Derry Snooker Championship 2026

September in Derry brings out the serious cue players. The Derry Snooker Championship is the city’s main amateur snooker competition, running throughout the month across a handful of participating clubs. Entry is open to players at different ability levels, so you do not need to be a seasoned competitor to enter - separate categories for competitive and social players mean the field is genuinely mixed. For spectators, matches at snooker clubs make for good casual viewing: the rooms are small, the atmosphere is close, and good break-building gets noticed.

What to expect

The tournament runs on a frames-based knockout format under World Snooker rules, with referees provided at each match. Qualifying rounds run across September evenings and weekends, building toward the final stages. Venues include Derry Central Snooker Club, Waterside Snooker Hall, and other participating clubs across the city - confirmed fixture schedules are released closer to the start date. Players are seeded or placed into categories based on ability, keeping the early rounds competitive at every level. Prize money is available for winners in the main and secondary categories. Entry must be submitted before 25 August 2026, and the fee of £15 covers your place in the draw. The Derry Snooker Association has run the city’s amateur competitive calendar for years and the September championship is its centrepiece.

Getting there

Derry sits at the north-west corner of the island, about 75 miles from Belfast and around 90 miles from Dublin. By road, the A6 from Belfast and the N13/A2 from Donegal and the south bring you into the city centre. Translink operates regular bus services from Belfast (Goldline Express) and Letterkenny, and Bus Eireann connects from Dublin with a change in Letterkenny or direct via some seasonal services. The city’s snooker venues are spread across central Derry and the Waterside area on the east bank of the Foyle - all are reachable by local Foyle Metro bus or a short taxi. On-street parking is available near most clubs, and the Waterside in particular has good free parking options on residential streets.

While you’re in Derry

Derry is a compact walled city with a strong music and arts scene, and September is a fine time to visit before the festival season crowds thin out. The city walls, the Bogside murals, and the Guildhall are all within easy walking distance of one another. There is more to see in Derry and across Co. Derry.

Good to know

• Tournament runs throughout September 2026 - exact fixture schedule confirmed closer to the start date
• Entry fee: £15 per player
• Entry deadline: 25 August 2026
• Venues: Derry Central Snooker Club, Waterside Snooker Hall, and other participating clubs across the city
• Matches scheduled evenings and weekends
• Separate categories for competitive and social players
• Check snookerderry.org for the full fixture list and entry details