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Overseas Visitors up 6.7% in the first half of the Year

CSO data released today shows that the number of overseas visits to Ireland in the first six months of 2018 increased by 6.7% compared to the corresponding period in 2017.

Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport commented on the release:

“The official CSO overseas travel figures for the first half of 2018 that were published today show that Irish tourism is enjoying another positive year. The number of overseas visitors to Ireland increased by 6.7% for the first half of the year compared to the corresponding period in 2017. There was a significant increase in visitor numbers from North America during this period with visitor numbers increasing by 10.7% compared to the same period in 2017.


While the continued significant contribution of tourism to the Irish economy is most welcome, the promotion of Ireland as a tourism destination in overseas markets has additional significance beyond generating additional visitor numbers and revenue. The positive images of Ireland that are highlighted in our tourism marketing such as our high quality natural environment and friendly and welcoming people, support the Government’s activities in other areas of economic development such as the promotion of foreign direct investment. In addition the promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination is also significant in terms of raising awareness and perception of Ireland.”


Comparing the period to the end of June with the same period in 2016:

  • Overall trips to Ireland were up by 6.7% to 4.873 million visits;
  • North America was up by 10.7% to 1.021 million visits; 
  • Visits from Mainland Europe were up by 10.2% to 1.783 million visits; 
  • Visits from the rest of the world increased by 1% to 282,900 visits;
  • Great Britain registered an increase of 2.3% to 1.786 million visits. 


Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, added:

“I am delighted to welcome the continued growth in visitor numbers for the first half of the year. Last week, Minister Ross and I launched the Strategy for the future development of National and Regional Greenways in Moate, County Westmeath. The further development of Greenways in Ireland has significant potential to further attract overseas visitors while also being of economic benefit to local communities. This focus on activity tourism is a welcome way of sustainably growing tourism numbers in Ireland and bringing a tourism dividend to rural communities in particular.”