Coastal heritage sites such as Inis Mór’s Dún Aonghasa and Kerry’s Blasket Centre have recorded significant increases in visitor numbers, the Office of Public Works (OPW) says.
Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór- which was the winner of the European film location award last year - recorded an increase of 20%, it says.
The Céide Fields, Co Mayo, which received a €2.6m state investment in 2022 for its new visitor centre recorded a 38% increase in 2023 on the previous year.
Ionad an Bhlascaoid – the Blasket Centre, Co Kerry - saw a 58% increase in visitors last year, the OPW says.
This compares to a 29% increase in visitors to Clonmacnoise, Co Offaly, and a 13% increase in visitors at Dublin’s Farmleigh House.
The OPW says 2023 was another successful year for visitor numbers at the 780 important State heritage sites.
The number of recorded visitors last year exceeded 15.3 million, up from 15 million in 2022, it says.
Minister of State for the OPW Patrick O’Donovan said that Ireland is “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,”he said.
“ 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,”he said.
