For those not from Ireland there is one thing you should know; Ireland is expensive. The rapid growth in the Irish economy over the past ten years has seen prices for everything from property to pretzels increase dramatically. It’s something Irish people are begrudgingly getting very acquainted with but always comes as a shock to visitors. All this is before the “Ryder Cup effect” which looks like driving prices even higher for golf supporters hoping to visit the event.
With over 400 golf courses in the country, golf has always been a major draw for the Irish tourism market with 165,000+ golfing visitors alone last year. The latest tourism report has shown however that many of these visitors enjoyed the golf but felt it was not value for money. It is unlikely that feedback from the Ryder Cup visitors is going to change this perception.
Currently accommodation anywhere near the Ryder Cup venue at the K-Club in Co. Kildare is at a premium as any quick search on the internet will show. However those attempting to lease out their very ordinary houses for up to €30,000 in rent for the week are surely letting greed overtake the welcome Ireland should be famous for. This was a view backed up by Mr. John O’Donoghue the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in Ireland. At a recent conference he stated, “If people are going to be selfish and abuse the Ryder Cup to make a quick buck, they are damaging the image of Irish tourism and we don’t need that.”
Let’s all hope that the event will be a memorable one with good golf, good weather and good value for money for all concerned.
