Ireland’s Tourism Sector Rises to the Challenge of Climate Change with a Robust New Adaptation Plan Aimed at Ensuring Resilience and Future Growth

Published on November 25, 2025

Ireland’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, is facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change. As the industry contributes billions in revenue and supports over 228,000 jobs, the risks posed by a rapidly changing climate threaten its stability. In response, Ireland has launched its first-ever Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan (SAP), a critical step in safeguarding the future of the sector against the growing environmental threats.

Tourism: An Economic Powerhouse

Tourism is one of Ireland’s most important industries, contributing significantly to both the economy and local communities. In 2024, the country attracted 6.6 million international visitors, generating approximately €8.2 billion in revenue, with an additional €3.6 billion from domestic tourism. This thriving sector drives business for hotels, restaurants, cultural venues, and tour operators, all of which depend on a steady influx of visitors.

However, the industry’s reliance on natural landscapes, heritage sites, and key infrastructure makes it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Ireland’s scenic coastlines, historical landmarks, and outdoor attractions, which are major draws for tourists, face increasing threats from rising sea levels, more intense storms, and changing weather patterns. The SAP seeks to address these risks while ensuring the continued success of Ireland’s tourism sector.

Key Climate Risks to Ireland’s Tourism

The Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan identifies several critical climate risks that could harm Ireland’s tourism industry. These include:

• Flooding: Many of Ireland’s tourism assets, such as accommodations, attractions, and infrastructure, are located near rivers or coastlines, making them vulnerable to flooding. Increased rainfall, rising sea levels, and more frequent storms pose a serious threat to these areas, potentially leading to significant damage to infrastructure and disrupting access to key tourist destinations.
• Coastal Erosion: Ireland’s dramatic coastlines, including popular sites like the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way, are particularly susceptible to coastal erosion. Rising sea levels and stronger storms could accelerate the erosion process, causing irreversible damage to these iconic landscapes and the heritage sites that draw millions of visitors each year.
• Extreme Weather Events: The growing frequency of storms and extreme weather events poses a direct threat to both natural and built tourism assets. Destructive storms could damage historic sites, ruin walking trails, and disrupt travel infrastructure, affecting the ability of tourists to visit these destinations.

While these risks are daunting, the SAP also highlights the potential for Ireland to adapt and even benefit from a changing climate.

Climate Change: Risks and Opportunities

The SAP acknowledges the challenges but also points to opportunities presented by a warming climate. For example, Ireland may see warmer and drier summers in the coming decades, which could extend the tourist season. A more favorable climate could lead to higher demand for outdoor activities, creating new opportunities for tourism businesses and generating increased revenue.

However, this shift in climate brings with it a new set of challenges. Longer, hotter summers could lead to water shortages, affecting both tourism businesses and local communities. The risk of wildfires, while previously rare in Ireland, could also increase as drought conditions become more common. Additionally, the SAP warns that while warmer weather may attract more tourists, the increase in rainfall during autumn and winter could create other problems, such as infrastructure damage and decreased interest in outdoor activities during the off-peak seasons.

A Comprehensive Strategy for Adaptation

The SAP sets out a range of strategies to help the tourism sector adapt to climate change. Key initiatives include:

• Localized flood risk assessments: Communities and tourism operators will be encouraged to assess their own vulnerability to flooding and develop strategies to mitigate risks, such as enhancing flood defenses and improving water management systems.
• Nature-based Solutions: These solutions aim to harness the power of natural environments to protect against climate impacts. Initiatives such as restoring wetlands, planting coastal vegetation, and using natural barriers can help reduce the effects of erosion and flooding.
• Heritage Conservation Programs: Ireland’s rich cultural and natural heritage is central to its tourism appeal. The SAP emphasizes the importance of protecting heritage sites from climate change through conservation efforts and restoration programs, ensuring they remain viable attractions for future generations.
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure, including roads, railways, and tourism facilities, is key to ensuring that Ireland remains accessible to visitors. Upgrading infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events will help minimize disruptions to tourism operations.

Sceilg Mhichíl: A Case Study in Resilience

Sceilg Mhichíl, a UNESCO World Heritage site located off the coast of County Kerry, provides a powerful example of the intersection of climate change and heritage tourism. The island, known for its ancient monastic ruins and stunning natural beauty, faces significant threats from rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events.

The recent Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) for Sceilg Mhichíl highlights the potential risks to the site, including damage to its historic structures, erosion of the island’s landscape, and threats to local wildlife due to changing ocean conditions. However, the site has demonstrated resilience thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, including monitoring rockfall risks and improving access to the island.

The SAP encourages the use of Sceilg Mhichíl as a model for climate adaptation. Lessons learned from the site’s ongoing efforts can inform broader strategies for preserving other heritage sites across Ireland while ensuring they remain attractive to tourists.

A Path Forward for Ireland’s Tourism Industry

The Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan represents a critical first step in securing the future of Ireland’s tourism sector in the face of climate change. The plan calls for action from all stakeholders, from local businesses to government agencies, to collaborate on creating a climate-resilient tourism industry. By taking proactive measures now, Ireland can protect its iconic landscapes and heritage sites, while continuing to attract millions of visitors each year.

The road ahead will require innovation, investment, and cooperation, but by building resilience into the tourism sector, Ireland can ensure that it remains a top destination for generations to come. Climate change poses a serious challenge, but with the right strategies in place, Ireland’s tourism industry can adapt and continue to thrive in an uncertain future.