Bantry Bay is set to be used as a playground for the ultra-wealthy and their superyachts during next year’s Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.
The major golf event is being held in Limerick in September 2027, and countless plans are already underway to accommodate attendees.
This week, the Port of Cork held meetings with representatives of yachting charter companies in Miami to outline their Bantry vision for the tournament.
From September 13 to September 19 next year, private helicopter transfers are primed to bring wealthy attendees to Adare Manor and back to Bantry Bay each day.
Ryder Cup matchday tickets went on sale in Ireland last Friday, selling out in less than an hour despite costing €499 each.
Adare Manor will be hosting the centenary event of the golfing showpiece, which is set to attract superrich attendees from the world of business and entertainment.
A heliport will be running at the golf course for the tournament, facilitating as many as 600 helicopter trips every day.
Port of Cork Company commercial manager David Browne recently attended the Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, which attracted 12,500 attendees from 125 countries.
Browne has held discussions with Debora Radtke, founder and president of American Yacht Agents, which handles luxury shoreside and concierge services.
Browne told the Irish Examiner: ‘We have seen great interest from the representative groups in the US.
‘There’s adequate space in Bantry Bay inlet, making it ideal for owners and charters of these superyachts, and there’s huge interest in these global sporting events – think of Monaco for the F1.
‘Money isn’t an object and sourcing tickets isn’t an object for them. We can provide the water reception.’
He explained that Adare Manor is just 25 minutes by helicopter from Bantry, which avoids traffic and crowds.
Bantry already has a privately-owned airstrip, though Port of Cork authorities have had positive discussions with the owners.
Meanwhile, Bantry Bay is large enough itself that no limit would be needed on how many superyachts it could accommodate during the Ryder Cup.
Both the inner and outer harbours will be available as required.
