Over 676,000 visitors came to Ireland in July 2026, figures show

More than 676,000 foreign visitors came to Ireland in July 2026, and spent €681 million, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

This number represented an increase of 5% when compared with July 2026, and up 3% compared with July 2024.

When it came to the numbers, year-to-date overnight visits by foreign residents were estimated to be around 3.9 million, and this is an increase of 13% compared with January to July 2025 and up 0.4% when compared with 2024.

The CSO found that foreign visitors who left Ireland in July 2026 stayed a total of 5.2 million nights in the country; this was up 2% on July 2025.

The largest share of visitors came from Great Britain and Continental Europe, both at 32%. While North America made up 30% of all visitors.

In July, 50% of overnight foreign visitors indicated that the main purpose of their trip was for Holidays, Leisure and Recreation, 29% of those said it was for visiting friends and family, with 11% travelling for business reasons.

Edward Duffy, Statistician in the Tourism and Travel Division, said: “he survey results show that just over 676,000 foreign resident visitors completed a trip to Ireland in July 2026, an increase of 5% compared with July 2025 and up 3% compared with July 2024. The number of nights spent in Ireland by foreign visitors in July was just less than 5.2 million nights, up 2% when compared with July 2025 and down 2% compared with July 2024. Year-to-date overnight visits by foreign residents were estimated at 3.9 million, an increase of 13% compared with January to July 2025 (3.5 million) and up 0.4% compared with 2024 (3.9 million).

“In July 2026, the greatest number of visitors came from Continental Europe (32%), and Great Britain (32%), followed by North America (30%), and the Rest of the World (6%). For the most part, visitor numbers rose in July 2026 when compared with July 2025: Great Britain (+4%), Continental Europe (+9%), and North America (+2%), while visitors from the Rest of the World fell when compared with July 2025 (-1%). The leading purpose for travel to Ireland in July 2026 was for Holidays, Leisure & Recreation (50%), followed by Visiting Friends & Relatives (29%), and Business trips (11%).

“The visitors' expenditure in Ireland (excluding fares) was €681 million in July 2026. Visitors from North America accounted for €300 million (44%), Continental Europe for €209 million (31%), Great Britain for €127 million (19%), and visitors from the Rest of the World for €45 million (7%). Taken together, this represented an increase of 9% when compared with July 2025, and a rise of 5% when compared with July 2024."