Ireland is losing tourists faster than any other EU country and locals say it’s no wonder

Ireland has become the EU’s fastest-falling tourist destination this year, and the staggering statistics make it clear why many visitors – and locals – are feeling the pinch.

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ireland welcomed 4.85 million foreign visitors between January and September 2025 — a drop of 7.5% compared with the same period last year.
Meanwhile, how much visitors spend is also plummeting: average spend per visitor fell from €1,171 to €944 — that’s down about 16%.
For even smaller periods (March 2025): we saw 441,200 foreign visitors (down 15% from March 2024) and total spending of just €325.7 million, a decline of 21.9% from the previous year.
In short: fewer visitors + they’re staying shorter + spending less = a worrying trend.

Hotel prices, restaurant bills, and car-rental rates have shot up to levels that shock not only tourists but also locals trying to plan a weekend break at home. For many Irish travellers, it’s now cheaper to fly to Spain or Portugal for a few days than to spend a weekend in Dublin, Galway, or Killarney.

Tourism experts warn that the country’s reputation for value could be slipping fast. Small businesses and B&Bs outside major cities say they’re struggling to attract visitors, while international travellers complain that even budget trips to Ireland feel “eye-wateringly expensive.”

At the same time, many Irish people admit they’re travelling abroad more often — not because they want to escape the rain, but because it’s simply better value elsewhere.

Follow us

Sign Up for deal alerts

E-mail address