Ireland’s tourism and travel rebound continued in April 2026, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The latest monthly bulletin shows that 564,600 non-resident visitors departed Ireland during the month—7% more than in April 2025 and 3% above pre-pandemic 2024 levels. Visitor spending rose even faster, jumping 15% year-on-year to €431 million. Great Britain remained the dominant source market, accounting for 39% of arrivals, followed by Continental Europe (36%) and North America (21%). The average length of stay nudged up to 6.9 nights. Notably, the share of trips undertaken for business reached 15%, signalling a steady recovery in corporate mobility alongside leisure demand. For companies managing travel budgets the figures matter: higher spending and longer stays will translate into bigger accommodation and per-diem outlays, especially as hotel rates in Dublin remain elevated. Travel managers may wish to lock in corporate rates ahead of the autumn conference season. From a policy perspective, the data bolsters the government’s case for continued investment in border processing technology—such as the upgraded e-Gates unveiled at Dublin Airport last week—and supports Transport for Ireland’s decision to run additional inter-city trains over the June bank-holiday weekend. Analysts also point out that a sustained uptick in North American traffic will place extra pressure on U.S. Pre-clearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon, areas already flagged for staffing increases.
