Ireland's most popular heritage sites of 2024

13.8 million people visited Ireland's heritage sites in 2024, Ireland's Office of Public Works announced on Wednesday, March 26.

Dublin Castle received the highest volume of ticketed visitors, with the increase attributed to greater visitor interest in the State Apartments and exhibitions.

A larger number of visitors also attended education, outreach, and events programmes in 2024, the OPW found.

The OPW said on Wednesday that the 2024 data highlights continued visitor engagement with Ireland’s historic castles, monuments, and green recreational spaces across the country.

13.8 million visited OPW heritage sites in 2024! Dublin Castle topped ticketed sites. Visitor numbers also soared at Donegal Castle, JFK Arboretum, Corlea Trackway & more. Ireland's history thrives!
➡️https://t.co/M2kPHZ04CI #OPWHeritage #IrishTourism #DublinCastle pic.twitter.com/czuWEHj9pw
— Office of Public Works (@opwireland) March 26, 2025

In the South East, The John F Kennedy Arboretum saw a 22% increase in visitors, attributed in part to the diverse and engaging array of visitor events and activities on site.

An increase of 21% at the stunning Kilmacurragh Gardens, Co Wicklow is demonstrative of the public’s continued interest in seeking out a connection with nature and Ireland’s unique flora.

Kilmacurragh Gardens. (Ireland's Content Pool)

On the west coast, the Blasket Island Visitor Centre/ Ionad an Bhlascaoid, recipient of the CIE Visitor Experience Award in 2024, continued its upward trend of increasing visitor numbers with a 26% increase on the previous year.

The Blasket Centre. (Ireland's Content Pool)

In the North-West, Donegal Castle saw a 15% uplift in visitor volumes, attributed in part to the central role the castle played in local 550th anniversary events schedule in the local community.

Donegal Castle.

In the Midlands, Corlea Trackway Co Longford saw a significant uplift of 35% in visitors in 2024, with more families taking the opportunity to visit this ancient heritage site as part of their holiday to nearby Center Parcs.

Corlea will benefit from €262k of Just Transition Funding this year, for the development of a feasibility project of the site’s interactions with the wider destination including developments along the canals and the neighbouring peatlands.

Corlea Trackway. (Ireland's Content Pool)

UNESCO Heritage Sites and culture around Ireland

Commenting on the publication of 2024 Visitor Data, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said: “From medieval castles to ancient monuments - the continued investment by the State in our rich and unique heritage portfolio is essential for the safeguarding and preservation of our built heritage.

"We are fortunate to have such incredible landmarks across the country. We work hard to conserve and protect them, and present them to public.

"I am pleased to see that a diverse range of regional sites like Dungarvan Castle, the Blasket Islands, and Battle of the Boyne are welcoming more visitors across their thresholds.

“We look forward to opening the magnificent Barryscourt Castle in Co Cork next month, and the re-opening of Emo Court Co Laois and Ormond Castle Co Tipperary will also bolster visitor volumes in their respective areas.”

Moran added: “Our heritage sites are an important part of our national identity and shared history and offer a unique insight into the lives and stories of our ancestors.

"Whether you are interested in ancient monuments, historic houses, gardens, or museums, there is something for everyone to explore and appreciate."