To celebrate World Tourism Day (September 27th) we thought it would be interesting to round up some of the key stats and reasons why Ireland remains a top choice tourist destination for travellers.
Strong Visitor Numbers
Ireland welcomed approximately 9 million international visitors in 2023, a significant increase from the pandemic years and approaching the pre-pandemic levels of around 10 million. Our friends from the United States contributed nearly 2 million visitors, with the United Kingdom – proximity likely playing a part – reaching 3 million. That would be a lot of bus tours!
Key Attractions and Events
Iconic landmarks such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway, and the ancient site of Newgrange remained top destinations. The country’s vibrant cities (hi, Galway here!) offered a rich mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, and contemporary attractions.
Major events and festivals played a crucial role in attracting visitors. The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Galway International Arts Festival, and Dublin Theatre Festival not only drew international tourists but also highlighted Ireland’s rich cultural scene. The growing popularity of these events underscores a trend towards cultural and experiential tourism, with visitors seeking more immersive experiences that connect them with local traditions and communities.
2024 Theme
World Tourism Day has been held on the 27th September each year since 1980. The theme changes every year – for example, last year was ‘Tourism and Green Investments’. For 2024, the focus is on ‘Tourism and Peace’. As an island, that’s something we can certainly get behind.
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If you’re fortunate enough to spend some time in Galway before the year ends, there are plenty of sights and attractions to see. Getting around the dialect can be a head scratcher, but we have you covered on that front!
To get the most bang out of your buck, we recommend visiting our tours page where you’ll see our bus-operated tours to help make your visit as impactful as possible!
Psst! Don’t forget to check out the special offers page!
