Heritage attracts almost 90% of visitors to Ireland

Almost 90% of visitors come to Ireland because of the country’s heritage attractions, according to new research.

Levels of engagement with the natural and built heritage have grown significantly over the past 15 years, although the area has suffered severe cuts in Government funding since the recession began.

Research conducted on behalf of the Heritage Council shows direct community involvement has increased from 7% in 2000 to 19% this year, while the number of people interested in specific aspects of Irish heritage has gone from 25% to 36% in the same period.