GAA supporters from Mayo, Kildare, Clare and Roscommon have been left aghast by hotel prices in Dublin ahead of Saturday's double-header at Croke Park.
Clare and Roscommon are first up at 3.45 while Mayo and Kildare will throw-in at 6 as round two of the qualifiers gets underway.
But at the time of writing, prices on Booking.com for two people to stay this Saturday night ranged from €267 to €940, reports Dublin Live.
Most prices were in between the €300 to €400 mark for one night.
Those travelling to the capital were shocked by how much it is to stay overnight.
One person tweeted: “So for two nights in Dublin next weekend watching Mayo vs Kildare.
“It would be cheaper to fly to Spain for seven days full board and watch it, would cost me around €1000.
“RIP of the Republic indeed.”
Someone replied: “And that's exactly what you should do. Skip Ireland, fly to Spain.
“Under no circumstances should you have to pay that and that's part of the problem. People do pay and as long as they do, this price hike will continue.”
Another said: “Same story over Dublin Pride. Going to stay in Belfast and spend my money here.”
A third added: “Same story with the Leinster hurling final last weekend. 7pm throw in meaning families with young kids would have no option but to stay at home or else pay a small fortune for a family room for the night.
“Small crowd meant the atmosphere was very poor.”
Meanwhile other people are putting the blame on the GAA, government and hospitality industry.
One said: “The GAA have a lot to answer for. Mayo vs Kildare and Roscommon vs Clare could have been played at different neutral venues. Bringing teams to a half empty stadium is ridiculous.
Someone tweeted: “The ‘hospitality’ industry may live to regret their grab all strategy. Whinging for VAT and Government support for ‘staycations’ when they needed us locals during the pandemic.
“They're now turning Ireland into an elitist high cost destination, OK, we'll go sun seeking instead.
“Another reason many games involving non Dublin counties should be played in the regions.”
Dublin Live has contacted the GAA and Booking.com for comment.
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
