The latest figures from Ireland’s tourism chiefs show a 6% drop in tourist numbers this year, with the loss to the economy from the reduced numbers estimated at around €685 million
Ireland’s tourism numbers fell by 6% in 2025(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
The soaring cost of living in Ireland could be contributing to a significant decrease in tourist numbers, which have fallen by over six percent compared to last year.
Tourism authorities estimate that the economy has lost around €685 million due to the decline in visitors, with tourist spending down 13% in 2025 compared to the previous year. Recent data from the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation reveals that approximately 6.16 million tourists visited Ireland this year, marking a six percent drop from the previous year, reports the Irish Mirror.
Eoghan O’Meara Walsh, the Confederation’s Chief Executive, told RTÉ News that several factors are contributing to the decrease, including the high cost of visiting the country. He said: “We are an island nation, you can only get here by air and sea. Air access is weaker from Europe and Great Britain this year.”
“We are also a more expensive nation. The Eurostat figures came out during the year, showing us as the second-most expensive country in the EU, second to Denmark. Obviously, that deters a certain segment of the market.”
However, he noted that the Confederation’s end-of-year bulletin indicates growth in the North American market, with visitor numbers from the US and Canada increasing by four percent and eight percent respectively. He added: “It has been a challenging year. The good news is that the North American market is really strong.
“That is really important because they tour the regions, they spend quite a lot of money, they spend quite a lot of time in Ireland. Generally, when tourists are surveyed when they leave the country, they still find Ireland good value for money and they still find Ireland a really quality holiday experience and that is encouraging.”
However, other international markets showed weakness, with UK visitor numbers falling four per cent, while French visitors dropped 13% and German tourists declined by eight per cent. Figures from the ITIC suggest the sector will contribute €8.89 billion to Ireland’s economy this year, when factoring in overseas visits and domestic tourism, supporting 225,000 jobs nationwide.
North America represented the most lucrative market, generating nearly €2 billion, with Continental Europe the second most valuable at €1.73 billion and the British market worth €1.61bn. Emerging and new markets contributed €445m.
Tourism sector inflation has risen six per cent annually over the past three years, which Mr O’Mara Walsh links to State-driven expenses including labour, insurance and energy, amongst others.
He added: “We have to be very mindful that we are never going to be the cheapest destination. We can’t compete against the cheapest destinations, but we always have to offer value for money, that is absolutely critical.”
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