The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reported a 30pc decrease in foreign visitors to Ireland in February 2025 compared to February 2024. The figure of 304,300 arrivals was 42.7pc down on pre pandemic.
All of the major markets were down, Britain by 24.4pc since last year and 28pc since pre-pandemic, USA by 35pc since last year and 87.8pc since pre-pandemic, Germany by 18.7pc and France by 29.2pc. Germany regained its position as Ireland’s third largest inbound market form Spain, which overtook both France and Germany in January
The methodology of the CSO has changed since pre-pandemic, making figures more difficult to prepare since January 2023. It appears the pre-pandemic figures may have been overstated by up to 20pc
The January visitor count also fell by 25pc, dropping to 338,900 from 451,900 in January of the previous year.
Tourists spent 1.8 million nights in February, marking a decline of 33pc from the same month in 2024.
Average trip costs dropped slightly to €643 in February 2025, which is down from €655 in February 2024.
Family visits were the leading motive for travel, accounting for 37pc, and 44pc opted to stay in private homes or with friends and family.
