Ireland, Edinburgh and Cardiff are linked by a strong short-haul tourism market in 2026, with visitors from Great Britain remaining one of the largest sources of international arrivals to the Republic of Ireland. Official Central Statistics Office data shows that Great Britain accounted for 32% of Ireland’s foreign visitors in July, matching Continental Europe and ahead of North America at 30%. From January to July, Ireland recorded an estimated 3.9 million overnight visits by foreign residents, up 13% from the same period in 2025.
Great Britain remains a major source of Irish tourism
The UK market has maintained a substantial role throughout 2026. In January, Great Britain accounted for 43% of Ireland’s foreign visitors, followed by Continental Europe at 36%. By April, the British share stood at 39%, while June recorded 35%. July brought a 32% share as visitor numbers from Great Britain increased 4% year on year.
The figures include residents of Great Britain rather than nationality, meaning the statistics measure where visitors normally live. The July data recorded 217,900 visitors from Great Britain, making it the largest individual overseas market by detailed country of residence for that month.
For travellers, the geographical proximity between Great Britain and Ireland supports short-haul trips, weekend breaks, family visits and longer holidays. Visitors can travel by air or sea, giving travellers several options depending on their departure city and preferred itinerary.
Dublin remains the main gateway
Dublin is the principal starting point for many visitors arriving in Ireland, with the capital offering direct connections to major UK cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Cardiff through the wider UK aviation network.
The city provides a natural base for first-time visitors, with attractions including Dublin Castle, Trinity College, the National Museum of Ireland, St Patrick’s Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse. Travellers can also use Dublin as the starting point for journeys into the surrounding countryside and other parts of the island.
For British visitors, Dublin is particularly suited to short breaks because of its combination of heritage attractions, restaurants, cultural venues and relatively short travel times from UK departure points.
Ireland’s tourism growth extends beyond the capital
The increase in international visitor numbers is supporting tourism across destinations outside Dublin. Cork provides access to southern Ireland, including coastal landscapes and heritage destinations, while Galway offers a gateway to the west and attractions such as Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Limerick provides access to the Shannon region, while Killarney connects visitors with lakes, mountains and Killarney National Park. Belfast and Northern Ireland are outside the Republic of Ireland’s visitor statistics, but travellers can combine both jurisdictions within a wider island itinerary.
For visitors arriving from Great Britain, a multi-destination trip can therefore combine Dublin with Galway, Cork, Killarney or other regional destinations.
Holidays remain the leading reason for travel
Tourism is a major component of Ireland’s 2026 international visitor activity. In July, 50% of foreign visitors identified holidays, leisure and recreation as the main purpose of their trip. Visiting friends and relatives accounted for 29%, while business travel represented 11%.
This creates a broad travel market extending beyond traditional sightseeing. Visitors can plan city breaks, scenic road trips, cultural holidays, family visits, food-focused journeys and outdoor experiences.
Ireland’s countryside remains an important part of the visitor offer, with the Wild Atlantic Way, Wicklow Mountains, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and other landscapes providing options for travellers extending their stay beyond the main cities.
Visitor spending rises alongside arrivals
Tourism growth is also reflected in visitor expenditure. Foreign visitors spent an estimated €681 million in Ireland during July 2026, excluding fares, an increase of 9% compared with €624 million in July 2025. The average expenditure per visitor increased to €1,006 from €965 a year earlier.
From January through June, foreign overnight visitors spent approximately €2.6 billion in Ireland, 18% more than during the corresponding period of 2025.
Great Britain contributed €127 million of July expenditure, representing 19% of the total, while North American visitors accounted for the largest share at 44%. Continental Europe contributed 31%.
Longer stays connect UK visitors with regional Ireland
Visitors from Great Britain spent 1.18 million nights in Ireland during July, accounting for 23% of all foreign visitor nights. The average stay for all foreign visitors was 7.6 nights during the month.
For British travellers, this creates scope for itineraries extending well beyond Dublin. A longer trip can combine the capital with western coastal landscapes, southern heritage cities and rural destinations.
Travellers can also choose between independent road trips, organised tours, rail journeys and domestic transport connections depending on the regions included in their itinerary.
Ireland enters the second half of 2026 with strong tourism demand
Ireland’s international tourism market has continued to expand during 2026, with 676,300 foreign visitors completing trips in July alone, 5% more than in July 2025. Year-to-date overnight visits reached 3.9 million, up 13%.
Great Britain remains central to this visitor economy, while Continental Europe and North America provide additional large international markets. For travellers from Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester and Glasgow, Ireland’s proximity, air and ferry connections and broad mix of city, coastal and rural experiences make the island accessible for everything from short breaks to extended holidays.
As 2026 progresses, Dublin, Cork, Galway, Killarney and Ireland’s coastal regions are benefiting from a tourism market that combines strong UK connectivity with rising international visitor demand.
