Developed at a landmark Cherrywood site, the arena will include two Olympic-sized ice rinks, event capacity for 6,000 seated or 8,000 standing spectators, and a conference venue accommodating 1,500 guests. Prime Arena is set to become a lasting hub for Irish winter sports, providing the nation’s first permanent ice rinks and a dedicated training centre for athletes of all levels. It will also host Ireland’s first professional ice hockey team.
Designed by DMOD Architects in collaboration with a specialist team, the arena will deliver major social, economic, and cultural benefits to the region. Its sustainable design draws inspiration from Cherrywood’s heritage and offers striking views of the Wicklow Mountains.
Dermot Rigley, founder and CEO of Prime Arena Holdings, calls his plan for Ireland’s first winter sports arena in Dublin “a once-in-a-generation project.” The €190 million development planned for Cherrywood in south Dublin aims to transform winter sports, ice hockey, and major events in the capital.
Prime Arena Holdings Limited, which is financing the project, says it has agreed to buy the site from US real estate company Hines, who are currently developing 1,300 apartments in the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone. An independent economic review by Professor Tony Foley of DCU Business School suggests the arena "could add €298 million a year to the Irish economy, create over 2,409 jobs, and generate about 237,000 tourist bed nights annually".
