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24th December 2024
10:19am GMT
The International Rugby Experience (IRE) in Limerick city centre has closed its doors for the final time two days before Christmas.
Having launched in May 2023, the tourist attraction was described as an "interactive visitor experience" and a "six-storey, immersive celebration of the game".
The not-for-profit venture was initially funded via a €30 million investment by the JP McManus Charitable Foundation.
In October 2024, the IRE announced that it would cease operations and close its doors on 23 December this year, with the Irish Examiner reporting at the time that this would mean the loss of around 50 jobs.
Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime in October, Limerick Mayor John Moran described the closure as "particularly sad".
He also said, however, that the experience was too costly to continue operations.
As this year comes to a close, so does our time as part of Limerick City.
— International Rugby Experience (@IRELimerick) December 23, 2024
So, for the last time, from the Home of Legends to your family home – Thank You and Happy Christmas.
#HomeofLegends #Limerick pic.twitter.com/R9SIzsvtj3
In a statement on 23 December, the IRE said the following:
"It is profoundly disappointing that we close the doors of the International Rugby Experience (IRE) today, 23rd December 2024. From the outset, our goal was to help support Limerick city by gifting the building to the people of Limerick. Unfortunately, this has not been realised.
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every team member who worked tirelessly on growing all aspects of the business, and to the tens of thousands of visitors who walked through its doors—kicking with Jonny Wilkinson, passing a ball with Faf de Klerk, and enjoying the many other exciting activities this state-of-the-art facility had to offer. The IRE thanks Paul O’Connell and Keith Wood for their dedication to the project along with the many local traders and organisations for their invaluable support since the beginning.
"The IRE has brought over 60,000 people to Limerick City since opening in May 2023, including overseas visitors from 31 countries. Over 7,000 people came to visit Santa’s Secret Workshop, significantly adding to the 'Christmas in Limerick' atmosphere and frequenting local cafes, shops and restaurants during their visit. We have hosted over 70 community and corporate events across our unique spaces.
"Over the past 18 months, the IRE has contributed €9 million to the local economy. We worked with over 200 suppliers locally and regionally, including artisan crafts producers who supplied our store, as well as photographers, printers, media outlets and facilities management companies, among many others.
"Last year, the International Rugby Experience was voted the nation’s favourite building in the Royal Institute of Irish Architects (RIAI) Public Choice Award.
"In our short time in the heart of Limerick, it has been our great pleasure to contribute to the city and its communities."
Main image via International Rugby Experience
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