Irishtown Leisure Centre

Irishtown Leisure Centre transforms an established sports ground into a modern community hub in Dublin, combining indoor and outdoor facilities to promote health, inclusion and everyday activity.

Summary: Community leisure centre
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Client: Dublin City Council
Size: 5,300m²
Completion: Ongoing

Irishtown leisure centre dublin ireland cgi visualisation of proposed corner elevation 10x11

Vision

The project builds on Dublin City Council’s ambition to create a welcoming, accessible and sustainable destination for sport and wellbeing. Rooted in its local identity, the design brings indoor and outdoor environments together, fostering active lifestyles and new social connections within a revitalised park setting.

Irishtown leisure centre dublin ireland cgi visualisation of running track and football pitch in front of building g

Active landscape

Surrounding the leisure centre, the landscape has been reimagined to make activity part of daily life. A network of pedestrian and cycle routes connects the park to Strand Street and Bremen Road, leading to a welcoming new terrace at the core of the site. Alongside these links are zones for informal recreation: an outdoor gym, exercise trail and natural play area set among mature trees. This approach retains the character of the park while creating multiple opportunities for movement and social interaction, ensuring the facility engages the whole community far beyond the building itself.

Site model

Rocque’s Map 1762

“FaulknerBrowns have demonstrated a rigorous and inclusive design process, bringing together strong architectural quality, high sustainability ambitions and a deep understanding of the local context. The proposals respond carefully to Irishtown and Ringsend’s character while delivering a modern, accessible facility that will serve both existing and emerging communities.”

Don Daly
Senior Executive Officer, Dublin City Council

Dockers at dublin port ireland c1950s 3x2

Dockers at Dublin Port c.1950s

Dublin docks painting by dermod obrien 1865 1945 3x2

Dublin Docks by Dermod O’Brien (1865-1945)

Irishtown leisure centre dublin ireland cgi visualisation of entrance area g

Civic heart

At the centre of the site, the new leisure building is designed as an open, inclusive civic space. Large glazed elevations reveal a dynamic interior, framing views to the city and parkland beyond. Inside, users will find a six-lane swimming pool, learner pool, fitness suite and multipurpose studios, supported by a clear and intuitive layout.

Accessibility is integral throughout, with step-free circulation, Changing Places facilities, pool pods and a range of inclusive features shaped by engagement with local access groups. These measures ensure every visitor can enjoy the building in safety and comfort, reinforcing its role as a truly shared community asset.