Published on
October 9, 2025
United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Germany continue to lead in Irish tourism growth, with an increasing number of visitors flocking to the Emerald Isle. This surge in international arrivals has been greatly supported by airlines like American Airlines and Aer Lingus, which have boosted flights to accommodate the growing demand. In addition, the hospitality industry, including major hotel chains such as Marriott and Hilton, has seen a notable increase in bookings, benefiting from the rise in international travelers. With these key markets showing continued interest, Ireland’s tourism sector is well-positioned to thrive, driven by enhanced connectivity and a growing global reputation as a top destination.
Reviving interest in Ireland’s tourism includes US, Great Britain, Canada, and Germany
Visitor’s interest in Ireland’s tourism is increasing with United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Germany tourists leading the pack. American Airlines and Aer Lingus decide to expand their flight services, advertising lower fares to meet the increasing need and demand. While customers and hospitality airports adjust to the increase in tourism, so do the hotels such as Marriott and Hilton. This is all reversible because the government of Ireland is already focused on the hospitality business by giving lower taxes on the services VAT. This is giving the government even more reason to expect more tourists in future years.
U.S. Leads All Countries in Tourism Growth to Ireland
The U.S. continues to be a primary source of visitors to Ireland, and this source of tourism continues to grow. The Ireland tourism office states that there has been a 33% rise in visitors from the U.S. in the last year. Data collected in 2025 said that in May alone, over 140,000 American tourists were visitors to Ireland, positively influencing the increase of global tourism.
Tourism growth during this time has been in part to the increase of direct flights by American Airlines and their partner Aer Lingus. American Airlines has started direct flights to Ireland from new cities like Chicago and Dallas. Aer Lingus has also increased their flights from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia to Ireland. They were able to increase the number of flights and change their schedules to better suit the needs of tourists.
Increased flight services have improved accessibility for U.S. tourists traveling to Ireland. Most U.S. major cities provide direct flights, making the trip to see the Emerald Isle easier for travelers. The trip usually takes between 7 and 8 hours. The increase is attributed to the cultural experience tourists get to enjoy in Dublin, the natural scenes in the west, and the scenic drives available on the Wild Atlantic Way, all of which are a pleasant treat for tourists.
Great Britain’s Influence on Irish Tourism
Among all overseas markets, Great Britain has the most influence on the growth of Irish tourism. For instance, in August 2025, Great Britain’s visitors accounted for 36% of the total international arrivals netting a consistent visitation trend. The cultural and historical relations between the British and Irish people have favored the visitation of refugee guests from the vicinity to, and for, longer holiday breaks.
Aer Lingus, just like other low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, provides numerous flights from British cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Aer Lingus and Ryanair are helping to expand travel options to Ireland, and promoting the frequency and affordability of flights to Ireland helps attract both business and leisure travelers. Since London is only one hour away by plane, many British tourists consider Dublin a perfect weekend getaway and tour the city’s beautiful historic center, enjoy its great food and arts, and of course, the amazing culture.
As a result, the entire Dublin hospitality sector is benefiting, and so are upscale hotels like the Hilton Dublin Kilmainham and the Shelbourne Hotel. These hotels are aimed at providing British tourists who are seeking a luxury stay with premium hospitality and many of such tourists are repeat visitors appreciating the natural beauty and the hospitality of Ireland. British tourists are beginning to move beyond Dublin as well. Their travel now includes Ireland’s beautiful countryside, coastal towns, and historical districts, helping to expand and distribute tourism throughout the entire country.
Canada’s Growing Interest in Ireland
Ireland has seen an increase in visitors from Canada, which has continued to rise in recent years. For example, in 2025, visitors from Canada increased by 11%, and this rise seems to be on track for the following years. Canadian tourists visit Ireland primarily to appreciate the history, the natural scenery, and the culture that is shared. This is also tied to the fact that Canada is home to more than 4.5 million Irish descendants and these ties contribute to the increase.
