Irish Open Tenpin Bowling Final Brings Top International Talent to Dundonald International Ice Bowl

Top-flight bowlers from across Europe and the UK went head-to-head at the eagerly anticipated 2026 Irish Open Tenpin Bowling Final, held at Dundonald International Ice Bowl on Sunday 25 October.

Over six days of intense competition, sixteen squads representing eleven nations battled through the qualifying rounds for a coveted place in the final. The tournament attracted some of the sport’s most talented players, including several elite bowlers from Team Northern Ireland, who regularly train at Dundonald International Ice Bowl.

Following a thrilling showcase of skill and precision, England’s Ben Robinson claimed the Irish Open title, rolling back-to-back perfect games in his final two round robin matches. His performance grabbed him the number one seed for the stepladder final, which summed up Ben’s phenomenal week.

The semi final was keenly contested by two Swedish bowlers, William Clasborn and Erik Larrson. William made it to the final, taking 2nd place, while Erik secured a well-deserved third-place finish.

15-year-old Ed Marshall, who started his bowling career on Dundonald Ice Bowl’s Learn to Bowl Programme, finished in the top 18 which is a remarkable achievement at such a young age.

Councillor Sharon Lowry, Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee said: “The Irish Open has attracted some of the finest tenpin bowlers from across Europe and the UK, and it has been fantastic to see Dundonald International Ice Bowl once again provide the stage for such a high-quality competition.

This tournament showcased not only the exceptional talent within the sport but also the warm welcome that our facility has to offer. It is especially fitting that this is the last prestigious bowling tournament to be held here as we look forward to an exciting new chapter in our brand-new facility later next year.

Congratulations to all the athletes, particularly our local bowlers who represented Northern Ireland so proudly, and my sincere thanks to Tenpin Ireland and the staff at Dundonald Ice Bowl for delivering such a successful event.”

Pictured: Councillor Sharon Lowry, Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, with 2026 Irish Open champion Ben Robinson and Grant Dugan, Vice-President of Tenpin Ireland.