The FAI confirmed on Monday that they will form part of a five-association bid to host the European Championships in 2028.
CEO Jonathan Hill announced the bid as part of the FAI's 'the vision is to unite the country in relation to football' as he rebuilds the association's reputation following the exit of his disgraced predecessor John Delaney.
The five associations - the FAI and Irish FA along with the English, Welsh and Scottish FAs - had originally looked to bid for the World Cup in 2030.
With that tournament looking like expanding to 48 teams - and the English FA's reputation tarnished following ugly scenes at the Euro 2020 final in Wembley - the focus has narrowed.
The five-association bid looks the most likely to be awarded the finals in 2028, with the main competition a Turkish bid and a combined Romania, Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria tilt.
But what do the Dublin public think about plans to host part of the third-biggest international sports tournament on the planet, on the FAI and government's euro?
"I definitely it's a good idea. I think it would be brilliant for tourism," said one man interviewed by Dublin Live roving reporter Robbie Kane.
"Irish people love sport in general, so it would be brilliant to get a proper international tournament here.
"I think people would get behind it and I think it would be fantastic for Ireland and Dublin in general."
The effect the bid would have on tourism was a recurring theme for those in favour of the bid, which would see people from all over the continent descend on Dublin over a few weeks.
In the Aviva, Ireland has a ready-made stadium without 50,000+ capacity for soccer and any extra games would be a boon for the Dublin 4 economy.
"I think it's a great idea because it promotes tourism, and that's always a great boost for the country," said a local woman.
"I think it would be a good uplift for everyone in the country to have it. Everyone loves a tournament, a good Euros, and if we definitely qualify because of it, all the better."
Another local woman said:"I think it's a great idea - it will be good for tourism and it would be great to see Ireland in and competing against countries around the world."
Whether Ireland at a home Euros could give Irish rugby a run for its money is another story, however. "Not in Ballsbridge anyway," she laughed.
The fact Ireland already have a purpose-built football stadium - albeit one leased from the IRFU - means Ireland at least won't have to build a new stadium.
If the Irish bid is to encompass two stadiums in Ireland, Croke Park could well be the backup option - unless there's a plan to build a second football ground.
A British resident in Ireland said: "I think it's a great idea they're doing it jointly, especially being a British guy in Ireland. I've been here for three years now, so it's a great idea."
Said another local resident: "I don't think it's a bad idea - I don't know what else we're going to spend [the money] on. We're probably not going to get the final though."
Attitudes towards the tournament weren't universally positive, however, with one resident with a background in professional sport questioning the reasoning.
"I think it's a great thing to see major championships in Ireland. I've worked in professional sport so it's great to see Ireland on the map," said the man.
"But as a lad who grew up in the mess that was Limerick football through decades, to see Treaty United back, an investment in League of Ireland football probably makes more sense.
"Then we'll actually see an improvement in the national team because our players will be better."
Another man said: "I reckon the money should go elsewhere. I think the money should go back into the economy to help people after the pandemic to get their finances back up."
Another local man far more scathing in his assessment, and suggested the FAI have been brought in on a bid designed to massage the English FA's reputation.
"The money definitely should be spent more on grassroots Irish football, the League of Ireland and the right structures, junior sides," he said.
"This bid is a dressed-up England bid meant to make the English look better after what happened last year with the final and all the different problems they created themselves.
"So think it's something we shouldn't have anything to do with."
The Euro 2020 final between England and Italy was marred by ugly scenes as the ticketless fans fought with stewards and gained access to Wembley Stadium.
England missed out on the hosting rights to the World Cup in 2022 and the fiasco in Wembley would not have done their chances of hosting future events any favours.
The final word went to a GAA fan, who suggested that even if Ireland were at the event, it would just be an excuse for a drinking session.
"I think we'll only get here if it's by hosting it. I'm a GAA man, not a soccer man, but money is a big topic. Everybody wants houses.
"Everybody wants stuff to do with the economy, but playing football in the Aviva with a lot of people that love the football... more people would be interested in going on the piss!
"I don't think you'd get anybody here going to the football match but, whether we make it or not, you're going to come across questions on whether the money could be used better elsewhere."
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