How Many Tourists Visit Dublin Each Year? [Dublin Tourism Statistics]

Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital, combines historic landmarks with modern culture, music, and nightlife.

In 2024, Ireland welcomed ~6.6 million overseas visitors, spending around €6.2 billion, up over 5% from 2023.

Dublin is the main gateway and hosts the majority of these tourists, generating billions in revenue and sustaining thousands of jobs.

Key Stats: Dublin Tourism

• 🌍 ~6.6 million overseas visitors in 2024 to Ireland, spending over €6 billion, marking a solid recovery from pandemic lows.
• 📉 Although visitor numbers rose, total nights stayed by overseas tourists dropped ~3%, suggesting shorter stays or more day visits.
• 🏙️ In Dublin, tourism supports ~68,000 jobs, and in 2019 the city welcomed ~8.6 million visitors, ~77% from overseas.
• ✈️ Dublin Airport saw ~34.62 million passengers in 2024, an increase from previous year, underlining Dublin’s role as a major travel hub.
• 📅 For December 2024: ~390,700 foreign visitors, about €328.6 million spent (excluding fares), ~3.9 million nights, average stay ~9.9 nights.
• 💶 In May 2025: ~560,500 foreign overnight visitors, spending ~€477 million, staying ~4.1 million nights; average stay ~7.3 nights.

💡 Expert Insight — Alice Mansergh, CEO of Tourism Ireland
“Overseas tourism to the island of Ireland delivered an estimated €7 billion in revenue in 2024 – up over +10% on 2023 – and, importantly, helped to sustain around 300,000 jobs.”

How Many Tourists Visit Dublin Each Year?

Dublin welcomes millions of overseas visitors annually, with 2019 estimates at ~6.6 million.

• Ireland overall: ~6.6M overseas visitors in 2024 (+5% vs 2023).
• In 2019, ~6.6M overseas tourists visited Dublin itself, highlighting the city’s dominance.

How Much Do Visitors Spend in Dublin and Ireland?

Overseas tourists spent ~€6.2 billion in Ireland in 2024, and Dublin captures a large share.

• 2024 overseas spend: ~€6.2B (excluding fares).
• 2019 Dublin alone: ~€2.2B.
• Tourism remains a major driver of Ireland’s economy and employment.

💡 Expert Insight — Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland
“Businesses haven’t been able to put their prices up by as much as the input costs have come in … so we have seen that the profit margins have been squeezed so that’s a real challenge that businesses face.”

Where Do Most Visitors to Dublin Come From?

Great Britain leads, followed by the U.S. and European countries.

• December 2024 inbound shares:
  • Great Britain ~43.6%
  • U.S. ~12.3%
  • Spain/Portugal ~7.2%

Dublin, as the entry point, captures the majority of these markets.

How Long Do Visitors Stay in Dublin?

Average overseas stays are long (9.9 nights across Ireland), but Dublin trips are shorter.

• Ireland average (Dec 2024): ~9.9 nights.
• Dublin Airbnb stays: ~4.2 nights; occupancy ~73%.

What Are Some Key Accommodation & Booking Trends in Dublin?

Hotels, Airbnbs, and guesthouses all report strong demand.

• ~4,400 active Airbnb listings in Dublin (2023–24).
• Average Airbnb nightly rate: €147.
• Booking groups: ~2.8 people; 73% occupancy.

💡 Expert Insight — Dublin Activity Provider (Fáilte Ireland Barometer 2025)
“We are positive we will have a good year this year. Last year there was a lot of extra expense, but with our new premises set up we are hoping to see the rise in profit for us this year.”

What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Dublin?

Top draws include Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, and historic cathedrals.

• Dublin Zoo: over 1M annual visitors.
• Guinness Storehouse: ~1.7M visitors annually (pre-pandemic baseline, still among top sites).
• Other favorites: Trinity College Library (Book of Kells), St Patrick’s Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol, National Gallery.

How Is Dublin Marketing Tourism?

Digital campaigns and influencer marketing are key tools.

💡 Expert Insight — Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland
“Influencer marketing is one of the most cost effective returns on investment.”

This strategy helps keep Dublin competitive globally, particularly with younger travelers.

What Are the Big Challenges & Trends for Dublin Tourism?

Capacity, airport limits, and pricing pressures are shaping Dublin’s tourism outlook.

• Dublin Airport passenger cap is viewed as a barrier to growth.
• Accommodation supply is tight, keeping prices high.
• Businesses face margin pressures despite strong visitor numbers.

FAQ – Dublin Tourism Insights

How many overseas visitors did Ireland receive in 2024?
~6.6 million.

How much did they spend?
~€6.2B excluding fares.

What is Dublin’s share of these visitors?
Dublin attracts the majority, with 2019 baseline at ~6.6M visitors and €2.2B spend.

Where do most visitors come from?
Great Britain, U.S., Spain, and wider Europe.

How long do visitors stay?
~9.9 nights across Ireland, ~4.2 nights average in Dublin.

What are the top attractions?
Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, Trinity College, cathedrals, and Kilmainham Gaol.

Sources

1. Tourism Ireland — Tourism Ireland on 2024 overseas visitor figures
2. ITIC — Irish Tourism Industry Confederation Year End Review 2024–25
3. CSO Ireland — Inbound Tourism December 2024
4. Failte Ireland — Dublin Tourism Facts (2019 baseline)
5. Airbtics — Dublin Airbnb Tourism Data 2023–24
6. Failte Ireland — Fáilte Ireland Barometer January 2025 (quotes from Dublin businesses)
7. O’Shea Accountants — Positive Outlook for Tourism in 2025 (Paul Kelly quote)