STR also said US citizens are increasingly visiting Ireland in the winter months, with notable increases in inbound numbers across October, November and December 2025. December last year saw just under 80,000 US visitors, Ms Duignan noted. “We want to see as many flights coming in from Dublin and Shannon Airport, filled with Americans,” Ms Duignan told the INEC. Ms Duignan said:Americans stay longer and spend more, They also do crazy itineraries that see them move around more often. Full hotelsMeanwhile, average occupancy was highest in Dublin last year at 84%, with Cork, Galway and Waterford all slightly lower at 75%.

Source: Irish Examiner February 24, 2026 15:48 UTC