The Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Ireland
Have you ever wondered what the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland are?
How about the least popular (or the least crowded?)
And how can this information help you plan your vacation?
Jody tackles all those questions in this episode of the Traveling in Ireland Podcast.
The Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Ireland
This episode of the Traveling in Ireland Podcast is brought to you by my award winning book, Planning the Ireland Vacation of Your Dreams, your step-by-step guide to planning the Ireland vacation you've been dreaming of!
(1:32) How Many People Visited Ireland in 2017?
In 2017 Ireland welcomed over 9 million overseas tourists, a rise from 2016's ‘record year' of 8.8 million.
Those numbers are huge for an island of only 4.77 million people.
(2:36) Where do most tourists to Ireland visit?
Dublin 5.9 million overseas visitors
Galway 1.67 million overseas visitors
Cork 1.6 million overseas visitors
Kerry 1.2 million overseas tourists
Clare 749,000 overseas tourists
(4:26) The Midlands is the least visited region in Ireland
Least visited counties:
Longford 24,000 overseas tourists
Leitrim 41,000 overseas tourists
Laois 43,000 overseas tourists
Offaly 52,000 overseas tourists
North Tipperary 53,000 overseas tourists
(7:03) How to Avoid the Crowds in the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland
Visit off-season. City breaks are perfect for cooler, shorter days.
Book tickets online to avoid lines.
For popular attractions visit before 10am or after 4pm (when possible).
(9:18) Consider alternates to the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland
While popular destinations are popular for a reason, you'll find spectacular alternates.
Dublin alternates:
Instead of Guinness Storehouse visit Smithwick's in Kilkenny
Instead of Jameson Distillery Bow Street visit Jameson Distillery Midleton, Cork
Instead of the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, Wexford
Alternates to other popular Ireland destinations:
Instead of the Ring of Kerry visit the Beara Peninsula in Cork
Instead of Blarney Castle & Gardens visit Birr Castle & Gardens in Offaly
Instead of the Cliffs of Moher visit Achill Island in County Mayo
Instead of Galway city visit Westport in County Mayo
Instead of the Rock of Cashel visit the Rock of Dunamase in County Laois
Instead of Killarney National Park visit Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal
Instead of Newgrange visit Loughcrew, also in County Meath
Get Spectacular Alternates to Ireland's ‘Must See' Sites
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(15:21) Build an Itinerary to include Ireland's most popular tourist attractions and lesser known sites
Get tips on creating an Ireland itinerary in this article.
(17:10) 3 Recommended Places to Add to Your Ireland Itinerary
You will need a car to visit these sites.
For an unbeatable quote on car rental in Ireland I recommend Irish Car Rentals
If you are in County Cork visit Bantry and the Sheep's Head Peninsula.
If you are exploring the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland extend your route to include Donegal.
If you are crossing Ireland from Dublin to Galway take a couple days to explore County Offaly.
Additional Itinerary Advice
Itineraries from Ireland Family Vacations
Custom Ireland Vacation Coaching
(22:27) Thanks for listening!
I always welcome feedback and questions! Comment below or email jody@irelandfamilyvacations.com .
If you enjoyed this podcast please leave a 5* review at iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, or your favorite podcast host.
Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 56
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