Two-thirds of Irish people think we should host more major international sporting events

Two-thirds of Irish people believe the country should host more major international sporting events, according to a recent survey conducted by BDO Ireland and Amárach Research. The findings highlight growing public support for continuing to bring high-profile sports events to Ireland, despite concerns about cost and sustainability. The survey, which included responses from a broad cross-section of the population, revealed that nearly two-thirds of participants, approximately 66%, supported hosting more international sporting events. This sentiment was reinforced by the majority of respondents, who believed that such events provide good value for money. Over half of those surveyed, or 55%, stated they considered investment in these events to be worthwhile. In the past year alone, Ireland has welcomed several notable international sporting fixtures. These include the NFL regular season match between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings, held at Croke Park, and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in the Aviva Stadium. Looking further ahead, Adare Manor in County Limerick is set to host the 2027 Ryder Cup, while Ireland will co-host the UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 T20 Cricket World Cup. These upcoming events underscore the nation’s commitment to maintaining its position as a key destination for international sports. The research also found that 53% of international sporting events hosted in Ireland successfully showcased the country's culture. However, this figure was offset by the fact that 17% of respondents did not view such events as offering good value for money. Concerns about the economic impact of these events were widespread, with 39% of respondents citing overpricing as the primary worry. Other issues raised included global conflict and economic instability, affecting 12% of respondents, and overtourism, which affected 10%. Accommodation and labor shortages were also flagged as potential challenges, with 9% of respondents expressing concern. Austin Hickey, director of BDO Ireland, noted that the public's positive attitude toward hosting international sporting events supports continued investment in such initiatives. He emphasized, however, that the sector must address pricing concerns to ensure long-term viability. “The public is highly sensitive to the issue of overpricing, which unsurprisingly tracks as the single greatest threat to our tourism ecosystem,” he said. “To sustain the continuous growth that people want to see, the industry must balance high-value experiences with competitive pricing, while navigating systemic pressures like accommodation and labor shortages.” The survey results suggest that there is a clear appetite among the Irish public for maintaining and expanding the presence of international sports events. Yet, the challenge lies in ensuring that these events remain accessible and sustainable within the broader context of Ireland’s tourism and economic landscape. As the country prepares to host a series of high-profile sporting events in the coming years, balancing public enthusiasm with practical considerations will be crucial to the success of these ventures.