Ireland tourism revenue rises to €4.6 billion in 2026
International visitor spending in Ireland reached €4.6 billion between January and September 2026, an 11 percent increase over the same period in 2025. The figures, released on 9 November 2026, show a 9 percent rise in arrivals to 5.3 million and highlight the growing economic importance of overseas tourists.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Visitor spending grew 11 percent to €4.6 billion
- Timing
- Data cover January‑September 2026
- Who is affected
- All overseas visitors to Ireland
The details
Overall visitor numbers and spending
Between January and September 2026, Ireland welcomed about 5.3 million overseas visitors, a 9 percent rise compared with the same period in 2025. International visitor expenditure reached €4.6 billion, marking an 11 percent year‑on‑year increase.
Regional market performance
Great Britain remained the largest source market with nearly two million arrivals and an 11 percent spend increase. North American visitors boosted spending by 8 percent, accounting for 39 percent of September’s overseas expenditure. Mainland Europe delivered the strongest growth, with a 17 percent rise in visitor spending.
Sector impacts and capacity
Higher visitor spending benefitted hotels, restaurants, transport operators and attractions. Hotel occupancy rose about 1 percent year‑on‑year despite a 4 percent increase in national bed capacity, and average daily rates kept pace with inflation. An additional 1,640 accommodation bed places were added by August 2026.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with bookings for 2026 can expect stronger demand for accommodation and dining services.
- Higher average spend per visitor may lead to more premium experiences being offered.
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements are introduced for visitors.
- Existing travel insurance and visa arrangements remain unchanged.
What you need to do
- Monitor hotel and attraction availability as demand remains high.
- Consider budgeting for higher per‑visitor spending when planning trips.
Who this affects
-
British visitors
Great Britain supplied the largest number of overseas arrivals and increased spending by 11 percent.
-
North American visitors
Spending by North American travellers rose 8 percent and represented a large share of September revenue.
-
Mainland European visitors
Mainland Europe showed the strongest percentage increase in visitor spending at 17 percent.
Frequently asked questions
How much did international visitors spend in Ireland in 2026?
International visitor spending reached €4.6 billion between January and September 2026, an 11 percent increase over the same period in 2025.
What was the increase in overseas visitor arrivals to Ireland in 2026?
Ireland welcomed about 5.3 million overseas visitors in the first nine months of 2026, a 9 percent rise compared with the same period in 2025.
Which market contributed the most to Ireland’s tourism revenue in 2026?
Great Britain remained the largest source market, delivering nearly two million arrivals and an 11 percent increase in visitor spending.
Did hotel occupancy change despite more rooms being added in 2026?
Hotel room occupancy rose roughly 1 percent year‑on‑year even as national bed capacity expanded by about 4 percent.
What was the average spending per visitor in September 2026?
Average spending per visitor in September 2026 was approximately €1,007, excluding travel fares.
