Ireland received 590,700 foreign visitors in September 2026, a decrease of 2% compared with September 2025, according to figures published by the Central Statistics Office.
The visitors spent a total of 4.4 million nights in the country during September 2026, an increase of 1% on September 2025 and down 3% on September 2024.
Key figures
- Year-to-date overnight visits by foreign residents were estimated at 5.3 million, an increase of 9% compared with January to September 2025 (4.9 million) and up 1% compared with 2024 (5.2 million)
- The average length of stay for foreign resident overnight visitors in September 2026 was 7.4 nights, up from 7.1 nights in September 2025
- Expenditure by foreign visitors in September 2026 was estimated at €595 million, up 4% compared with September 2025 (€570 million), and a decrease of 12% compared with September 2024 (€677 million)
- Visitors from Great Britain (34%) accounted for the largest share in September 2026, compared with Continental Europe (32%), North America (27%), and the Rest of the World (6%)
- In September 2026, 48% of overnight foreign visitors indicated that the main purpose of their trip was for Holidays, Leisure & Recreation, 28% said it was for visiting Friends & Relatives, and 16% of trips were for Business reasons
- In total, 2,092,400 passengers departed Ireland on overseas routes in September 2026, a 1% increase compared with September 2025
Regional visitor patterns and spending
The figures show divergent trends across different source markets. Visitor numbers from Continental Europe rose 8% and the Rest of the World increased 19% in September 2026 when compared with September 2025. However, visitors from North America fell 10% and Great Britain declined 7%.
In terms of expenditure, visitors from North America accounted for €234 million (39%) of total spending, Continental Europe for €179 million (30%), Great Britain for €126 million (21%), and visitors from the Rest of the World for €56 million (9%).
Considerations for the tourism sector
The modest decline in visitor numbers alongside rising expenditure may suggest a shift toward higher-value tourism in Ireland. The increase in average length of stay from 7.1 nights to 7.4 nights could indicate visitors are extending their trips despite overall visitor volume declining slightly.
For businesses in the Irish economy, the 9% year-to-date increase in foreign visitors compared with 2025 represents a positive trend, though the year-on-year comparison with 2024 shows more modest growth of 1%. The variation in performance across source markets may prompt tourism operators to consider market-specific strategies, particularly given the contrasting trends between growing European and Rest of World arrivals and declining North American and British visitor numbers.
The data is based on the CSO Passenger Survey, collected from approximately 13,000 departing passengers per month, of which typically 3,000 to 4,000 are foreign visitors, at the country’s international ports and airports.
Source: Central Statistics Office, Inbound Tourism September 2026
