Ballina Table Tennis Championship

A local table tennis championship in Ballina is the kind of evening sport that draws both competitive players and curious newcomers. Organised by Ballina Table Tennis Club, this September tournament brings together singles and doubles players across ability levels, making it a realistic option whether you are a seasoned club player chasing silverware or someone who last picked up a bat at a school disco. Entry is from €8, which is modest even by club sport standards, and the atmosphere at these local championships tends to be competitive enough to be exciting without being intimidating.

What to expect

The tournament runs both singles and doubles draws, so players can enter one or both formats. Local club championships like this typically seed players loosely by ability, which means you are unlikely to face an elite county player in round one if you are coming back to the sport after a break. Matches are fast - a well-contested table tennis set takes just a few minutes - so there is plenty of action across the evening. Expect the hall to be warm, noisy, and sociable; table tennis clubs in Ireland tend to have a tight-knit social side and visiting players are usually made to feel welcome. Registration in advance is recommended, so contact the club before turning up on the night.

Getting there

Ballina is Mayo’s largest town and sits on the River Moy in the north of the county. It is about 60 km north of Castlebar and roughly 50 km east of Westport, well connected by the N26 and N59. From Dublin, the N5 to Castlebar and then north is the most direct route - allow around 2.5 hours. Bus Éireann runs services from Dublin and Galway into Ballina town, though evening return services can be limited so check timetables in advance. Within the town, parking is generally available on the streets around the centre and near the main sports facilities, which are clustered along Cathedral Road.

While you’re in Ballina

Ballina is a solid base for a night or two - the Moy is one of Ireland’s great salmon rivers and the town has a good range of pubs, restaurants and accommodation. The Dolmen of the Four Maols, a Neolithic tomb on the edge of town, is a five-minute drive and always worth a look. There is more to see in Ballina and across Co. Mayo.

Good to know

• Date: Thursday 10 September 2026, starting at 6:00pm
• Price: From €8 per person
• Organiser: Ballina Table Tennis Club
• Booking: Registration in advance is recommended - check with the club directly at ballinatabletennis.ie
• Format: Singles and doubles draws; all ability levels welcome