Major sporting events have been credited with a 7% rise in hotel room rates in Dublin during 2013. The figure emerges from the latest Hotel Price Index published by Hotels.com.
The capital experienced the largest rise in room rates in the country in 2013 with an average price of €96 per night, €2 above the national average of €94.
A number of key events in the city influenced this increase including the Heineken Cup Final between Toulon and Clermont, two All-Ireland Hurling Finals due to a Clare VS Cork replay as well as a number of high profile music events in the city.
The Ireland Vs England cricket match at Malahide will also have played a role and this year the story is likely to be similar with the Giro d’Italia in May and the Croke Park Classic in August both bringing additional visitors to Dublin for sport.
With an average price of €106 per night, Killarney remains the Irish destination where visitors paid the most, up 4% year-on-year. As a key tourist destination with a strong supply of four- and five-star accommodation, Killarney’s prices have remained slightly above the national average.
Galway’s prices fell 4% to €96 on average. Rates in the city have settled after the average in 2012 was lifted thanks to the city playing host to the final leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.
Room rates in Cork rose 2% in 2013 to an average of €86. Prices in Limerick rose 2% in 2013 to an average of €68 per night. Despite this modest increase, Limerick remains Ireland’s most affordable destination.
Looking at the island of Ireland, prices in Belfast dipped 2% to an average of €89. Despite an overall increase in visitor numbers to Derry during its reign as UK City of Culture, prices in the Maiden City fell 4% to an average of €81 per night. The slight decrease in rates for both cities was mainly due to an improved exchange rate in the first half of 2013.
Figure 1: Average price per room per night in 2013 compared with 2012 across Ireland
| Destination |
2013 |
2012 |
% change |
| Killarney |
€106 |
€101 |
4% |
| Kilkenny |
€97 |
€95 |
2% |
| Dublin |
€96 |
€90 |
7% |
| Galway |
€96 |
€100 |
-4% |
| Belfast |
€89 |
€91 |
-2% |
| Cork |
€86 |
€85 |
2% |
| Sligo |
€83 |
€82 |
1% |
| Derry |
€81 |
€84 |
-4% |
| Limerick |
€68 |
€67 |
2% |
“Last year was a significant year for Irish tourism particularly in the capital with increased visitor numbers to Ireland from important markets such as the USA, Canada, Germany and France,” said Oliver Garner, Head of Marketing at Hotels.com.
“Dublin was a hub of activity in 2013 with festivals, sporting events and The Gathering all helping to drive demand in the city and this is reflected in the recovery of hotel prices in Dublin and across the board.”
“Dublin’s reputation as a great place for conferencing has significantly benefited hoteliers and, while prices have recovered somewhat, it’s important to bear in mind that we are coming from several years of several steep decline and Ireland still offers exceptional value for visitors both at home and abroad.”
The recovery in prices may yet boost the provision of additional accommodation in and around the city. This is considered to be an issue ahead of a potential bid to host the Rugby World Cup.
