Irish Tourists Surge to Become Portugal’s 6th Largest Spend Group

Irish holidaymakers have emerged as the sixth largest group of tourists in terms of spending in Portugal, with their expenditures exceeding €717 million this year. This figure marks a significant increase, placing Ireland ahead of countries such as Brazil, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. From January to July 2025, spending by Irish visitors rose by 4% compared to the previous year, demonstrating the resilience of the Irish market amidst evolving travel habits and economic pressures.

Regional Insights and Growth Trends

The growth of Irish tourism in Portugal is particularly evident in various regions. Despite a slower start to the year due to reduced winter flight capacity, travel has rebounded strongly across the country. Notably, Madeira has seen an impressive 62% increase in overnight stays, a jump attributed to expanded air routes. The Porto and North regions also enjoyed a healthy growth rate of 6.1%, showcasing their appeal to Irish visitors.

The Algarve saw a rise in guest numbers by 3.2%, although the duration of stays tended to be shorter. Conversely, the Azores experienced a 2.9% drop in overall visitors, but those who did arrive stayed longer, with an increase of 1.6% in overnight stays. In stark contrast, Lisbon faced a decline in tourist numbers, primarily due to airport capacity issues that also impacted surrounding regions like the Centre and Alentejo.

Golf Tourism and Future Prospects

Irish tourists are not only increasing their overall spending but are also contributing to the growing popularity of golf tourism in Portugal. Ireland has now positioned itself among the top four golf markets for the country, with a consistent rise in the number of Irish golfers visiting the Algarve and Centre regions, which have surpassed previous records.

“These results highlight both the strength of Ireland as a tourism market and the opportunities ahead,” said Carlos Oliveira, Director of Visit Portugal, Ireland. “Irish travellers are not only returning in greater numbers, but also diversifying their holidays—from golf to island escapes. As connectivity expands, we are working to ensure growth is spread across all regions and seasons, building a more balanced and sustainable model for the future.”

As Portugal launches its autumn and winter sun campaigns, experts anticipate further momentum from the Irish market as it heads into 2026. The continued investment in connectivity and regional development is expected to sustain the upward trajectory of Irish tourism in Portugal.