GAA fans face high hotel prices in capital for All-Ireland semi-final replay

GAA fans travelling to Dublin for Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-final replay between Mayo and Kerry will have to dig deep into their pockets for a coveted hotel room.

An online trawl of prices at leading city centre hotels yesterday reveals that the average cost of a two-night stay in a double or twin room for two people at three and four-star hotels on Saturday and Sunday nights will cost between €300 and €400.

And rooms are being snapped up quickly as availability is in short supply for what the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) called one of the busiest weekends of the year.

Along with the replay on Saturday and the All-Ireland semi-final showdown between Dublin and Tyrone on Sunday, the Dalkey Lobster Festival is being held this weekend as well as the Ukulele Hooley in Dún Laoghaire and the Dublin City Triathlon at the Phoenix Park on Sunday.

“Typically, over 80pc of room bookings are made well in advance (weeks if not months) especially for the summer season and represent excellent value. It is generally the final 10pc of room stock that would experience noticeable movement towards the registered public rates – which is the rate displayed at hotel receptions,” an IHF spokeswoman said.

“The Irish Hotels Federation recommends that people do not rely on just one source when comparing accommodation prices. It is also advisable for people to check hotels’ own websites, and to contact the hotels directly where better rates may be available.”