The International Rugby Experience
The International Rugby Experience is designed as a state of the art, interactive experience to celebrate the sport of rugby on a global scale, cementing Limerick’s standing as one of the great centres of rugby.
Designed by world renowned architect Níall McLaughlin, this new 7-story red brick building is located in Limerick City Centre adjacent to both The Savoy & The George Hotel and is due to open Autumn 2022. It will provide a new space to draw visitors to Limerick, as well as providing a new hub for the local community. In addition to a world class interactive experience, also included is a ground floor retail area at the corner of O’Connell Street and Cecil Street and a first-floor café directly overhead.
The Experience will form a linear journey through the building, taking visitors from the grass roots of rugby, through training, the importance of determination and skill, the role of the wider team; culminating in the greatest rugby moments on the international stage.
The building also contains a number of unique event spaces which will be further draws to the building and Limerick generally. It is anticipated that these unique event spaces would be used by the wider community for cultural, arts, heritage and educational presentations.
International Rugby Experience CEO, Barry Hannon, said the new development can only help to enhance the Mid-West’s appeal to overseas visitors: “We are excited about bringing this fun, family friendly, interactive experience to life in the heart of Limerick city. The sport of rugby union has many unique stories to tell and we are eagerly anticipating expressing them in a state of the art, audio visual, interactive form.
“The Experience will appeal to avid rugby fans, future fans and family fun-seekers alike as there is truly something for everyone due to the sheer quality of the exhibition, curated by Event Communications. The architectural magnificence of the building will be an attraction in itself and we are looking forward to it living in the city centre and complementing the broad tourism offering Limerick already exhibits.”