Recent figures from the Central Statistics Office show that domestic overnight trips dropped by 10% in the first quarter of 2025, with nearly half of travellers visiting friends and relatives. The Southern region proved the most popular destination, attracting over 1 million visitors, while the Northern and Western areas saw fewer visitors, with just under 1 million trips combined.
The data from Ireland's Central Statistics Office highlights a strong preference for comfort and connection, as 43% of travelers stayed with friends or family. Hotels remained a very close second choice, accounting for 42% of all domestic trips during the first three months of the year. Self-catering options and rented properties trailed significantly, accounting for only 5% of the total number of reported stays.
While connecting with loved ones was the primary reason for travel at 46%, pure vacation time still drove over a third of all journeys. Business travel accounted for a much smaller share of the pie, representing just 6% of domestic overnight stays. These trends suggest that personal connections are currently the main driver for Irish residents exploring their own country.
Clare
The Burren, County Clare.
County Clare is world-famous for the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the unique limestone landscape of the Burren. Visitors flock to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park to experience 19th-century village life and enjoy medieval banquets. The vibrant village of Doolin serves as a hub for traditional Irish music and a gateway to the Aran Islands.
Doolin, County Clare.
Tipperary
The Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary.
The Rock of Cashel is the crown jewel of Tipperary, offering a spectacular collection of medieval buildings set on a limestone outcrop. History buffs also explore Cahir Castle, one of Ireland's largest and best-preserved castles. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Glen of Aherlow provides lush walking trails with stunning views of the Galtee Mountains.
Galtee, County Tipperary.
Limerick
King John’s Castle, County Limerick.
Limerick City centers around the imposing King John’s Castle, a 13th-century fortress on the banks of the River Shannon. The Milk Market is a weekend staple where locals and tourists sample the best artisan food and local crafts. Just outside the city, the thatched cottages of Adare make it one of the prettiest villages in the country.
The Limerick Greenway.
Waterford
The Viking Triangle, County Waterford.
Waterford City is Ireland’s oldest city and home to the prestigious House of Waterford Crystal, where visitors can watch master craftsmen at work. The Viking Triangle offers a cluster of museums that tell the story of the city’s ancient past. Scenic drivers head to the Copper Coast to enjoy rugged cliffs and hidden coves along the UNESCO Global Geopark.
Copper Coast, County Waterford.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle.
The medieval city of Kilkenny is dominated by the magnificent Kilkenny Castle and its sprawling parklands. Visitors walk the Medieval Mile to discover historic sites like St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Rothe House merchant townhouse. The Smithwick’s Experience offers a popular tour celebrating the city’s long brewing heritage.
St. Canice’s Cathedral, County Kilkenny.
Carlow
Duckett's Grove, County Carlow.
Carlow is known for the Brownshill Dolmen, which features the heaviest capstone in Europe. The Delta Sensory Gardens and the stunning Snowdrop Month at Altamont Gardens attract horticulture lovers from all over. History seekers often visit Duckett’s Grove to see the gothic ruins of a 19th-century great house.
Wexford
Hook Lighthouse, Wexford.
The Hook Lighthouse in Wexford is the world's oldest operational lighthouse and offers sweeping coastal views. Beachgoers love Curracloe Beach for its miles of soft sand and film history connections. Johnstown Castle Estate provides a perfect family day out with its neo-Gothic castle and agricultural museum.
Curracloe Beach, County Wexford.
Cork
The English Market, County Cork.
Cork City is a culinary hotspot with the English Market serving fresh local produce in a historic setting. Travelers often head to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or explore Cobh's maritime history. The rugged coastline of West Cork offers charming towns like Kinsale and spectacular whale watching opportunities.
Beara Peninsula, West Cork.
Kerry
Ladies' View, Ring of Kerry, County Kerry.
The Ring of Kerry is a world-renowned scenic drive that takes visitors through mountains and along the wild Atlantic coastline. Killarney National Park features the historic Muckross House and the stunning Lakes of Killarney. The Dingle Peninsula is another favorite for its Gaelic culture, friendly dolphins, and breathtaking Slea Head Drive.
Slea Head Drive, County Kerry.
Donegal
Slieve League cliffs, County Donegal.
Donegal is famous for the Slieve League cliffs, which are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Glenveagh National Park offers a remote wilderness experience with a beautiful castle at its heart. The county is a key section of the Wild Atlantic Way and attracts surfers to its pristine beaches, such as Bundoran.
Bundoran, County Donegal.
Sligo
Yeats' Country, County Sligo.
Sligo is known as Yeats Country because its landscape inspired much of W.B. Yeats's poetry. The distinctive flat-topped mountain of Benbulben dominates the skyline and offers challenging hikes. Strandhill Beach is a bustling seaside spot famous for its surf schools and seaweed baths.
Strandhill Beach, County Sligo.
Leitrim
Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim.
Leitrim is a haven for slow tourism with the Shannon Blueway providing miles of peaceful waterways for kayaking and cycling. Glencar Waterfall inspired Yeats and remains a picturesque stop for nature lovers. Carrick-on-Shannon is the cruising capital of Ireland and a lively base for renting boats to explore the River Shannon.
Cavan
Lough Oughter, County Cavan.
Cavan is known as the glorious lake county and is said to have 365 lakes, one for every day of the year. Cavan Burren Park features prehistoric tombs and walking trails through a unique geological landscape. Killykeen Forest Park wraps around the intricate Lough Oughter and is perfect for fishing and forest walks.
Monaghan
Patrick Kavanagh Centre, County Monaghan.
Monaghan offers a quiet retreat, with attractions such as Rossmore Forest Park, which features walking trails and giant sculptures. The Patrick Kavanagh Centre celebrates the life and work of one of Ireland’s most beloved poets. Castle Leslie Estate in Glaslough is a luxury destination known for its equestrian center and historic charm.
Galway
Galway City.
Galway City is famous for its festive atmosphere, street performers, and the lively Latin Quarter. Connemara offers a wild landscape of bogs and mountains, including the photogenic Kylemore Abbey. A ferry trip to the Aran Islands allows visitors to step back in time and see ancient forts like Dún Aonghasa.
Dún Aonghasa, Inishmór, Aran Islands, County Galway.
Mayo
Clew Bay, County Mayo.
Mayo is home to Croagh Patrick, where pilgrims climb the holy mountain for panoramic views of Clew Bay. Westport House is a historic estate that offers fun family activities and beautiful gardens. Achill Island is accessible by bridge and boasts the stunning Keem Bay, which is often voted one of the best beaches in the world.
Keem Bay, Achill Island, County Mayo.
Roscommon
Lough Key Forest Park, County Roscommon.
Lough Key Forest Park is a top attraction in Roscommon with its treetop walks and island castle ruins. The Arigna Mining Experience gives visitors a unique underground tour led by former coal miners. Rathcroghan is a primary archaeological site known as the ancient capital of Connacht and the home of the legendary Queen Maeve.
Rathcroghan, County Roscommon.
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