Visitor numbers to Ireland drop sharply as tourists weigh their travel choices

Cost a factor for overseas visitors planning trip to Ireland, tourism body said

Figures from the Central Statistics Office show some 338,900 foreign visitors completed a trip to Ireland in January, below 2024 and 2023 levels. Picture: Press 22

The number of tourists visiting Ireland fell sharply in January, down 25% compared to January 2024.

Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show some 338,900 foreign visitors completed a trip to Ireland in January, below 2024 and 2023 levels. It meant visitor spending, excluding air fares, was also down, dropping 27.9% to €214m.

Foreign visitors decrease 25.0% in January 2025https://t.co/PUMwBXg4kY#CSOIreland #Ireland #Tourism #Travel #Holidays #LoveIreland #OverseasTravel #AirAndSeaTravel #Aviation #InboundTourism #HouseholdTravel #TravelSurvey pic.twitter.com/3qF2qJQIxd

— Central Statistics Office Ireland (@CSOIreland) February 27, 2025

The largest contingent of visitors came from Great Britain (44.1%), and the second largest came from the United States (12.7%). Recent CSO data shows tourism numbers for all of last year were up 5% on the previous year but December had seen a noticeable drop. This trend has now continued into 2025.

Tourism Ireland said the Dublin Airport passenger cap remained in place for the winter season and had reduced air access to the island of Ireland from key inbound visitor markets, such as Great Britain and the United States. It said reduced capacity could also put upward pressure on pricing.

"Cost remains a consideration for overseas consumers planning trips to Ireland," the agency said in a statement. "In an environment of macroeconomic uncertainty, it is likely that consumers are carefully weighing their travel choices. 

"Online search data indicates a dip in demand globally for flights to Western and Northern Europe at the beginning of 2025, with Ireland reflecting that wider trend.

"Looking ahead, the Dublin Airport passenger cap is on hold for the summer season, which will see an increase in air seat capacity from our important long-haul markets, including North America. Support for reviewing the cap for the long term is referenced in the programme for government and will be vital for tourism," Tourism Ireland added.