Visitor numbers at historic high
Heritage sites draw in 15.3m overseas tourists
IRELAND’S history and heritage is one of its biggest draws when it comes to attracting tourists.
So it should be no surprise that visitor numbers to heritage sites in this country in 2023 increased on previous years.
An impressive 15.3million trips were made to our historic castles and gardens. This exceeded the 15m people who visited such sites in 2022, with the Office of Public Works – which oversees and maintains the attractions – saying it highlights just how popular they are.
The 2023 data highlights a continued trend.
The numbers show the top heritage locations in each of two categories: Paid Visitor Attractions and Free Access Sites. Iconic sites such as Kilmainham
Gaol, the Rock of Cashel and Glendalough continue to play a pivotal role for both domestic and international tourism.
And our major parks, such as the Phoenix Park, St Stephen’s Green and parklands around Doneraile Court have remained top of the list.
In Dublin, Farmleigh Estate saw a 13 per cent rise in visitors, while a number of regional sites have also witnessed an increase.
Dun Aonghasa on Inis Mor – winner of the European film location award last year – recorded an increase of 20 per cent.
The Ceide Fields of Co Mayo, which received a €2.6m state investment in 2022 for its new immersive visitor centre experience, recorded a 38 per cent hike.
Ionad an Bhlascaoid – The Blasket Centre – in Co Kerry saw a 58 per cent rise in visitors in 2023 while Clonmacnoise, Co Offaly, saw a 29 per cent increase.
The data indicates a continued upward trend and interest in our cultural legacy and underscores the importance of preserving such assets for future generations.
The Office of Public Works is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating 780 important heritage sites across Ireland.
It conserves and protects the nation’s built heritage in its care, while providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit.
It strives to manage heritage sites in a manner that balances its remit to protect these assets with increased, more interactive, empowering and inclusive access.
Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick O’donovan, said: “The 780 sites
under the care of the Office of Public Works contribute to the local sense of place, the local economy and are great places for domestic and international tourists to enjoy.
“The 2023 visitor data clearly indicates that there is a strong interest in heritage tourism.
“We are fortunate to have such a rich and diverse collection of landmarks across the country.
“The continued investment by the State in our heritage portfolio – from ancient monuments to medieval castles – is so important for the safeguarding and preservation of our built heritage.
“It is wonderful to see the continued upward trend in visitor numbers to both the paid attractions and the recreational spaces which the public can access for free, all year round.”