International Rugby Experience opens in Limerick

The brand-new rugby visitors centre is set to attract 100,000 visitors a year and revive tourism in Limerick City and the wider region.

Limerick, well known as one of the most passionate rugby locations in the country, was chosen as the home of Ireland’s brand-new visitors centre.

The project, which was shelved during the pandemic, finally had its official opening with many Irish and international rugby stars in attendance.

The city hopes to attract rugby fans from far and wide with its interactive displays of rugby history and of well-known rugby players from Ireland and abroad.

The International Rugby Experience opens in Limerick – an exciting new addition to the country

For a while now, there have been plans to open up an interactive visitors’ centre.

The centre aims to allow fans of the sport to get up close and personal with all things related to rugby, including how rugby can change lives and nations. Another aim is to open this wonderful sport to beginners who want to learn more about it.

During the pandemic, plans to open the interactive centre were put on the back burner. Finally, Limerick’s newest attraction has opened to the public, and there were plenty of famous faces in the rugby world onsite to show their support.

Former Munster, Ireland, and Lions lock Paul O’Connell – now International Rugby Experience chairperson – said he was delighted to welcome the public to the building which is said to put Limerick on the map once again.

Plans became a reality – Limerick’s newest attraction will attract thousands of visitors

The six-story red brick building which houses the incredible interactive experience, was funded by a €30 million donation from JP McManus’s charitable foundation. Limerick is set to attract over 100,000 new visitors to its city centre.

Proud of the new facility, Paul O’Connell said, “It’s been years in the making, we’re finally able to throw open the doors, and the whole team are looking forward to it.

“This is a visitor attraction that Limerick, and indeed the whole country, can be proud of; we’re very thankful to those who have helped us along our journey to this point”.

Those who attended the opening day included rugby personalities such as Rory Best, Johnny Sexton, Matt Dawson, Danielle Waterman, Ciara Griffen, Francois Pienaar, Joy Neville, Keith Wood, Bryan Habana, Sean Fitzpatrick, Peter Stringer, and Jeremy Guscott.

The International Rugby Experience – what to expect

Now that this exciting new venture has opened in Limerick, visitors can expect lots of exciting things, such as a café, a retail shop, and interactive displays on the story of how the sport of rugby went from grassroots to legendary status.

Visitors can attend from 3 May 2023, and online bookings will commence from 15 May onwards. Admission for adults costs €15, while children under 18 will pay €10. Families of two or more children will benefit from a 20% discount per child.

The visitors centre will be open seven days a week from 9:30 am-6:00 pm.

International Rugby Experience CEO Barry Hannon said, “This is going to be a unique and fun way to spend time in Limerick – for families, fans, and those just looking for something different to do”.

Address: O’Connell St, Limerick, V94 8F78, Ireland