Irish soccer fans bring spending boost to Prague

• 400% increase in spending by Irish consumers in Prague

27 March 2026: In the build‑up to the World Cup Playoff game against Czechia (25th and 26th March), Irish consumer spending in Prague surged by almost 400% compared with the same period last year, Bank of Ireland’s debit and credit card spending data has shown.

Predictably, bars saw the largest boost. Spending in Prague bars by Irish visitors was up 4,400% for those two days compared to the same period last year. Restaurant spending was up 690%, accommodation spending up 260%, transport up 150% and retail spending up over 80%. Meanwhile, some fans opted for more cultural pursuits, with spending on tourist attractions and exhibits up 107%.

As anticipation mounted in the build-up to the game, Durty Nellys, The Dubliner and The Irish Times Bar were among the most active for card spending by Irish fans. The biggest increase in spend came from 18 – 25 year olds, followed by 26 – 35 year olds.

Discussing the pre-match spending, Gerardo Larios Rizo, Head of Hospitality Sector, Bank of Ireland said: “Between the singing, sightseeing and extensive bar‑hopping, Irish supporters gave the local economy in Prague a serious lift this week. While the players did the country proud in term of their commitment and energy on the pitch, the fans certainly played their part in ensuring Irish visitors will receive a warm welcome from Prague businesses into the future.”