Over half a million visitors to Ireland in May, figures show
Over 660,000 foreign visitors came to Ireland in May, spending €608 million in the process, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
The number of foreign visitors in May 2026 was an increase of 18% when compared with May 2025 and up 7% when compared with May 2024.
The average length of stay in Ireland was 7.2 nights, which was down from 7.3 nights in May 2025. Great Britain accounted for the largest share of visitors at 36%, compared with Continental Europe at 33%, North America at 26% and 4% from the rest of the world.
The CSO say that 46% of overnight visitors indicated their main purpose of their trip was for holidays, leisure and recreation, with 31% saying it was for visiting friends and relatives, and 12% were for business.
Total expenditure was €608 million, which is up 27% compared with May 2025 at €477 million, up 1% compared with May 2024.
Edward Duffy, Statistician in the Tourism and Travel Division said: “he survey results show that just over 660,000 foreign resident visitors completed a trip to Ireland in May 2026, an increase of 18% compared with May 2025 and up 6% compared with May 2024. The number of nights spent in Ireland by foreign visitors in May was just under 4.8 million nights, up 16% when compared with May 2025 and up 7% compared with May 2024.
“In May 2026, the greatest number of visitors came from Great Britain (36%), followed by Continental Europe (33%), North America (26%), and the Rest of the World (4%). Visitor numbers rose in May 2026 when compared with May 2025: Great Britain (+21%), Continental Europe (+25%), North America (+5%), and Rest of the World (+36%). The leading purpose for travel to Ireland in May 2026 was for Holidays, Leisure & Recreation (46%), followed by Visiting Friends & Relatives (31%), and Business trips (12%).
“The visitors' expenditure in Ireland (excluding fares) was €608 million in May 2026. Visitors from North America accounted for €246 million (40%), Continental Europe for €198 million (33%), Great Britain for €121 million (20%) and visitors from the Rest of the World for €43 million (7%). Taken together, this represented an increase of 27% when compared with May 2025, and a rise of 1% when compared with May 2024.”