NFL's arrival to Ireland sparks 17% rise in social spending

For the day of the game, pubs across Dublin city centre posted a spending hike of 57%, while restaurants saw a boost of 20%

Minnesota Vikings' DeShon Elliott celebrates an interception during the NFL International match at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland. Picture date: Sunday September 28, 2025.

The NFL's arrival in Ireland for its first official match sparked a spending bonanza in Dublin last week, new figures from Bank of Ireland show. 

Data released by the lender on Friday found that social spending across the weekend surged by 17% as American Football fans flocked to Dublin City, with retail spending also up by 6%.

Several locations in Dublin, specifically areas 1, 2, 3, and 4, were bustling during the weekend, with spending in these areas rising by 12% compared to the same weekend in 2024, according to the Bank of Ireland. 

For the day of the game, pubs across the city centre posted a spending hike of 57%, while restaurants saw a boost of 20%. The bank also noted a significant splurge across health and beauty spas, with spending in this area rising by 72%.

The lender also recorded a more than 200% rise in spending amongst teenagers, specifically those aged between 13 and 17, with Bank of Ireland saying this was indicative of the NFL's popularity across a younger audience. 

Amongst older demographics, spending for those aged between 18 and 25 rose by 17%, while for those aged between 36 and 45, spending increased by 16%.

Outlay on sports apparel soared by 35% in the lead up to the game, while transport spending across the city centre rose by 256% as buses, rail and tram services were all in demand, and Dublin taxi drivers took in an additional 7%.

Commenting on Bank of Ireland’s latest Spending Pulse, Owen Clifford, Head of Retail Sector at Bank of Ireland said: “It was a case of ‘America’s Game’ coming to Ireland as the NFL played its first overseas match at Croke Park, an event which proved to be boom time for retailers as visitors enjoyed the best that the capital city has to offer. 

"Our card spending insights reveal that the estimated 35,000 US visitors really splashed out, proving that these types of occasions can be a real boost for businesses across a range of sectors.”