Limerick hotel executive rejects 'price gouging' claim ahead of Ryder Cup 2027

A LIMERICK hotel executive says there are a “lot of variables” when it comes to knowing what to charge visitors attending the Ryder Cup in two years’ time.

Dermot Kelly, the commercial director at the Great Northern South Court Hotel in Raheen was responding to concerns voiced by tournament organisers at the rates on offer for the September 2027 event at Adare Manor.

Alan Evans, director of hospitality at Ryder Cup Europe, told last week's 2025 Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) conference in Killarney: “It has surprised us a little just how elevated some of the rates we are getting.”

Mr Kelly, who is part of the Shannon branch of the IHF said: “We would dispute that there is price gouging going on”.
He added: “Between now and 2027, for a lot of hotels, it is hard to determine what the price per rate is. There are a lot of variables at the moment with everything across the board.”

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As an example, he said food inflation “has gone through the roof”.

“We’ve been notified by certain suppliers here that the price of beef is going up by 28% in the next while. I know first hand of this, because I am aware of somebody who sells animals at the mart. Recently, they got €2,300 for an animal that before they’d have got €1,700 for,” he added.

Mr Kelly also said the ongoing geopolitical issues in the world makes looking between now and 2027 especially difficult.

But he believes Limerick hoteliers offer value for money.

He pointed to an offer his hotel runs during events at Thomond Park - €300, per couple, per night bed and breakfast, a three-course evening meal, a cocktail and transfers to and from the home of Munster Rugby.