Significant rise in overseas visitors as number of tourists visiting Ireland rises by almost 18%

The number of tourists visiting Ireland jumped by almost 18% to 2m in the last three months of last year compared to the same period in 2014.

New figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that in the last quarter of 2015 over 300,000 extra overseas tourists visited Ireland, compared to the previous year.

The tourism sector performed very well in 2015, attracting some 8.6m tourists, a rise of 14% on 2014. The number of holiday visitors increased by 20%, with those here on business up by 12% and those visiting friends and relatives up by 4%.

The total earnings, including fares, from all visitors to Ireland last year grew by 17% to €5.53bn.

Total overseas nights increased by 12% to 62.2m, with holiday nights up by 19%. Business nights grew by 7%, while friends and relatives nights were up 2%.

There were 7.7m staying visitors (at least one overnight), an increase of 13% on 2014, while same-day visits grew by 15%.

The number of British visitors was up by 12%, while tourists from mainland Europe were up by 16%. American visitors were up by 13% and visitors from other long haul areas up by 12%.

Fáilte Ireland chief executive Shaun Quinn said that while 2015 was a record year, it would be a mistake for the tourism sector to rest on its laurels.

“Today’s figures reinforce that 2015 was indeed a record year, however, we must maintain a strategic approach to developing tourism. Fluctuations in the currency markets and international volatility could change our positive outlook very quickly, so we would urge the tourism sector to remain vigilant and to continue focusing on consistent and sustainable growth, as well as maintaining value for money in the year ahead,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Trivago hotel room survey found the average price of a double room on the northside of Dublin is €120. This compares to €157 in the Southside, meaning visitors staying north of the Liffey can make a saving of about 23%.