BREAKING: ‘Ambition’ to have women’s museum at former International Rugby Experience open for Ryder Cup

CULTURE Minister Patrick O'Donovan says "the ambition" is to have a new national women's museum open in the former International Rugby Experience (IRE) building in time for next year's Ryder Cup.

The landmark building in Limerick city centre has been out of use for the last 14 months after the IRE closed.

Now, in a move which has been welcomed across the city, Limerick TD, Mr O'Donovan, has secured the support of his Cabinet colleagues to open a branch of the National Museum of Ireland in the building.

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The McManus family have agreed to gift the building to the State in order to facilitate a permanent exhibition telling the stories of women in Ireland.

This Monday, a delegation from the Office of Public Works (OPW), Mr O'Donovan's own culture department, the McManus Foundation and the National Museum of Ireland were all in the complex at O'Connell Street.

Here, Mr O'Donovan outlined his hope that the museum will be ready in time for Ryder Cup 2027, which is to be held in Adare Manor in September next year.

"That's the ambition. There will be a quarter of a million people coming in from abroad," he said when asked if he hopes it is open in time for the visit of the world's top golfers to County Limerick.

"The (JP McManus) Foundation and the family have said whatever needs to happen, they will make it happen. We are very lucky. We have a great collaborator. The museum, the OPW, and the Department and the wider Government. There has not been a single dissenting voice," he added.

Barry Hannon, the chief executive of the International Rugby Experience added his hopes the building will be operational in time for the event.

Asked if he feels the building will play a part in the tournament, he said: "I have no doubt."

"It'd be nice to see it used and I am sure the Ryder Cup guys would like to use it in some form, so will plenty of the sponsors who will float around. It'll be nice to see it when the eyes of the world are going to be on it," he added.

As things stand, the National Museum of Ireland is examining the case for the development.

The proposed new museum would form part of the National Museum of Ireland and would be located in Limerick, marking a major regional investment and a significant step in advancing gender representation within Ireland’s cultural infrastructure.

The proposal is being considered by key stakeholders including the OPW, the National Museum of Ireland, and philanthropic partners including the McManus Foundation.

Mr O'Donovan said the museum's opening would represent: "a defining moment for Ireland’s cultural landscape."

"For too long, the stories of women — their leadership, their resilience, their creativity and their contribution to our nation — have been underrepresented within our national narrative. Establishing a National Museum of Ireland that puts a focus on women’s stories corrects that imbalance in a meaningful and permanent way," he said.

"I am particularly proud that this museum, with the support of the team in the National Museum, and once approved by government, will be located in Limerick. It represents not only cultural investment at a national level, but a powerful statement about regional development and ensuring that our national institutions are truly national in reach and ambition," he added.

OPW chair John Conlon added: "The OPW is proud to support the delivery of this transformative project. Our role will be to ensure that the chosen site and building reflect the importance of the mission — creating a space that is accessible, inspiring and capable of housing a national collection of this significance."

"This project is about legacy. Our meeting today is about how we work together to create a permanent home where the stories of Ireland’s women are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.”

Sue Ann McManus of the McManus Foundation said: "Recognising and amplifying women’s stories is essential to understanding who we are as a society. The McManus Foundation is honoured to support a project that will ensure these stories are told with the depth, respect and visibility they deserve. Locating the museum in Limerick aligns with our long-standing commitment to supporting transformative projects in the region that have national impact.”

Prof Cathal O’Donoghue, who chairs the National Museum of Ireland added: "This development represents an important evolution for the National Museum of Ireland. Our collections already hold extraordinary material relating to women’s lives, but this dedicated focus allows us to present those stories in a coherent and powerful way. It will open new opportunities for collecting, research, partnerships and public engagement. Most importantly, it will ensure that women’s stories are embedded at the heart of our national cultural memory. I look forward to working with the Department, the OPW and the team in the National Museum of Ireland to progress this exciting opportunity.”

It's expected more details regarding the museum proposal, timelines, governance arrangements and resourcing will be discussed in the coming weeks, and announced in due course.