- The CSO recorded 2.6m overseas visitors to Ireland from January to May 2026.
- Visitor spending reached €1.95bn in the same period.
- Visitor numbers increased 18pc and spending increased 23pc compared to 2025.
- Growth was broad-based from Tourism Ireland’s key source markets.
- Tourism Ireland’s activity is live in 15 markets.
Tourism Ireland has reported that the CSO recorded almost 2.6m overseas visitors to Ireland, spending €1.95bn, between January and May 2026.
The figures represent increases of 18pc and 23pc respectively, compared to the same five-month period in 2025. Growth has been broad-based from Tourism Ireland’s key source markets.
Industry indicators have pointed to a stable and positive start to the year, with demand trends remaining broadly in line with expectations. The outlook for 2026 remains generally favourable, with an increasing degree of caution regarding the second half of the year. The caution reflects uncertainty arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its potential implications for consumer confidence, travel patterns, aviation connectivity and wider economic conditions.
Tourism Ireland’s activity is live in 15 markets, spanning advertising, publicity, digital, social, AI-enabled and partnership campaigns. Co-operative campaigns with air and sea partners are sustaining demand and strengthening Ireland’s visibility in priority markets. Tourism Ireland is on track to deliver over 1,000 promotional opportunities for industry partners on the island of Ireland.
