Tourist numbers rise 4.6pc in July 2026 as British and European visits rebound

Almost 789,000 foreign visitors completed a trip to Ireland in August 2026, a 2pc increase compared to the same month last year
So far this year, 4.7 million overnight foreign visitors came to the country, an increase of 11pc
The average length of stay for tourists was 8.3 nights
Tourists spent €729 million in Ireland in August, 2pc lower than last year and 11pc lower than August 2024
The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation August Dashboard shows hotel occupancy levels down 1pc

Almost 789,000 foreign visitors completed a trip to Ireland in August 2026, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office. That represents a 2pc increase compared to the same month last year and up 3pc compared with August 2024. So far this year, 4.7 million overnight foreign visitors came to the country, an increase of 11pc compared with January to August 2025. The average length of stay for tourists was 8.3 nights, slightly down from 8.6 nights in August last year.

More than one third of all visitors came from Britain, the largest share of all tourists, followed by those visiting from continental Europe and North America. More than half of all foreign visitors stated the main purpose of their trip was for holidays and leisure, while 33pc were visiting friends and family. Business trips made up 8pc of all visits. Tourists are estimated to have spent €729 million in Ireland in August alone. The figure is 2pc lower than last year and 11pc lower than in August 2024 when spending reached €820 million.

The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation published its August Dashboard bringing together CSO data and industry statistics to show the tourism sector’s monthly performance. CSO visitor numbers from overseas were up 2pc although spend was down 2pc for the tourism month of August. The key North American market shows signs of softening while occupancy levels in hotels throughout Ireland were down 1pc.

Market by Market

Ireland outbound numbers were 1,475,000 in July, down 0.6pc on July 2025 and up 52.2pc on pre-pandemic. Rolling annual was 14,232,000, up 6pc on the twelve months to July 2025.

Ireland inbound visitor numbers in July were 676,300, up 4.6pc on July 2025 and down 41.5pc on pre-pandemic. Rolling annual was 6,847,000, up 9.3pc on the twelve months to July 2025.

Ireland inbound visitor numbers from Britain in July were 217,900, up 4.6pc on July 2025 and down 41.5pc on pre-pandemic. Rolling annual was 3,564,000, up 3.7pc on the twelve months to July 2025.

Ireland inbound visitor numbers from North America were 201,100 in July, up 2.3pc on July 2025 and down 30.9pc on pre-pandemic. Rolling annual was 1,603,300, up 10.1pc on the twelve months to July 2025.

Ireland inbound visitor numbers from Europe were 219,500 in July, up 9pc on July 2025 and down 48pc on pre-pandemic. Rolling annual was 2,334,500, up 8.5pc on the twelve months to July 2025.

Change in CSO methodology

There was a significant change CSO methodology in 2023 which presents difficulties in comparing pre-pandemic figures. It now relies on a single passenger survey with stricter sampling rules. The new survey is also conducted by an interviewer rather than filled out by the passengers themselves. The change had the effect of almost exactly reversing the ratio of inbound & outbound passengers through the airports and ports, 60/40 outbound instead of 60/40 inbound.

External link to CSO release