High demand can be seen on Aer Lingus and other airlines like WestJet on routes from Canadian cities to Ireland. The routes from Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are quite popular. Canadian tourists really enjoy the the vibrant city of Dublin and the idyllic Irish countryside. The increase in services and expansion of routes have greatly increased the convenience for Canadians. Most people really enjoy the non-stop, 7 to 9 hour flights and take the opportunity to travel.
Maintenance of flight schedules is essential, but considering the role of major hospitality services, like those under the Marriott group, Ireland is also starting to see more visitors from Canada. More premium travelers still appreciate the Marriott brand, especially in Ireland where Marriott is located in Powerscourt Hotel in Wicklow. The rest of Canada boosted the profits of Ireland’s hospitality sector, especially in the more luxurious ones, thanks to the cash flows from Canadian tourists.
The Steadiness of Tuition from Germany
Germany also remains one of the steadier sources of visitors to Ireland. However, the numbers were slightly down in 2025. The number of German visitors dropped about 22% in comparison to the previous year. Even so, Germany still represents a significant share of the Irish tourism market. German tourists, in particular, are very interested in Ireland’s history, culture, and geography.
Ryanair and Lufthansa are the main airlines providing direct flights to Ireland from Germany, covering routes from Frankfurt and Munich to Dublin and Shannon. Although there is an obvious decline in the number of visitors, airlines and tourist boards are positive about the current situation and making efforts to revive the German market. More seasonal offers and increased flight capacity are aimed to draw more German tourists to Ireland, especially to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and during the summer when the Irish landscape is beautiful.
The German tourists, in Ireland’s hospitality sector, continue to be cared for by the Hilton and Radisson Blu which provide German visitors with comfort and required amenities and a combo of luxury and convenience in Ireland’s cities and countryside.
The Effect of Increased Tourism on the Irish Economy
Increased tourism from the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Germany has positive effects on the entire Irish economy, as well as airlines and the hospitality industry. “Overseas visitors to Ireland contributed to the €6.2 billion of tourism spend in Ireland in 2024 (ITIC). Each American tourist contributed significantly to this total, averaging €1,526 per tourist. Increased revenue from British and Canadian visitors also benefitted local businesses, eateries, and attractions.
In addition, the Irish government’s policy of slashing VAT rates for the hospitality industry made tourism even more accessible and inexpensive for visitors. This policy aims to fortify the tourism industry and ensure its viability compared to other European destinations that offer similar attractions, whether cultural or natural, to Ireland.
Advice for People Planning to Visit IrelandPlan Ahead for High-Demand Times: Because of the increased tourism, especially during the summer and holiday travel, people from other countries are trying to book their travel, accommodations, and flights to Ireland for the summer and holiday travel. Planning to book well in advance is especially wise for travel during high-demand periods, such as summer and the major holiday seasons.
Don’t Forget Other Places in Ireland: Dublin is definitely wonderful, but so is the rest of Ireland! Places like Galway, Killarney of Killarney and Cork are great too, and are also some of the great places that are growing in hospitality.
Don’t Forget to use the Bus: Ireland has some of the best public bus and transport service in the world so you can get across the cities and to the countryside, no problem.
Look for Discounts:Deals on flights come often, and keep an eye out for tickets with American Airlines, Aer Lingus, and Ryanair. Each have great deals for those who book early and during non-busy travel times.
The United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Germany are leading the charge in Ireland’s tourism growth, with increased flights from American Airlines and Aer Lingus. Hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton are benefiting from the rising number of international visitors.
Wrapping Up
Tourism in Ireland is increasing rapidly. US travelers, those from Great Britain, Canada, and Germany are coming to Ireland. Increased flights by American Airlines and Aer Lingus and the touristic Dublin Marriott and Dublin Hilton also boosted the economy. Thriving tourism business is good for the South, because this also means Ireland will remain a prime touristic destination, for the world, including Germany. For rich culture and warm hospitality, Ireland is for you!
