Eoghan O’Mara Walsh: Thriving Irish tourism cannot be taken for granted

Capacity constraints are a concern — Dublin Airport has effectively reached its passenger ceiling. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

Ireland’s tourism industry demonstrated remarkable resilience this year despite domestic cost challenges and geopolitical upheaval, and resilience is likely to have to be on display again in 2024.

Once again, the industry underpinned its role as Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and biggest regional employer with a remarkable 254,000 people working in tourism and hospitality businesses.