How You Can Help Rescue Ireland's Tourism Industry
(4 minute read)
Before 2020, Ireland’s tourism industry was booming. Visitors from around the world flocked to its rolling green hills, lively cities, and famously warm welcomes. Tourism pumped over €9 billion into the Irish economy in 2019, supporting around 260,000 jobs across hotels, restaurants, attractions, and transport services. But when COVID-19 struck, it brought this vibrant sector to a sudden, devastating halt.
International travel collapsed. Flights were canceled, cruises vanished, and beloved events like St. Patrick’s Day parades and summer festivals disappeared from the calendar. According to the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), tourism revenue nose-dived by nearly 90% in the first year of the pandemic—a staggering hit for an economy so closely tied to global visitors.
The human cost was equally severe. Around 160,000 jobs were lost, especially in small businesses and rural communities. For towns like Killarney, Galway, and Dingle, the absence of visitors was more than an economic blow—it was a cultural one.
City centers like Dublin fell eerily silent, with hotel occupancy rates at historic lows and many establishments forced to close indefinitely. Though some Irish residents embraced local getaways, it wasn't enough to fully revive the cities or major tourist spots.
By 2022, there were signs of a comeback. Flights resumed, festivals reignited, and travelers once again roamed the Cliffs of Moher and the cobbled streets of Temple Bar. But the scars of the pandemic remained—shorter stays, tighter wallets, and fewer business travelers.
Just as recovery seemed within reach, fresh challenges emerged.
Ireland’s New Tourism Crisis in 2025
In early 2025, Ireland’s tourism sector faced an unexpected new slump. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reported a dramatic 30% drop in overseas visitor numbers for March 2025 compared to the previous year. The announcement sent shockwaves through the industry, raising fears that visitor numbers could plummet to their lowest levels in a decade.
Several culprits are to blame.
First, rising costs have made Ireland one of the priciest destinations in Europe. Visitors are facing soaring hotel rates, expensive transportation, and steep dining bills. As reported by the Irish Independent, these escalating costs have dulled Ireland's competitive edge, especially for budget-conscious travelers.
Second, accommodation shortages remain a real issue. Post-pandemic surges overwhelmed available lodging, particularly in popular tourist towns, sending prices sky-high. Meanwhile, some have pointed to new regulatory changes—such as the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme—as a factor impacting tourism flows, particularly for visitors hoping to explore both Northern Ireland and the Republic. Although obtaining an ETA is a relatively simple process, concerns have been raised about its broader effects on travel patterns.
Add in global economic uncertainty—higher airfares, inflation, and general geopolitical jitters—and it’s no surprise many travelers are rethinking or canceling trips.
Tourism chiefs warn that Ireland is "heading towards a crisis point" unless urgent action is taken to lower costs and rekindle global interest.
How Travelers Can Help Save Irish Tourism
While governments and industry leaders work to steady the ship, everyday travelers can make a real difference too. Yes—you can be a tourism hero!
1. Choose Ireland for Your Next Adventure
Think rolling hills, ancient castles, friendly locals, and a perfectly poured pint. Ireland has it all. Choosing the Emerald Isle for your next getaway is a direct and meaningful way to lend a hand.
2. Go Off the Beaten Track
Sure, Dublin and Galway are amazing, but Ireland’s magic doesn’t stop there. Explore hidden gems like Donegal, Sligo, or the Midlands. You'll discover breathtaking views, warm welcomes, and fewer crowds—plus you’ll spread the tourism love to areas that need it most.
3. Support Local Businesses
Stay in a cozy family-run B&B. Grab a coffee from a neighborhood café. Buy crafts from local artisans. Every euro spent at a small business helps sustain Ireland’s vibrant communities and culture.
4. Travel Green
Choose eco-friendly stays, respect natural preserves, and opt for trains or buses when you can. Sustainable travel helps protect the lush, green Ireland you love—for generations to come.
5. Dive Into the Craic
Attend festivals, listen to live music, join a storytelling night. Whether it’s the world-famous Galway Arts Festival or a tiny village fair, these events are part of Ireland’s soul—and your attendance helps keep them thriving.
6. Spread the Word
Share your Irish adventures far and wide—on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or simply around the dinner table. Your stories can inspire others to visit and help keep the heartbeat of Irish tourism alive.
Looking Ahead: A Collective Effort
Tourism remains a resilient pillar of Ireland’s economy, but keeping it strong will take a collective effort. Governments, businesses, and travelers all have a role to play.
By visiting Ireland, spending mindfully, and embracing all it has to offer, you can be part of the movement to protect and nurture this incredible country. Start planning your Irish adventure today—you’ll be doing good while having the time of your life.
Now more than ever, Ireland needs the world's travelers—and in return, it offers unforgettable landscapes, rich history, and, as always, the warmest of welcomes.