild cards into both the men’s and women’s draws, providing rare and valuable opportunities for Irish players to play against top international talent.
Irish Players can earn their place at the 2026 DLR Irish Open through an exciting new wild card play-off tournament, which will be played at DLR’s Beckett Park in mid-July.
These opportunities allow players to gain ranking points, experience professional competition, and accelerate their development without the need to travel abroad.
Cllr Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said: “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. 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.”
Helen Pilkington, President of Carrickmines CLTC:
Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club is delighted to again host the DLR Irish Open 2026 on behalf of Tennis Ireland. We look forward to a week of great tennis and to welcoming both Irish and International players and their supporters to our club.
Kevin Quinn, CEO of Tennis Ireland, said:
“Having Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on board as title partner is a significant moment for the Irish Open. Their backing allows us to grow the event and to mark a real milestone this year, with the upgrade of our women’s tournament to an ITF W50 level event. We’re also very excited to hold our first combined wild-card play-off event at DLR’s Beckett Park in the run-in to the DLR Irish Open.”
The men’s event runs concurrently as a World Tennis Tour M15, with both competitions returning to Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club, Dublin, for the third year in a row.
Event details
Sunday 26 July – Sunday 2 August 2026
Carrickmines Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club, Dublin
Tickets available via Universe.
ENDS
