A major new development opportunity beside the Aviva Stadium could reshape the Lansdowne Road skyline while creating a valuable long-term income stream for Irish rugby. The IRFU is seeking a development partner for Lansdowne Quarter, a proposed hotel and residential scheme in one of Dublin’s best-connected locations.
IRFU seeks partner for Lansdowne Quarter
The Irish Rugby Football Union has invited expressions of interest from experienced developers and operators to design, build, finance and run the project. The opportunity is being offered through a long-term ground lease, while the IRFU will retain ownership of the freehold site.
The proposed Lansdowne Quarter scheme includes:
- A 257-key hotel
- 77 residential apartments
- Food and beverage facilities
- Conference and event space
The site is being brought to the market without planning permission. That gives the successful partner scope to develop the final design, layout and operating model in response to planning requirements, market conditions and the character of the surrounding area.
Aviva Stadium location offers strong visitor demand
The proposed development is directly adjacent to the Aviva Stadium, one of the most important venues in Ireland sports. Since opening in 2010, the stadium has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and hosted over 330 events, according to the IRFU.
International rugby and football matches, concerts and other major events create a broad visitor base for a nearby hotel. The site also benefits from its proximity to the RDS and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, helping to support year-round demand from domestic and international guests.
For visitors attending Ireland rugby fixtures, football matches or major concerts, accommodation within walking distance of the venue could offer a particularly attractive proposition. The location may also appeal to event organisers seeking conference, hospitality and food services close to Dublin’s main employment and entertainment districts.
Corporate and transport links strengthen the proposal
Lansdowne Road sits close to Ballsbridge, Grand Canal Dock and Dublin Docklands, where many major employers are based. The nearby DART station provides direct links towards Dublin city centre and surrounding suburbs, while the area is also served by established retail, restaurant and leisure amenities.
Herbert Park, Sandymount Strand and the wider Ballsbridge area add to the appeal for hotel guests, residents and corporate visitors. The combination of event traffic, business demand and transport access is central to the project’s investment case.
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Residential element targets Dublin 4 demand
The 77-unit apartment element would add new homes in a highly sought-after part of Dublin. The IRFU says the site is positioned within one of the capital’s strongest residential markets, with access to employment hubs, public transport and established amenities.
Its proximity to Meta’s European headquarters and other international companies in the Docklands may support demand from professionals working nearby. The final mix, design and delivery of the apartments will depend on the planning and development proposal put forward by the selected partner.
IRFU expects long-term benefit for the game
CBRE has been appointed to manage the process and seek proposals from developers and operators in Ireland and internationally. CBRE representatives described the site as a rare opportunity to deliver a mixed-use scheme beside a major stadium, with flexibility around planning and design.
For the IRFU, the project is about more than developing land. The organisation intends to retain ownership while the successful partner funds the construction and operation of the scheme. Lease income would then create a new long-term revenue source for Irish rugby.
IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts said the income would be invested across all levels of the game in Ireland. That could support the wider rugby structure, from elite and professional programmes to grassroots clubs, coaching, youth development and community participation.
The organisation also highlighted the potential contribution to Dublin’s future growth through additional hotel capacity and new homes. Any proposal will need to balance commercial ambition with the scale, design and established identity of the surrounding neighbourhood.
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What happens next?
The next stage is the search for a development partner capable of delivering the project from design and finance through to construction and operation. Planning permission has not yet been secured, so the eventual scheme may change before any work begins.
Nevertheless, Lansdowne Quarter represents one of the most significant commercial opportunities linked to a major Irish sporting venue in recent years. Its progress will be closely watched by the property sector, Dublin residents and rugby supporters interested in how future rental income could strengthen the game nationwide.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby Football Union
