Tourism in Ireland Grows Big in October, But Visitor Spending Drops

Published on November 28, 2025

Ireland’s tourism industry continued recovering with the arrival of 568,900 visitors in October, which is a year-on-year increase of 4%. While it is the second month in a row the industry is growing, our visitors have been spending less in the country, which is a concerning gap in economic activity within the sector. This is the headwind the industry now faces, and it is growing by the month. This is especially concerning as spending in the country directly correlates with the positive growth in the industry.

The increasing number of tourists can be attributed to Ireland’s multifaceted appeal, which includes the variety of attractions the country offers along with its enticing cultural history and the charm of its urban areas, natural landscapes, and historical significant places, which remain ever so popular. The country welcomes numerous international visitors every year to visit its major cities including Dublin, Galway, Cork and to enjoy its natural attractions like the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry. Furthermore, the Ireland sodality and the flowing celebrations make the country irreplaceable for global travelers.

The 4% increase in visitors is also indicative of the persistent global interest in European destinations. With the rising number of visitors to Ireland from the UK, the USA, and other European nations close to Ireland, its geographical position is favorable. Ireland boasts 3 major international airports in Dublin, Shannon, and Cork which also enhances its appeal.

Decline in Tourism Revenue

October 2024 revealed an anomaly in the trend of tourism spending in Ireland, which saw a significant decrease in revenue despite a rising tourist count. Overall, international travelers’ spending in the country dropped, which is the result of a change in the traditional travel spending model. CSO reports that compared to last year, travelers in Ireland spent less on lodging, food, transport, and other tourism related expenditures.

Several reasons can explain this decrease in spending. From an economic standpoint, both globally and within Ireland, there may be economic conditions at play resulting in less discretionary income for travelers and, thus, less spending overall. Moreover, the higher cost of living in Ireland, coupled with the steep prices of certain goods and services—such as lodging and meals—may have resulted in visitors budgeting and, thus, spending less overall during their trip.

Shifts in spending for certain services may also correlate with an ongoing decline in tourism spending. More travelers are choosing shorter stays and budget accommodations, and this trend may explain the lowered overall spending. Along these lines, rather than spending on entertainment, shopping, and other discretionary activities, travelers may simply be choosing to focus their spending on essential services.

Ireland Tourism’s Key Markets

The key international markets have had the most positive impact on the increasing number of visitors. The UK continues to be among Ireland’s largest source of tourists. The demand for travel to and from these neighboring markets is very high. The close geographical distance, ease of travel, and shared culture also provide reasons as to why the UK is an important source of visitors to Ireland.

To understand the significance of the US market for the tourism growth for Ireland, one must know the American tourist profile. The US market has a strong presence in the tourism sector, where American tourists travel to Ireland in large droves to appreciate the country’s diverse history, rich heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. The strong marketing campaigns aimed towards the American tourists, and the increased volume of direct flights to the US, has resulted in an increased tourism flow to Ireland.

With the new and ongoing developments in the European Union, including increased border-free travel, tourism from surrounding European states, including Germany, France, and Spain, has continued to flow to Ireland. The strong and direct flight connections between Ireland and the major European cities, together with Ireland’s positioned reputation of being an ideal short-haul travel destination, has greatly sustained the tourism market.

Reasons for the Slowdown in Visitor Spend.

Many of the economic factors that have resulted in a slowdown in tourism to Ireland have stemmed from the ongoing economic challenges, including rising costs of living. This has resulted in increased pricing of basic commodities, including for visitors to the country and to get their accommodations. The increased pricing for the basic amenities results in a slowdown in tourism spending.

Furthermore, uncertainties regarding the economy, inflation, and the effects of the post-pandemic recovery period will most likely influence visitor spending behavior. A considerate portion of travelers may spend more cautiously, prioritizing budget-friendly options such as Ireland’s complimentary outdoor activities or shorter stays.

The adaptation to budget-friendly travel patterns means Ireland’s tourism industry will need to implement changes. Accommodation and tourism activity providers, along with the restaurant sector, will have to find strategies to improve cost efficiencies while sustaining quality service in order to draw patronage from constrained travelers.

Projections for the Tourism Sector in Ireland

The increase in tourism arrivals and overall visitor spending will be more positively received in Ireland. Tourism in Ireland will be supported by both the domestic and local economy. Ongoing collaborative efforts to enhance visibility in the tourism sector will advertise Ireland as a year-round destination, assisting in the promotion of off-peak attractions along with those often overlooked.

The optimistic outlook for the tourism sector in Ireland demonstrates the sustained interest in the country as a travel destination, driven by growth in overseas visitation and the potential positive impacts from future investment directed toward tourism infrastructure and its marketing and sustainability.

Conclusion

There is a 4% growth in visitor arrivals in Ireland for the month of October 2024, yet the tourism sector is also experiencing a simultaneous downturn in the growth of tourism expenditure, resulting in a mixed performance for this month. The growth in arrivals funnels through a robust demand for travel across Ireland, embracing the many travel purposes for its culture and nature. The weaker growth in tourism expenditure is symptomatic of demand-side restraints stemming from the cost of living crisis, and possible demand withdrawal, for travel. Ireland’s tourism sector in the future will encounter the same structural challenges to adapt to as other tourism sectors worldwide.