Leopardstown-based competitive socialising venue records over 125,000 games played, doubles restaurant footfall and signals potential multi-city growth.

One year after opening its doors at Leopardstown Racecourse, Super Social has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s leading competitive socialising venues, recording more than 125,000 rounds of hi-tech mini golf and over one million smart darts thrown in its first year of trading.

Launched with a €5 million investment by owners Paul Quinn and Dan Begley, the 15,000 square foot venue has hosted more than 1,000 corporate events since launch, accommodating group sizes ranging from 10 to over 350 guests. In addition to corporate bookings, demand has surged across birthday parties, stag and hen celebrations, girls’ nights out and group social occasions, alongside growing interest from teen parties, school groups and sports clubs.

Located at Leopardstown Pavilion, Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin 18, the venue sits within reach of more than 500,000 residents and 30,000 working professionals, benefiting from proximity to the M50, Central Park Luas stop and major business hubs.

The concept was built around non-VR, yet highly technology based, activity-led entertainment that was seeing an enormous popularity surge overseas. ‘Smart Games Zones’ include real mini golf with automated score tracking, real darts with live digital scoring, and interactive competitive formats designed to extend dwell time. At launch, competitive socialising was largely absent from the Irish market, despite rapid growth across the UK, US and Middle East.

In the UK alone, approximately 30% of new venue openings in major cities over the past three to four years have included an activity-led concept, with London now home to more than 150 activity-based hospitality venues. Super Social entered what founders describe as a clear gap in the Irish market.

Operationally, the business has evolved rapidly over its first year. Following a kitchen restructure and the recent introduction of a lunch offering, restaurant footfall has doubled in recent months. Beverage sales continue to strengthen, supported by a significantly expanded cocktail menu, with over 400 cocktails served on Valentine’s night alone. The team has grown from an initial 20 staff members to more than 30.

To mark its first anniversary, Super Social today announce they are introducing Ireland’s first augmented reality beer pong tables. The new AR beer pong combines traditional gameplay using real ping pong balls with integrated visual effects, live scoring and multiple game modes displayed via a large screen built into a custom-designed table. But don’t worry non-drinkers! No real beer is actually used, clever tech simply pulls on the fun of one of the world’s most loved classic party games. The technology mirrors the gamified systems used in the venue’s Supercharged Shuffleboards, which have been among its most popular additions.

The business is also trialling cornhole, has installed three giant indoor screens to capitalise on live sports demand, and is completing a 1,500 square foot glass-enclosed outdoor terrace overlooking Leopardstown Racecourse, scheduled to open next month with BBQ options for corporate and group bookings.

Paul Quinn, Co-Founder of Super Social, said:

“Beer pong has been around for years, but this is the first time it has been fully gamified with integrated technology in Ireland. We know the demand is there for these types of experiences. The new tables allow for multiple game modes, live score tracking and overall using smart tech to elevate the fun of classic beer pong even further! As with when we first opened, we are focused on staying ahead of the curve. Additions like this increase dwell time and enhance the overall customer experience, whether you are visiting with one friend or in a large group.”

Dan Begley, Co-Founder, added:

“The first 12 months have been both challenging and rewarding. Being first to market means you cannot rely on an established playbook. Every operational element has been developed and refined in real time. We have learned a great deal about the mechanics of the business and are now in a far stronger position to expand.

We anticipated a shift in Irish social behaviour following the pandemic. People still want to go out, but they expect more from their experience. They want quality food, premium as well as traditional drinks and meaningful entertainment in one place. Competitive socialising has moved from niche to mainstream internationally, and Ireland is now catching up. We are actively considering a second Dublin location, with Cork, Galway and Belfast also under review.”

With expansion under consideration and continued investment in new formats, Super Social aims to position itself not only as an activity venue, but as a long-term hospitality brand with multi-city potential.

Super Social is located at Leopardstown Pavilion, Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin 18, D18 Y9T1. Opening hours run Tuesday to Sunday, with games from €12.95 per round of mini golf.

Further information: www.supersocial.ie.

Follow Super Social on Instagram for news and updates here.