Ireland Transatlantic Irish Travel Hits New Heights in 2024
The first half of 2024 marked a significant surge in transatlantic travel between the United States and Ireland with the introduction of new routes, the market entry of a new American airline and the revival of pre-pandemic flight routes. This surge underscores the enduring vitality and growing demand for transatlantic travel between the two countries, as evidenced by the increasing numbers of Irish travelers visiting the United States month-on-month.
Despite its relatively small market size of 5.13 million, Ireland’s impact on transatlantic tourism is substantial. It boasts the highest per capita travel to the United States in Europe and ranks third per capita globally, trailing only Canada and Mexico. Ranked 16th globally for inbound travel, Irish visitation to the United States, has increased by 14.1% so far this year compared to 2023.
Amid concerns voiced by returning travelers regarding the reduced purchasing power of the euro due to the strong dollar and the escalating costs of accommodation and dining in the United States, visitation numbers from Ireland have continued with an upward trajectory. Notably, in the first quarter of 2024, the number of Irish travelers crossing the Atlantic surpassed the figures recorded for the same period in 2019, reflecting a robust and enduring upward trend in transatlantic travel.
The increased connectivity between Ireland and the United States facilitating access to new destinations for Irish visitors, has played a crucial role in increasing Irish visitation numbers. Aer Lingus, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and now JetBlue offer direct services from Dublin and Shannon airports. JetBlue’s recent entry into the market has introduced a new dynamic, sparking competition particularly for Aer Lingus, which has been dominating the Irish transatlantic airspace with services to 18 U.S. cities.
Currently, there are over 200 direct flights per week from Ireland to the United States with the following cities served with direct flights from Dublin and Shannon: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Hartford, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis-St Paul, New York JFK, New Jersey Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington. The much-anticipated Las Vegas-Dublin route, set to commence in October 2024, will bring the total to 19 U.S. cities with direct connectivity.
Ireland is also the only country in Europe and U.K. with pre-clearance capabilities operated by the Department of Homeland Security. As an ESTA-eligible country with pre-clearance, it’s now easier than ever for Irish travelers to explore these new destinations across the United States. In addition, many travelers across Europe transit through Dublin and Shannon airports to avail of the opportunity to clear customs before entering the United States.
The introduction of new routes in 2024 to destinations such as Denver, Cleveland, and Las Vegas create a whole new area of opportunity for destinations previously only accessible through connecting flights from Ireland. Further new routes are under consideration for 2025 and 2026. U.S. destination marketing organizations not actively engaged in the Irish market should be examining its market potential. New routes generate excitement and make it more convenient than ever for Irish travelers to explore these new destinations.
For additional information and support, including market analysis, trade events, and U.S. Commercial Service offerings, please contact our Commercial Advisor based in Dublin Ireland, Julianne O Leary. (Julianne.oleary@trade.gov).