Two-thirds of public believe bringing sporting showpieces like Ryder Cup and Euro 2028 'value for money'

But public is sensitive of overpricing

Adare Manor in Limerick is due to host the Ryder Cup next year. 

Nearly two-thirds of Irish people support Government investments to bring high-profile sporting events such as the Ryder Cup and UEFA Euro 2028 to Ireland with over half saying they represent good value for money.

In the last year, Ireland has hosted prominent international sporting events including an NFL regular season fixture between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings in Croke Park, and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in the Aviva Stadium.

The Ryder Cup is also set to be played in Adare Manor in Limerick next year with Ireland also co-hositing UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 T20 Cricket World Cup.

According to a survey, conducted by Amárach research on behalf of BDO Ireland, 65% support Government investment in bringing major sporting events to Ireland with 55% believing that investing in bringing sporting events to Ireland represents good value for money.

Only 17% disagree that they represent value for money.

BDO Ireland director Austin Hickey said the research “clearly demonstrates that the Irish public sees the massive economic, cultural, and social value of hosting major sporting events”.

“There is a strong consensus that these investments yield a positive return for the country, not just financially, but in how we project our culture globally,” he said.

"However, this optimism is paired with a clear warning sign. The public is highly sensitive to the issue of overpricing, which unsurprisingly tracks as the single greatest threat to our tourism ecosystem. To sustain the continuous growth that people want to see, the industry must balance high-value experiences with competitive pricing, while navigating systemic pressures like accommodation and labour shortages."

The survey found that among the threats facing Irish tourism, overpricing remains at the top of the agenda for 39% of those surveyed. Other prominent concerns cited by the public include global conflict and general economic instability, at 12%, overtourism at 10%, and acute accommodation and labour shortages at 9%.

Tourism was viewed as very important by just under half of participants, 48%, to their local area.

The survey was conducted on 1,200 people.