Ryder Cup 2027: Limerick’s global sports tourism highlight

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Elaine O’Connor, who recently assumed the position of Ryder Cup Coordinator at Limerick City and County Councils, has been focusing on the logistics and infrastructure requirements for the upcoming Ryder Cup event, set to take place in 2027 at Adare Manor. This centenary tournament is expected to attract over 250,000 affluent golf enthusiasts from across the globe, highlighting its significant impact on international travel and tourism. Speaking at the Sport for Business Sports Tourism event at the University of Limerick, O’Connor outlined the primary logistical challenges, including the implementation of park and ride facilities, ensuring adequate potable water supply, and establishing family-friendly fan zones to accommodate the massive influx of visitors.

O’Connor emphasized that park and ride systems would be a crucial component of the transportation plan, with helicopter arrivals being an option for some. The event’s preparation includes drawing on experiences and strategies from previous Ryder Cups, including the operational playbook that will be adapted and refined based on the forthcoming event in New York in 2025 at the Bethpage Black course.

The discussion at the University of Limerick also covered the broader benefits of hosting significant sports events in the region, such as the economic and domestic tourism value brought by Munster Rugby games, underscored by a new report. The conversation highlighted the evolving sports tourism landscape in Limerick, including the diversification of game venues to bolster local support and tourism.

Additionally, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic was mentioned as another example of a major sporting event contributing to the global travel industry, with a large contingent of U.S. fans expected to travel for the game, demonstrating the strong international travel ties associated with sporting events.

The University of Limerick’s role in hosting the Davis Cup and various European and World Championships was acknowledged, showcasing the campus’s capacity to accommodate thousands of guests, which plays a significant role in attracting international sports events.

Insights from Olympians Sarah Lavin and Roisín Upton provided a personal perspective on the athlete experience at major events, from accommodation to facilities, underscoring the intricate details necessary for hosting successful international sports events.

The enthusiasm and collaborative spirit among attendees from the tourism sector and various sports bodies highlighted a collective ambition to leverage sports events as a catalyst for international travel and tourism growth, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and knowledge in enhancing the global sports tourism landscape.

« Back to Page

• Everything you need to know about Bahrain’s major global tourism projects

• Proposed new railway line to connect seaside cities along the Spanish coast

• Otley Road cycleway extension: A welcome boost for active travel

• Jerusalem’s A1 rail line set for expansion into Bible Hill

• Japan Airlines is considering a new plan to adjust its fuel surcharges for summer 2024 with the goal of offering savings to travelers