The number of foreign tourists coming to Ireland dropped by 10% compared to last May, according to a statistical release from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) this week.
A total of 560,500 foreign visitors departed Ireland on overseas routes in May 2025, with the most visitors coming from Great Britain, Continental Europe, and North America.
These figures follow a 15% decline in foreign visitors compared to last March and a 4% drop compared to last April.
The numbers reflect a few possible reasons behind the drop in the number of visitors from the UK and Europe, such as the cost of living crisis in these parts of the world and prices in Ireland.
However, the number of visitors from North America increased by 11% compared to May 2024.
Speaking to WLR, tourists taking in the sights of Waterford City say that the country has much to offer its visitors.
What do the tourists think?
“The culture is a lot more laid back, the people are friendly, and it feels much safer here.” said Hannah, a tourist from Atlanta, Georgia.
Allison from Santa Rosa, California said: “We’ve been to Ireland before and loved it so much we couldn’t wait to come back.
“We’ve circled the entire island of Ireland, starting in Dublin then going up to Belfast, the Giants Causeway, Portrush, Portstewart, Donegal, Galway, down to Dingle, and now Waterford.
“Waterford is of course famous for the crystal, but we didn’t realise the city’s deep historical significance being the oldest city in Ireland.
Linda, from Chico California, expressed that the welcoming locals make Ireland a special place to visit.
Waterford Crystal is one of the most popular local tourist attractions
“In Dingle, it really felt like the locals wanted to interact with you, which made it more special than just being a typical tourist doing tourist things.”
Hannah’s group from Georgia and Florida said that the drop in tourism figures is surprising, but that it could be explained by political and economic uncertainty around the world.
“I can say its been a dream of my life to come here, for three generations in my family its been a dream.
“Southern Georgia Study Abroad programme equipped me to come so I jumped at the chance, it can’t be because people don’t want to come here,” said one from the group.
“I don’t want to make it political but I think people might be hesitant to travel much with the uncertainty in America at the moment around a lot of things.” said another.
Allison said that she has recommended people to visit Ireland, particularly Waterford.
“I have some friends that are Irish and I kept encouraging them to come here, when they eventually did they were absolutely charmed.”
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