Asia over Leitrim? Report shows Irish travellers opt for abroad over certain counties

Irish Independent

02-05-2025

The new research comes on the heels of Airbnb's announcement of the Rural Tourism Fund, committing €100,000 in grants to support innovative tourism projects in the rural communities of Ireland where local families and businesses rely heavily on tourism.
The study revealed that while 74% of Irish people holiday abroad at least once a year, half (48%) say they want to travel more on home soil with the beauty of the Irish scenery being their main inspiration.
Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook
However, Airbnb have revealed new data which shows that a quarter of the Irish population have explored Asia, but 82% have never visited Leitrim and 76% have never visited Westmeath.
Three in four Irish holidaymakers go abroad at least once a year, and over a third (39%) have crossed the Atlantic to North America, however, fewer of us have been to Sligo (37%), Tipperary (37%) and Meath (36%).
Additionally, 81% of Irish people who have been as far as Africa have never set foot in Monaghan.
Despite almost half (48%) of people in Ireland saying they want to see more of their own country, only one in three actually take regular holidays in the form of staycations.
Ahead of summer 2025, Airbnb has launched the Rural Tourism Fund to give a vital injection to rural areas across Ireland that rely on the benefits of tourism to support local families, businesses and culture.
The vacation rental company says it is committing €100,000 in grants to preserve and enhance innovative tourism projects across the country.
According to Airbnb, 71% of bookings in Ireland are made in predominantly rural areas and the majority of listings are outside of Dublin which the company says shows they are already playing a pivotal role in bringing visitors to the heart of the Irish countryside.
Furthermore, Airbnb have said that through the Rural Tourism Fund, grants ranging from €1,000 to €10,000 will be available to local organisations and community groups to help bring their local projects to life and boost rural tourism - from launching or expanding a local festival, to upgrading community facilities.
ADVERTISEMENT
Despite the frequency of international travel for a large portion of the Irish population, many Irish counties are still getting recognition as ideal rural escapes with 60% of people in Ireland saying they would recommend a domestic holiday with the country's stunning scenery cited as one of many reasons to stay close to home.
Locals love sampling food, mingling with the community and attending festivals and when it comes to rural escapes, Donegal, Kerry and Wicklow were revealed as the top choices for those seeking a holiday at home.
Derek Nolan, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Airbnb, said: 'We're fortunate to have some of the world's most stunning places right here in Ireland, and it's exciting to see nearly half of Irish people eager to explore more of our own country.
"Airbnb plays a key role in spreading tourism across Ireland, and the Rural Tourism Fund will boost and preserve the best of rural Ireland, allowing more people to experience our culture and beauty while benefiting local communities economically.'
Host Shelagh Nangle in County Westmeath said: 'It's brilliant that there's a growing desire for Irish people to explore more on our own shores. I've welcomed guests from America and all over Europe that are eager to experience the scenery and lively festivals local to us, and I would love to see more Irish families coming to embrace the beautiful countryside in their own backyard.
"With Airbnb boosting local tourism offerings through the new Rural Tourism Fund, I hope surrounding communities will be able to share even more in the benefits of welcoming visitors from Ireland and beyond.'
The Rural Tourism Fund is designed to help local organisations and communities bring their ideas to life. If you have a project that promotes or supports rural tourism in your community, you can apply by 11.59pm on June 16, 2025.