New padel courts open at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena, boosting Northern Ireland’s sporting scene

In a significant boost for Northern Ireland’s sporting landscape, Galgorm Collection has announced the launch of two state-of-the-art padel courts at Galgorm Castle, set to open in October 2025.

This £300,000 investment introduces one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to Ballymena, marking a milestone for both the local community and visitors to the historic estate.

The courts, designed and constructed by Rocklyn, are the first of their kind in the area and add to the already impressive leisure facilities at Galgorm Castle Golf Club.

Padel, a dynamic hybrid of tennis and squash, is played on an enclosed court, typically in doubles, using solid rackets and tennis-like balls. The sport’s unique use of walls as part of gameplay adds an exciting twist, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels.

With its global popularity soaring—backed by high-profile names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Andy Murray, and Lionel Messi—padel is rapidly gaining traction in Northern Ireland, and Galgorm Castle is poised to become a flagship destination for enthusiasts.

“We’re delighted to bring this dynamic and fast-growing sport to Galgorm Castle,” said Colin Johnston, Managing Director for Galgorm Collection.

“The new courts complement our existing sporting facilities and form part of our ongoing investment in creating premium, inclusive leisure experiences for both locals and visitors to enjoy.”

The courts, located at the heart of the picturesque Galgorm Castle estate, enhance an already extensive leisure offering that includes an 18-hole championship golf course, a pitch-and-putt course, a golf academy, and a Toptracer driving range.

The addition of padel courts underscores Galgorm Collection’s commitment to diversifying its facilities, with plans already in place to potentially expand to six additional courts in the future, alongside new indoor and outdoor tennis courts.

“Padel has exploded in popularity across Europe in recent years, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement, by supporting the growth of this exciting sport in Northern Ireland,” added Johnston.

“Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying it for the first time, our courts at Galgorm Castle will offer the perfect setting to get active, have fun and connect with others – all within the stunning natural surroundings of this historic estate.”

The new courts operate on a flexible pay-and-play model, requiring no membership, making them accessible to all. Bookings can be made easily via the Playtomic app, the leading platform for discovering and reserving padel courts.

To celebrate the launch, Galgorm is offering introductory rates starting at £18 for 60 minutes or £30 for 90 minutes of court hire.

The courts will be open seven days a week, from 08:00 to 22:00 on weekdays and until 21:00 at weekends, ensuring ample opportunity for players to enjoy the sport.

Each court measures 20m x 10m and is designed for doubles play, accommodating four players per game.

The combination of accessibility, competitive pricing, and the scenic backdrop of Galgorm Castle makes these courts an attractive proposition for both seasoned players and newcomers eager to try the sport.

This development follows Galgorm Collection’s acquisition of the Galgorm Castle Estate in November 2024, part of a £50 million investment that also included Roe Valley Resort in Limavady.

The group, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hospitality provider, has invested £120 million over the past two decades, employing over 1,400 people across its portfolio, which includes flagship destinations like Galgorm in Ballymena and The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick.

In May 2025, Galgorm unveiled a £3 million guestroom refurbishment programme and announced plans for a nature-immersive Forest Spa Garden, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in luxury hospitality.

The resort was also named among the 100 Great Places to Stay in Ireland by The Sunday Times in the same month. The addition of padel courts aligns with Galgorm Collection’s broader vision to create world-class leisure experiences, complementing recent announcements for a new 18-hole Galgorm Links golf course near Bellarena on Northern Ireland’s north-west coast.

With Northern Ireland increasingly recognised as a potential padel hotspot, Galgorm Castle’s new courts position the region as a key player in the sport’s growing popularity.

The investment not only enhances the estate’s appeal but also supports the local community by offering new opportunities for active recreation and social engagement.

For those eager to experience padel at Galgorm Castle, booking details and further information are available at https://www.galgorm.com/padel.html.