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Story perspectives

Ireland's Tourism Drops 7.5% Amid Covid and Energy Costs

10/31/2025

34 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Tourism in Ireland declined by 7.5% in 2025 compared with 2024.
From January to September 2025, 4,851,000 foreign visitors arrived.
Tourist spending reached €5.7 billion in January to September 2025.
In September 2025, visitor numbers rose 5% to 604,500.
Overall, tourism remains below 2024 levels due to Covid-19 restrictions and high energy prices.

History

Historical Context

The COVID-19 pandemic, declared a global emergency in March 2020, severely impacted tourism, with international arrivals dropping by 74% that year, according to the UN World Tourism Organization. By 2025, tourism in Ireland remained 7.5% lower than in 2024, highlighting ongoing economic challenges exacerbated by high energy prices and lingering pandemic restrictions.

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Story summary

Tourism in Ireland declined by 7.5% in 2025 compared with 2024.
From January to September 2025, 4,851,000 foreign visitors arrived.
Tourist spending reached €5.7 billion in January to September 2025.
In September 2025, visitor numbers rose 5% to 604,500.
Overall, tourism remains below 2024 levels due to Covid-19 restrictions and high energy prices.

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