Ireland — known for its lush green landscapes, castles, Guinness, and world-famous hospitality — is one of Europe’s most beloved destinations.
In 2024, Ireland welcomed around 11.3 million overseas visitors, a strong recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels (11.2 million in 2019).
Tourism remains a cornerstone of the Irish economy, generating billions in revenue and supporting communities across the island.
How Many Tourists Visit Ireland Each Day?
With 11.3 million visitors in 2024, Ireland received on average ~31,000 international tourists per day.
Combined with millions of domestic trips, the flow of travelers supports accommodation, food, culture, and transport sectors throughout the year.
How Many Tourists Visit Ireland Each Year?
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): 11.2M visitors.
- 2020–2021: Dropped below 3M due to border closures.
- 2022: 7.1M international arrivals.
- 2023: 9.7M arrivals.
- 2024: 11.3M arrivals (exceeding 2019 levels).
- 2025 (forecast): Expected ~11.8M–12M arrivals.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Ireland?
- In 2024, overseas visitors spent about €6.7 billion.
- Average spend per visitor: ~€590.
- Tourism accounts for ~4% of Ireland’s GDP.
- The sector supports ~260,000 jobs nationwide.
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.
Which Countries Visit Ireland the Most?
Ireland’s visitor base is dominated by nearby markets — particularly the UK, which alone supplies more than 40% of all international arrivals.
The US is the largest long-haul market, while continental Europe provides millions of visitors annually.
| Country | Visitors (2024 est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~4.9M | By far the largest market. |
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~2.1M | Biggest long-haul market. |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~800K | Strong adventure & culture travel. |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~720K | Easy access via ferry & flights. |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ~600K | Popular summer travel. |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | ~540K | Rising steadily. |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | ~480K | Strong short-break market. |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~300K | Growing steadily. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ~250K | Long-haul leisure + family visits. |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | ~200K | Short trips, cultural tourism. |
What Are the Most Visited Cities in Ireland?
Ireland’s cities combine history, culture, and nightlife.
Dublin dominates tourism with nearly half of all overseas arrivals spending time there, while Cork, Galway, and Limerick act as gateways to the Wild Atlantic Way and other scenic regions.
| City | Visitors (2024 est.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin | ~5.2M | Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College. |
| Cork | ~1.5M | English Market, gateway to southwest. |
| Galway | ~1.2M | Arts & festivals capital. |
| Limerick | ~800K | King John’s Castle, Shannon hub. |
| Kilkenny | ~600K | Medieval Mile. |
| Waterford | ~500K | Oldest city, Viking heritage. |
| Belfast (NI) | ~1.1M | Titanic Belfast, murals. |
| Derry/Londonderry (NI) | ~350K | Walled city, history. |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Ireland?
Ireland’s attractions highlight both heritage and natural beauty. The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin remains the #1 paid attraction, while natural wonders like the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway bring millions outdoors.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guinness Storehouse (Dublin) | ~1.5M | Ireland’s top paid attraction. |
| Cliffs of Moher (Clare) | ~1.6M | Iconic natural landmark. |
| Dublin Zoo | ~1.1M | Family favorite. |
| National Gallery of Ireland | ~900K | Free entry, cultural hub. |
| Kilmainham Gaol (Dublin) | ~550K | Historic prison museum. |
| Titanic Belfast (NI) | ~850K | Maritime heritage. |
| Giant’s Causeway (NI) | ~1M | UNESCO site. |
| Blarney Castle (Cork) | ~400K | Famous Blarney Stone. |
| Trinity College & Book of Kells | ~600K | Cultural icon. |
| Phoenix Park (Dublin) | Millions (free) | Europe’s largest city park. |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland? (Seasonality)
Ireland is a year-round destination, but seasonality impacts flows:
| Season | Visitor Trends | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Moderate | Blooming landscapes, St. Patrick’s Festival. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak | Festivals, long days, outdoor travel. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Moderate | Heritage Week, fewer crowds. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Low–Moderate | Christmas markets, cozy pubs. |
Influencer marketing is one of the most cost effective returns on investment.
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Ireland?
Events are central to Ireland’s tourism identity — from world-famous St. Patrick’s Festival to music and literary celebrations.
| Event | Location | Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Patrick’s Festival | Dublin & nationwide | ~500K in Dublin | Ireland’s global holiday. |
| Galway International Arts Festival | Galway | ~250K | Leading arts event. |
| Dublin Theatre Festival | Dublin | ~120K | Europe’s oldest theatre festival. |
| Cork Jazz Festival | Cork | ~40K | Iconic jazz event. |
| Fleadh Cheoil | Varies | ~500K+ | Traditional Irish music festival. |
| Belfast International Arts Festival | Belfast | ~100K | Cross-cultural showcase. |
| Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival | Clare | ~60K | Famous cultural event. |
| Kilkenny Cat Laughs (Comedy) | Kilkenny | ~30K | Comedy festival. |
It is positive to see that overseas tourism spend so far in 2024 has grown by +13% compared to the same period in 2023, with Mainland Europe, Great Britain and North America all demonstrating revenue growth … This growth is vital for the tourism industry, at a time when cost inflation means margins are tight.
How Much Money Does Ireland Make from Tourism?
- €6.7B overseas visitor spending in 2024.
- Tourism contributes ~4% of GDP.
- 260,000+ jobs supported by the sector.
- Ireland consistently ranks in the top 20 most-visited countries in Europe.
FAQ – Ireland Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Ireland each year?
Around 11.3 million international visitors in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers.
Which country sends the most tourists to Ireland?
The United Kingdom, with ~4.9 million visitors.
What is the most visited attraction in Ireland?
The Cliffs of Moher and the Guinness Storehouse, each attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually.
What is the best time to visit Ireland?
Summer (June–August) for festivals and long days, but spring and autumn offer fewer crowds.
Is Ireland expensive for tourists?
Yes — accommodation and dining in Dublin can be pricey, but rural Ireland offers better value.
What type of tourism is Ireland known for?
Heritage tourism, literary tourism, and nature-based experiences (Wild Atlantic Way, Causeway Coast).
Sources
- Tourism Ireland — Tourism Ireland launches 2025 marketing plans (Alice Mansergh quote)
- Tourism Ireland — Comment on overseas tourism figures Jan–Nov 2024 (Alice Mansergh quote)
- Fáilte Ireland — Fáilte Ireland announces ambitious 2025 plans (Paul Kelly quote)
- ITIC – Irish Tourism Industry Confederation — Year-End 2024 & Outlook 2025 (industry performance & forecasts)
- CSO – Central Statistics Office Ireland — Overseas Travel (arrivals, spend, purpose of trip)
- Guinness Storehouse — Press & visitor information (paid attraction attendance)
- Cliffs of Moher — Press & media (annual visitor numbers)
- Dublin Zoo — News & updates (attendance figures)
- National Gallery of Ireland — Press office (visitor statistics & reports)
- Titanic Belfast — Press & media (visitor numbers and milestones)
- National Trust – Giant’s Causeway — Visitor information & annual highlights (UNESCO site)
- Trinity College Dublin – Book of Kells — Visitor information & museum updates
- Blarney Castle & Gardens — News & visitor updates
- OPW – Office of Public Works — Heritage sites & annual reports (incl. Phoenix Park & key sites)
0 Comment