Ireland experienced a notable decline in overseas visitors in May 2025, with the number of foreign tourists falling by 10% compared to the same month last year, according to new figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
A total of 560,000 international visitors arrived in the country during the month, marking a significant downturn in tourism for the start of the summer season. The drop was most pronounced among visitors from Continental Europe and the rest of the world, where numbers fell by 21% and 38% respectively. British visitor numbers also saw a dip of 9%.
In contrast, North American tourists bucked the trend, with arrivals from the region rising by 11% year-on-year.
CSO Statistician Gregg Patrick said that total visitor spending, excluding travel fares, amounted to €477 million in May. “Visitors from Great Britain accounted for €99 million (21%) of this spend, Continental Europe for €143 million (30%), North America for €207 million (43%), and the rest of the world contributed €29 million (6%),” Patrick said. He added that the figures represented a 21% decrease in spending compared with May 2024, though the level remained unchanged from May 2023.
The majority of overseas travellers—43%—visited Ireland for holiday or leisure purposes, while 31% came to see friends or family. Hotels remained the most popular accommodation choice, with 47% of visitors staying in hotel lodgings. The average duration of a trip was 7.3 nights.
The decline in tourist numbers has raised concerns among industry groups. The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) voiced alarm over the continuing drop in international visitors, especially as the peak tourist season begins.
“As we enter peak season, businesses are finding trading conditions challenging and margins are being eroded,” the RAI said in a statement. The group has called on the government to introduce targeted economic measures, including reducing VAT on food service to 9% and reviewing employer PRSI contributions for labour-intensive sectors such as hospitality and retail.
Industry stakeholders warn that unless immediate steps are taken, the downturn in tourism could have knock-on effects on employment and revenue in sectors heavily dependent on international travel. The CSO figures come at a critical time for Ireland’s tourism sector, which is still grappling with post-pandemic recovery efforts and changing global travel patterns.
