Ireland is Surging Travel Industry with Visa Free Entry to 191 countries including UK, Spain, Italy, Japan and Schengen Nations – Travel And Tour World

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Ireland, with its rugged Atlantic coastline and rich Gaelic heritage, remains a vibrant symbol of cultural tradition and scenic beauty. Known affectionately as the Emerald Isle, Ireland’s lush green landscapes and deep historical roots make it a fascinating point of departure for countless Irish residents as they embark on journeys across the globe.

Economic Landscape

As of the close of 2023, Ireland’s GDP, adjusted for purchasing power parity, stands at an impressive $691 billion according to World Economics. This figure surpasses official estimates by 12%, underscoring a robust economic backdrop that fuels the country’s international engagements.

Outbound Tourism Insights

In 2023, Ireland witnessed a significant rebound in outbound travel with 10.2 million trips recorded, demonstrating a notable increase of 11% from the previous year. This resurgence points to a recovering confidence among Irish travelers, catalyzed by the easing of travel restrictions post-pandemic. Irish passport holders enjoy the privilege of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 191 destinations worldwide, making international travel both easier and more appealing.

Preferred Destinations and Patterns

Intraregional travel dominates the preferences of Irish tourists, with European destinations like the UK, Spain, France, and Portugal drawing the majority. However, the United States remains a key long-haul destination, with over 400,000 visits in 2022 alone. The trend suggests a strong affinity towards cultural familiarity and geographical proximity when choosing destinations.

Citizens of Ireland can travel to:-

Albania
American Samoa (ETA)
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia ETA
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain (VOA)
Bangladesh (VOA)
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bolivia
Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso (VOA)
Burundi (VOA)
Cambodia (VOA)
Canada (ETA)
Cape Verde Islands
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Colombia
Comoro Islands (VOA)
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Curacao
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Djibouti (VOA)
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt (VOA)
El Salvador
Estonia
eSwatini
Ethiopia (VOA)
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French West Indies
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guam (ETA)
Guatemala
Guinea-Bissau (VOA)
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hong Kong (SAR China)
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia (VOA)
Iran (VOA)
Iraq
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan (VOA)
Kazakhstan
Kenya (ETA)
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait (VOA)
Kyrgyzstan
Laos (VOA)

Latvia
Lebanon VOA
Lesotho
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao (SAR China)
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives (VOA)
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritania (VOA)
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar VOA
Namibia
Nepal VOA
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand ETA
Nicaragua
Niue
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands ETA
Norway
Oman
Palau Islands VOA
Palestinian Territory
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico ETA
Qatar VOA
Reunion
Romania
Rwanda VOA
Samoa VOA
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia VOA
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles VOA
Sierra Leone VOA
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands VOA
Somalia VOA
South Africa
South Korea ETA
Spain
Sri Lanka ETA
St. Helena VOA
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Maarten
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
Tajikistan
Tanzania (VOA)
Thailand
The Gambia
Timor-Leste (VOA)
Tonga (VOA)
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Türkiye
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu (VOA)
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates (VOA)
United Kingdom
United States (ETA)
Uruguay
US Virgin Islands (ETA)
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Venezuela
Zambia
Zimbabwe(VOA)

Modes of Transportation and Cruise Ports

Irish travelers predominantly take to the skies, with air travel being the most utilized mode for international journeys. For sea travel, the Port of Dublin plays a crucial role. It is the largest port in Ireland and a significant node for maritime traffic and cruise ships, integrating seamlessly into the urban landscape of Dublin and enhancing its role as a tourist destination.

Key Gateways: Airports and Cruise Ports

• Dublin Airport is the busiest, offering connections to over 180 global destinations. It has become a focal point for not only passenger traffic but also for cultural exchanges and economic transactions.
• Shannon Airport and Cork Airport complement Dublin’s capacities, linking Ireland to major cities in the USA and Europe, and expanding their routes aggressively in response to growing traveler demand.
• The Port of Dublin, serving as a crucial maritime gateway, facilitates sea travel, enriching Ireland’s connectivity with the world.

Leading Airlines

• Ryanair, known for its cost-effective travel options, continues to expand its network, adding new destinations across Europe.
• Aer Lingus is broadening its reach with new transatlantic routes, reflecting an increased demand for travel between Ireland and North America.
• CityJet specializes in wet lease services, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in the competitive airline industry.

As Ireland continues to navigate the post-pandemic world, the resilience and adaptability of its outbound tourism sector are evident. The sustained growth in travel, both regional and international, underscores a robust rebound and an optimistic outlook for the future of Irish global mobility. This dynamic sector remains a crucial component of Ireland’s economic and cultural fabric, promising continued growth and connectivity in the years to come.