Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Come along with Study Abroad student, Logan Miyasaki, as she adventures through one of the gems of Limerick, the International Rugby Experience.

Aloha or Hello! My name is Logan and I am from Hawaiʻi in the United States. Currently, I am coming to the end of my time here in Ireland as I am only here for the Spring 2024 semester. This has been an experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world because I have been able to learn so much about myself and the world around me. During my time here at the University of Limerick, one of my favorite experiences in Limerick City has been going to the International Rugby Experience: Home of Legends.

When I first arrived in Limerick, I had no idea what the city had to offer which I guess was partly due to my nervousness in regards to living in a new country. After the orientation week however, I was able to adjust a little better and even decided to become a Global Ambassador for the university. It was at the first meeting where I first learned about the rugby museum and from then on, it was my mission to be able to go and experience this part of County Limerick.

Before going to the museum, I was a little skeptical that I would understand a lot of the exhibits because I didn’t know anything about the game. My only connection to the sport was through my friends who play rugby but that was about it. Overall, the rules confused me and while I had watched parts of games before, the plays and calls always left me scratching my head. Regardless, I was determined to experience it for myself.

My friend and I decided to take a trip to the museum on a Friday afternoon after our classes were finished. We took the 304 bus from the Stables bus stop on campus all the way to Sexton Street and walked about 5 minutes from there. Tickets to enter were €17.50.

When you enter, there is a video that is projected onto the walls of the room. I guess I expected for the video to be on the front wall only and to be sort of like a documentary or informational piece but I found it to be a lot more immersive and exciting. It feels like you are surrounded by people who love the game which really enhanced my experience throughout.

The museum area itself has a lot of different artifacts with blurbs like any other museum with the addition of interactive screens and areas where you can choose what you want to read, watch, or listen to. If you are bored with one story and are really interested in another, you are able to easily switch between the different options. I really enjoyed the parts of the exhibits where players themselves were talking about their own experiences playing the game and how they got to where they are now. It made it more real and important to see their faces or hear their voices rather than having to read a short impersonal blurb.

The most exciting part of the museum though is the interactive floor. It is located on the 3rd floor and is an area that allows you to test out your rugby skills through four sets of skill based exercises. After each exercise, you are awarded a score that is later added up to give you your ideal position if you were to be on a rugby team. It also has a skill breakdown along with legendary players who are similar to your results.

While I cannot claim to excel at these activities, they were extremely fun and it was the first time in my life that I was able to participate in games in a museum-like environment. It made the whole experience a lot more enjoyable and I was able to brag to my rugby friends afterward about how good of a player I would be.

While I cannot claim to excel at these activities, they were extremely fun and it was the first time in my life that I was able to participate in games in a museum-like environment. It made the whole experience a lot more enjoyable and I was able to brag to my rugby friends afterward about how good of a player I would be.