The International Rugby Experience (IRE), owned by billionaire JP McManus, will cease operations on December 23, 2024, just a year after its opening in May 2023, affecting around 50 employees.
The IRE aimed to gift its architecturally significant building to Limerick City and County Council to help boost tourism but was unable to progress negotiations for the transfer.
Since its opening, the IRE attracted over 60,000 visitors and generated an estimated €7.8m for the local economy as a not-for-profit venture without state support.
Limerick City and County Council expressed disappointment over the closure and confirmed that they explored various options to secure the IRE’s future but could not find a viable solution due to funding challenges.
