Foreign visitor numbers to Ireland dropped significantly in February 2025, falling by 30% compared to the same month last year, according to new data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on March 28, 2025. The figures reveal that 304,300 overseas visitors completed trips to Ireland last month, down from 433,300 in February 2024.
This decline follows a similar trend observed in January 2025, when visitor numbers decreased by 25%, dropping to 338,900 from 451,900 the previous year. The CSO data highlights a challenging start to the year for Ireland’s tourism sector.
In February, visitors spent a total of 1.8 million nights in the country, a 33% reduction from the same period in 2024. The average length of stay also shortened, decreasing to 5.9 nights from 6.2 nights a year earlier. Total expenditure by these visitors amounted to €195.6 million, reflecting a 31% decline compared to February 2024. The average trip cost, excluding fares, fell slightly to €643 from €655 in the prior year.
The CSO noted that Great Britain remained the largest source of visitors, accounting for 49% of the total, followed by the United States at 10%. The primary reason for travel was to visit family or friends, cited by 37% of visitors. Accommodation preferences leaned heavily toward staying with family, friends, or in personal properties, with 44% opting for these options over other types of lodging.
The sharp drop in visitor numbers and spending raises concerns for Ireland’s tourism industry, which has faced consecutive months of decline in 2025. Analysts will likely look to upcoming data to assess whether this trend persists or if recovery measures can reverse the downturn.
This decline follows a similar trend observed in January 2025, when visitor numbers decreased by 25%, dropping to 338,900 from 451,900 the previous year. The CSO data highlights a challenging start to the year for Ireland’s tourism sector.
In February, visitors spent a total of 1.8 million nights in the country, a 33% reduction from the same period in 2024. The average length of stay also shortened, decreasing to 5.9 nights from 6.2 nights a year earlier. Total expenditure by these visitors amounted to €195.6 million, reflecting a 31% decline compared to February 2024. The average trip cost, excluding fares, fell slightly to €643 from €655 in the prior year.
The CSO noted that Great Britain remained the largest source of visitors, accounting for 49% of the total, followed by the United States at 10%. The primary reason for travel was to visit family or friends, cited by 37% of visitors. Accommodation preferences leaned heavily toward staying with family, friends, or in personal properties, with 44% opting for these options over other types of lodging.
The sharp drop in visitor numbers and spending raises concerns for Ireland’s tourism industry, which has faced consecutive months of decline in 2025. Analysts will likely look to upcoming data to assess whether this trend persists or if recovery measures can reverse the downturn.
