ONE OF Limerick’s top attractions is to be gifted to the people of Limerick.
The International Rugby Experience (IRE) on O’Connell Street was funded by a €30million investment by the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, but will now be gifted to the people of Limerick by the local billionaire and philanthropist.
The 30,000sq/ft facility will be owned and operated by Limerick City and County Council, with Discover Limerick DAC to oversee day-to-day operations.
The existing team of staff appointed at the IRE’s opening last year will be kept in their current positions.
Designed by architect Níall McLaughlin, the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) announced the IRE as the winner of the Public Choice category at the Irish Architecture Awards 2023.
International Rugby Experience CEO Barry Hannon said that “over the course of the first year in operation, we have seen our corner of O’Connell Street revitalised by the International Rugby Experience with visitors to the building from far and wide.”
“We would like to recognise Paul O’Connell and Keith Wood for their incredible insight and expertise to ensure the successful outcome of the project. The IRE has truly become the public and civic building we sought to create and this next stage of the journey in public ownership will protect the buildings legacy, outlasting us all for generations.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council, Gordon Daly, added: “This is an exciting opportunity for the council to add International Rugby Experience to our existing successful tourist attractions and build stronger synergies to drive tourism development and promotion in Limerick.”
“We are working closely with IRE to advance the due diligence process and commence the transition.”
