Club Activities
The club hosts a range of activities including our weekly club night for members and a range of monthly tournaments which are open to both members and the public.
What to Expect on a Club Night
Our club night takes place every week during the chess season, from September to June. It’s a fun, sociable evening, quite different from the typical quiet, formal chess club. Players of all ages and abilities mix freely, enjoying friendly games in a relaxed atmosphere from 6pm to 10pm.
Most activities are held in the Coláiste Éanna Hall, a dedicated chess room in the school.
Our club has a unique atmosphere, with a lively and energetic main room on Fridays, with music often playing. If you are after a more serious game, we also have other, more quiet facilities available. Coaching normally takes place every week from around 7:15pm, often in a separate classroom.
You’ll usually find a lively mix of members: younger players, adult beginners, and experienced league competitors all sharing the space. Plenty of boards are always set up, and the environment is casual and welcoming, with music and free tea and coffee. You’re encouraged to challenge anyone to a friendly game. While you are free to enjoy casual games, there is also plenty of opportunity for serious chess, including coaching sessions and league matches.
For parents, a non-chess area with comfortable couches is available, a place to unwind and chat with other parents while your child enjoys their weekly dose of chess.
FAQs
Can I come and see what it’s like before joining?
Yes! You are more than welcome to come down any Friday and see if the club suits your needs. There is no pressure to join the club immediately.
Are both children and adult players welcome?
Yes, both children and adult players are welcome. For young children adult accompaniment is required.
Are parents welcome?
Parents are especially welcome! We even have a dedicated space for parents to relax while their kids play chess. We also have wifi and a quiet space for those who need to work remotely late into the evening.
How long does the club night last?
The club night lasts generally four hours, from 6pm to 10pm.
Is the club inclusive and accessible?
Yes, we do our best to make the club as accessible for both members and visitors as possible. Take a look at our accessibility details to find out more.
What does a usual club night schedule look like?
Social Chess: 6pm - 10pm
Coaching: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
League Matches (if any): 7:15pm - 11pm
Who typically attends club nights?
Unlike many chess clubs, nearly all of our members, from casual players to serious titled competitors, attend our club nights on a regular basis. Whatever your level, you’re guaranteed to find a challenging opponent.
Coaching
The club runs a variety of coaching initiatives throughout the year, including both group classes and one-on-one instruction. We are fortunate to have several active, high-level coaches available to members during the season.
New coaching programmes are introduced every September and updated regularly throughout the year.
Our Tournaments
Knights of Éanna also hosts a variety of tournaments each month throughout the chess season, including rapid, freestyle, and one-day classical events.
We run free, members-only competitions such as our annual Club Championship, as well as monthly FIDE-rated tournaments open to the public. Our flagship event, the Éanna Classic, takes place every October.
We also sometimes host external tournaments which are usually open to the public like the City of Dublin and the Irish Junior Championships.
If you'd like us to host your chess event, please get in touch.
League Participation
Each season the club strives to field a number of teams in the Leinster Chess Leagues with healthy player numbers across all teams.
In the 2025/2026 league season KoE will be fielding the following teams:
Armstrong
Ennis - 2 teams
O’Hanlon
Bodley - 3 Teams
