Curious about padel? From the rules of the game to finding players, equipment, and booking courts, here’s everything you need to know about getting started with one of Europe’s fastest-growing sports.
Published on May 14, 2026 by PSLC
Padel is proving to be one of the PSLC's most popular sports and we have an outstanding facility for everyone in North County Dublin to enjoy. Easy to learn, hugely social, and suitable for all ages and abilities, it’s no surprise more and more people are stepping onto the court for the very first time.
Whether you’re completely new to the game or looking to get more involved locally, here’s everything you need to know to get started with Padel @ The PSLC.
Padel is a fast-paced racket sport that is often described as combining elements of tennis and squash. Usually played as doubles on an enclosed court, the game uses glass walls and mesh fencing as part of the action, creating long rallies, exciting angles, and plenty of fun.
One of the reasons padel has exploded in popularity is because it’s incredibly accessible. You don’t need years of coaching to enjoy it and beginners can quickly pick up the basics while still having competitive rallies from day one.
Padel is suitable for:
Juniors
Adults
Seniors
Families
Social groups
Competitive players
It’s active, social, fun, and genuinely welcoming for players of all levels.
The scoring system in padel is almost identical to tennis, using:
15
30
40
Game
Deuce and Advantage are played at 40-40 and tiebreakers at played if the set reaches 6-6 in games. A 7-point or 10-point tiebreaker is played depending on the set (7-points for sets 1 and 2, 10 points to determine the winner in set 3).
Matches are typically played as doubles and serves are underarm rather than overhead. Serve into the service box diagonally over the net toward your opponent. The ball can rebound off the glass walls after bouncing on the court, which is where much of the fun and strategy comes from.
A few simple padel basics:
If the ball hits the glass or fence walls before bouncing, that's out
You can play the ball after it rebounds off the wall, you can also hit the ball to rebound off the glass and back over the net.
Serves must be underarm and below waist height
If the ball hits the metal rather than glass part of the wall on serve, before or after the bounce, that's out. Serve again and try to avoid a double fault.
The good news is that you don’t need to know every rule before stepping onto court. Most players learn naturally during their first session.
One of the best things about padel is how easy it is to get started.
All you really need is:
Comfortable sportswear
Appropriate footwear
A padel racket and don't forget to use the wrist strap
Padel balls
At the PSLC:
Padel rackets are available to hire at the PSLC reception
Balls and accessories are available to purchase in the New Ballz vending machine in reception
Visitors and members are welcome to stop in and ask the PSLC Team about the padel facility and booking courts
Courts are Open Monday - Friday 7am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 9am - 10pm
In terms of footwear, clay court tennis shoes are often one of the best options due to their grip on artificial grass and sanded surfaces.
Many padel associations also recommend protective sports goggles, particularly for regular or competitive players, as reactions can be very quick in enclosed spaces.
Padel is an incredibly social sport, and finding games is usually easier than people think.
One of the best ways to meet other local players is through Portmarnock Padel Club, who regularly organise:
Social games
Friendly events
League activity
Open days
Group sessions
You can also:
Chat to the team at the PSLC about:
Joining local WhatsApp or social groups
Notice boards
Meet players naturally through court bookings and social sessions
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed beginner game or more competitive matches, there’s already a growing local padel community waiting to welcome new players.
Padel @ The PSLC now features five state-of-the-art courts installed by specialist padel experts from Spain, where the sport has seen incredible growth over recent years.
The facility is open to both visitors and PSLC members, meaning you do not need to be a member of either the PSLC or Portmarnock Padel Club to book and enjoy the courts but both memberships bring great benefits if you choose to join:
PSLC members benefit from:
Discounted court hire (€16/hour compared with €24/hour for visitors)
Booking access up to two weeks in advance
Discounts throughout the wider PSLC facility
The courts are set in one of the most unique sporting locations in Dublin, with coastal surroundings, views towards the Dublin Mountains, free parking, and access to the wider PSLC facilities.
Whether you’re dropping in for a casual social game or planning regular weekly matches, Padel @ The PSLC offers one of the most welcoming and accessible padel experiences in the county.
Courts can now be booked online via the PSLC websiteAfter your padel match, drop by Après for a coffee, cold drinks and a treat or visit the Southern Cross Bar where you'll find "Dublin's best pint of Guinness" alongside food options from Puck
Après Coffee is open Daily:
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Southern Cross Bar is open:
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Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see all the latest from Padel @ The PSLC including highlights from the May 9th Open Day with Portmarnock Padel Club
