JP McManus gifts €30m amenity to Limerick council

THE STATE-OF-THE-ART International Rugby Experience in the city is to be donated by JP McManus and his family to the people of Limerick.

One of Ireland’s leading visitor attractions, initially funded through a €30 million investment by the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, is a fully immersive, hands on, multi-sensory experience designed to engage and inspire families and individuals alike.

Following a process of due diligence, the 30,000 square foot centre will be owned and operated by Limerick City and County Council. It is envisaged that Discover Limerick DAC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Limerick City and County Council, will oversee the day-to-day operations, while the International Rugby Experience will continue to be managed by the existing team appointed on opening last year. 

Deputy chief executive of Limerick City and County Council, Gordon Daly said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the council to add International Rugby Experience to our existing successful tourist attractions - King Johns Castle, Lough Gur, Limerick Greenway and Adare Heritage Centre - and build stronger synergies to drive tourism development and promotion in Limerick.

"We are working closely with the International Rugby Experience to advance the due diligence process and commence the transition.”

Heads of terms have been signed by both parties and the transition process will commence once due diligence is completed.

Designed by renowned architect, Níall McLaughlin, the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) announced the International Rugby Experience as the winner of the Public Choice category at the Irish Architecture Awards 2023 and the building has since been recognised internationally for its world class design and structure. 

Inspired by World Rugby’s values of passion, discipline, integrity, solidarity and respect, visitors hear the stories, feel the passion and test their own skills as they move through six, awe-inspiring stages inside the ‘Home of Legends’.

The ground floor retail space, first floor café and event spaces will also come under the remit of the local authority.

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It has been an eventful first year in operation for the visitor attraction, with a star-studded launch last May featuring legends of the game such as Jonathan Sexton, Martin Johnson, Sean Fitzpatrick, Bryan Habana, Joy Neville, Matt Dawson, Danielle Waterman and Francois Pienaar.

International Rugby Experience CEO, Barry Hannon said: “Over the course of the first year in operation, we have seen our corner of O’Connell Street revitalised by the International Rugby Experience with visitors to the building from far and wide to partake in the AV experience, for our local food offering or to support one of the many local artists who are displaying in our gift shop.

"We would like to recognise Paul O’Connell and Keith Wood for their incredible insight and expertise to ensure the successful outcome of the project. The International Rugby Experience has truly become the public and civic building we sought to create and this next stage of the journey in public ownership will protect the building's legacy, outlasting us all for generations.”