Hiscox, a specialist insurer supporting Irish SMEs, has been confirmed as Title Sponsor of the 2026 Irish Padel Open, which will return this summer with an expanded format and a new Dublin location, building on the success of last year’s inaugural event.
The Hiscox Padel Irish Open 2026 will take place this July at Star Padel, St Mary’s College Rugby Club in Templeogue, marking a significant step forward for the tournament as it continues to grow in scale, ambition and profile. This year’s event will also introduce an expanded fan experience, including a dedicated “Hiscox Village” designed to create a vibrant summer occasion for spectators and families.
Organised by Forefront Sports and the Padel Federation of Ireland, the event will once again form part of the Cupra FIP Tour, the International Padel Federation’s global circuit. This year’s tournament has been given a higher ranking, reinforcing its position within the international calendar and as a result is expected to attract an even stronger field of players, including international stars and Ireland’s leading padel talent.
Naomi Nicholl, CEO & President of Padel Federation of Ireland said:
“We’re absolutely delighted that the Hiscox Padel Irish Open is coming to St Mary’s College RFC. Forefront Group and Hiscox have been instrumental in bringing the event to life, and we’re delighted that the PFI can support it again.”
Alongside the on-court action, at Star Padel, St Mary’s College Rugby Club’s brand new Padel facility, the 2026 event will make use of additional space to enhance the spectator experience with the “Hiscox Village” set to feature a range of food, entertainment and activities options making it a great experience for the whole family.
The continued growth of the Irish Padel Open reflects the rapid rise of padel across Ireland, where participation has grown significantly in recent years, with an estimated 60,000 players now taking part in the sport and new facilities continuing to be developed nationwide.
Speaking on the announcement, Richard O’Dwyer, Managing Director of Hiscox Ireland, said: “We are proud to continue as Title Sponsor of the Hiscox Padel Irish Open as the tournament returns in 2026. Building on the strong foundations established last year, this year’s event represents a step forward in both scale and ambition. At Hiscox, we work with ambitious Irish businesses every day, supporting them as they grow and navigate an increasingly complex risk environment. This partnership reflects those same values of performance, resilience and progress, and we’re looking forward to seeing the tournament continue to develop both on and off the court.”
Cian Branagan, CEO of ForeFront Group, said: “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Hiscox for the 2026 Irish Padel Open. The success of last year’s event gave us a strong platform to build from, and this year we are focused on delivering a bigger and more engaging experience for players, fans and the wider community. Moving to Star Padel at St Mary’s College Rugby Club in Dublin allows us to expand the event footprint and create a unique setting that combines high-level international competition with a broader, more accessible event experience for fans.”
The Hiscox Padel Irish Open 2026 is expected to welcome top-ranked international players, alongside Ireland’s leading padel athletes, as the sport continues its rapid growth across the country. The event – which begins with prequalification rounds on 13th – 18th July and will run through to the grand final on 19th July.
Reflecting Hiscox’s focus on supporting Irish SMEs across diverse sectors including technology, professional services and health and wellness, the partnership provides a natural platform for Hiscox to engage with ambitious, growth-focused businesses in a dynamic and high-performance environment. Padel is increasingly recognised as a popular choice within the corporate community for engagement, team building and client interaction, creating natural opportunities for Hiscox to connect with its target audiences.
Further announcements, including player entries, ticketing details and additional event programming, will be made in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit, https://padelirishopen.ie/