The best places to vacation in Ireland, as chosen by Irish people

Where do Irish people go when they holiday in Ireland?

According to new data released by Fáilte Ireland, the southwest of the country is the most popular destination for those people who decide to forego a trip abroad.

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West Cork and Kerry were the most popular spots in 2017 for domestic visitors in 2017. The southwest was second only to Dublin when it comes to international visitors, Joe.ie reports.

The Old Head of Kinsale, in West Cork. Credit: YOUTUBE

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The data showed that the southwest had 2.1 million domestic trips generating  $487 (€419) million. Dublin, as a region of its own, had 1.5 million domestic trips and generated $411 (€353) million.

Here is the breakdown of domestic visitors and spend by county:

1. Dublin: 1,497,000 (€307m)
2. Cork: 1,113,000 (€337m)
3. Galway: 1,024,000 (€247m)
4. Kerry: 964,000 (€205m)
5. Wexford: 654,000 (€146m)
6. Mayo: 503,000 (€108m)
7. Tipperary (N&S): 496,000 (€92m)
8. Donegal: 376,000 (€96m)
9. Clare: 362,000 (€86m)
10. Wicklow: 319,000 (€49m)
11. Waterford: 327,000 (€58m)
12. Kilkenny: 298,000 (€69m)
13. Kildare: 286,000 (€36m)
14. Limerick: 284,000 (€46m)
15. Sligo: 247,000 (€51m)
15. Carlow: 228,000 (€36m)
16. Laois: 228,000 (€30m)*
17. Offaly: 228,000 (€30m)*
18. Meath: 223,000 (€44m)
19. Cavan: 206,000 (€32m)*
20. Leitrim: 206,000 (€32m)*
21. Louth: 179,000 (€30m)*
22. Monaghan: 179,000 (€30m)*
23. Westmeath: 159,000 (€18m)
24. Roscommon: 130,000 (€18m)*
25. Longford: 130,000 (€18m)*

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