Increase in August Tourists to Ireland, But Spending Declines

Ireland welcomed an impressive 772,800 foreign visitors in August 2025, marking a 1% increase from the same month last year. However, despite the rise in visitor numbers, total spending by these tourists decreased significantly compared to 2024. The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveal that foreign resident overnight visitors spent just under €744 million, down from €820 million in August 2024.

While the statistics indicate a growing interest in Ireland as a travel destination, the disparity in spending raises questions about the nature of these visits. The average length of stay for visitors dropped slightly from 8.7 nights to 8.6 nights. This reduction in stay duration may have contributed to the falling expenditure, with the average cost of a visitor’s trip, excluding fares, dropping to €962 from €1,074 a year earlier.

Visitor Trends and Spending Insights

According to Edward Duffy, a statistician at the CSO, the most substantial influx of tourists came from Great Britain, which accounted for 36% of all visitors. This was followed closely by tourists from continental Europe at 31% and North America at 26%. The number of visitors from North America showed a remarkable increase of 21% compared to the previous year, whereas arrivals from continental Europe experienced a decline of 12%.

Visitor motivations also varied, with 48% traveling for holiday or leisure purposes and 31% visiting friends or relatives. This mix of travel reasons could influence spending patterns, as leisure travelers might have different spending habits compared to those visiting family.

Excluding fares, the breakdown of spending reveals that North American visitors were the highest spenders, contributing €271 million, or 36%, of the total expenditure. Visitors from continental Europe followed closely with €251 million (24%), while those from Great Britain spent €155 million (21%).

Accommodation Choices and Visitor Spending

The statistics also highlight shifts in accommodation preferences. There was a significant drop in visitors staying in hotels, down from 298,600 last year to 283,400 this August. Similarly, stays in B&Bs or guesthouses decreased from 62,900 to 52,300. In contrast, visitors opting for self-catering or rented accommodations saw a marked increase, with over 25,000 more choosing these options.

The CSO indicates that the mean expenditure of €962 for visitors breaks down into €64 for prepayments, €391 on accommodation, and €507 on day-to-day expenses. This represents a notable decline in accommodation spending compared to the previous year, where visitors spent an average of €437 on lodging.

Despite the drop in overall spending, August 2025 turned out to be a lucrative month for foreign visitor spending, surpassing June by nearly €100 million. This suggests that, while tourists may be spending less per visit, the total number of visitors still contributes positively to the Irish economy.

As the tourism sector navigates these changing dynamics, it remains crucial to understand the underlying factors influencing visitor spending and preferences. The trends observed this August may set the stage for future tourism strategies in Ireland.