Total spending in Dublin 1, 2, 3, and 4 areas increased by 12pc compared to 2024 ahead of the NFL game at Croke Park. Pubs in Dublin city centre saw a 57pc spending increase during the game weekend of 25-28 September 2025.
Social spending rose by 17pc, and retail spending grew by 6pc during the same period.
On game day, 28 September, restaurant spending jumped by 20pc, and health and beauty spas saw a 72pc surge.
Transport spending soared by 256pc, with taxi drivers earning 7pc more, and sports apparel spending increased by 35pc.
Owen Clifford, Head of Retail Sector at Bank of Ireland, shared: “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.”
