Celbridge Handball Club Summer Championships

Gaelic handball is one of the oldest field sports in Ireland, and the summer championships at Celbridge Handball Club are where local players settle it on the court. The club runs its competition across August, drawing players from around Co. Kildare for both singles and doubles matches. It is free to attend and suits anyone who wants to watch a fast, skilful game at close quarters - the sport is played in an enclosed court, so spectators get a much sharper view than a field game allows.

What to expect

Gaelic handball is played by hitting a small rubber ball against a front wall using only the hand or fist, with rallies continuing until one player cannot return the shot before it bounces twice. The standard club format uses a 4-wall court - 40 feet by 20 feet - which keeps the game compact and the action continuous. Both singles and doubles matches feature across the championship, with separate divisions catering to different levels of play, from competitive club players down through junior grades.

The Celbridge club has organised these summer matches on August evenings, typically getting under way at 6pm. Courts are enclosed so you can follow the flight of the ball easily, and there is seating available for spectators. The atmosphere at a club championship is low-key and social - this is community sport, not a ticketed event, and you can wander in without booking anything.

Getting there

Celbridge sits on the River Liffey about 20 kilometres south-west of Dublin city centre. By road, it is well connected via the N4 and the R405. Dublin Bus route 67 runs between Dublin city centre and Celbridge. Parking is generally available at the club. The journey from central Dublin by car takes roughly 30 minutes outside rush hour.

While you’re in Celbridge

If you are making a day of it, Castletown House - Ireland’s largest Palladian mansion, built in the 1720s - is the obvious anchor. Its parklands and river walks are free to enter year round. There is more to see in Celbridge and across Co. Kildare.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday 9 August 2026, 6:00pm start
• Admission: Free
• Venue: Celbridge Handball Club, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
• Check the club’s social channels or contact them directly for the full fixture list and specific court times
• Seating is available for spectators inside the courts