Press release
Minister Boxer Moran welcomes strong tourism figures at key OPW Visitor sites
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Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran TD today welcomed the publication of visitor statistics for the OPW’s heritage sites.
The data published today showcases the top 10 visitor attractions along with the full list of sites under a number of categories and highlighting the numbers availing of the recently introduced free initiatives for the Under 12’s and for Disabled Visitors and their Carers. These figures indicate that there is an increasing level of tourism and visitor activity evident in some of Ireland’s key Heritage sites such as Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol and the Rock of Cashel.
Minister Moran said:
"These figures clearly indicate that there is an enormous interest in Heritage tourism and that an increasing number of tourists and domestic visitors regard Ireland’s Heritage sites as great places to visit."
The numbers presented by the Minister today list the top 10 heritage locations in each of two categories:
- paid visitor attractions
- free parkland and estate attractions
| Rank | Paid Admission sites | Free Access Sites | ||||
| Fee paying | Under 12 Comp. | Disability Comp. | ||||
| 1 | Dublin Castle | 431,340 | 7,999 | 641 | Kilkenny Castle Parklands | 799,032 |
| 2 | Kilmainham Gaol | 430,960 | 8,605 | 971 | Glendalough site | 732,824 |
| 3 | Kilkenny Castle | 392,950 | 13,106 | 1,329 | National Botanic Gardens | 655,609 |
| 4 | Rock of Cashel | 374,092 | 14,421 | 1,077 | Castletown House and Parklands | 642,278 |
| 5 | Brú na Bóinne | 261,340 | 12,927 | 587 | Doneralle Park | 490,000 |
| 6 | Clonmacnoise | 154,330 | 2,464 | 654 | Farmleigh House and Estate | 389,932 |
| 7 | Dún Aonghasa | 136,042 | 5,812 | 194 | Battle of the Boyne, Oldbridge Estate | 35,608 |
| 8 | JFK Arboretum | 118,006 | 8,070 | 486 | Emo Estate | 315,204 |
| 9 | Trim Castle | 107,145 | 9,697 | 483 | Phoenix Park Visitor Centre (including Bloom event) | 201,671 |
| 10 | Ross Castle* | 103,734 | 2,323 | 74 | Derrynane Parklands | 169,047 |
| Overall Total 2,509,939 | Overall Total 4,751,205 |
*Exhibition area had 62,263 visitors
The comparison totals for the same sites in 2017 were:
| Paid Admission Sites | Free Access Sites |
| 2,383,000 | 4,605,000 |
The Minister said today:
"It is wonderful to see that these sites are doing so well. As well as the significant number of people making a conscious choice to visit paid attractions, which reflects very well on Ireland’s tourism performance, so many people are really happy to come an enjoy our Gardens and Parkland attractions.
"I am delighted to see that over 160,000 people have visited OPW Heritage Sites availing of the two initiatives (Under 12’s Go Free and Free admission for Disabled Visitors and their Carers), implemented by my Office. These initiatives were introduced to encourage these groups to come and experience the wonderful cultural and heritages sites on offer in Ireland."
Minister Moran concluded:
"I think this clearly plays a major part in Ireland’s tourism offering and I am happy to see that these initiatives are helping in this offering."
ENDS
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OPW operates 70 sites with Guided Visitor Services; 26 of these operate all year round and the remainder are seasonal sites operating on different dates between March / April and September / October. Of the total, 47 sites are paid admission.
Full Information on all Sites, including opening times, are available on www.heritageireland.ie.
OPW Counted Visitor Numbers 2018 - Full List - Please see below:
