Top 8 Airbnb Vacation Rental Markets in Ireland

The Emerald Isle of Ireland has long been known for its scenic beauty, friendly people, and Guinness. In 2019, it attracted nearly 11 million visitors, accounting for an average tourist spend of $1,352. Replete with stunning coastlines; breathtaking nature found across rolling hills, scenic lakes and rivers, national parks, and gardens; and historical monuments and architecture such as castles, homes, and folklore, it is no surprise that travellers would come calling.

What are the Top 8 Airbnb Markets in Ireland?

1. Galway
2. Dublin
3. County Wicklow
4. West Mayo
5. Cork
6. Kilkenny
7. Sligo
8. Westmeath

Best Performing Airbnb Markets in Ireland

Not all places in Ireland are created equal and some markets fare better than others in attracting visitors. The pandemic too had an effect with some markets losing out while others, with more resilient offerings, booming. Meanwhile, Airbnb vacation rentals are not equally distributed with high numbers found in areas like Dublin while very few are found in others like Monaghan. However culturally-minded and sports tourists continue to be an important segment.

These are the best performing counties for Airbnb vacation rentals in the Republic of Ireland.

1. Galway

One of the most visited counties in Ireland, the county of Galway encompasses a number of key tourism destinations. In 2018, it attracted 1 million domestic visitors generating €175 million and 1.729 million international visitors generating €626 million in revenue. The city of Galway, 2020 European City of Culture, is considered to be the most bohemian in Ireland with a lively scene of art, comedy, and pubs. Music reverberates in every corner from buskers on the street to trad sessions in pubs, fiddles, tin whistles, and the bodhran. There are also the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands, Connemara National Park, and sensational seafood, particularly the Galway oysters.

According to 2022 AirDNA data for Galway:

• ADR is $245 (July)

• Occupancy rate is 93% (September)

• Average monthly revenue is $4,800 (July)

• 52% are entire rooms

2. Dublin

Dublin is a fun (craic) place crammed with offerings for visitors, from fantastic parks including Phoenix Park - the largest city centre park in Europe, gorgeous seaside towns, stunning walking routes, world-renowned pubs, and dramatic sunsets. Its National Botanic Gardens drew over 540,000 visitors in 2014 alone. The city itself is medieval with ancient buildings, historical sites, and street art. It hosts a long list of events throughout the year, from theatre, concerts, matches, exhibitions, and other events that draw plenty of visitors. The Rose Festival in St. Anne’s Park for example draws about 5,000 visitors per day.

Dublin is one of the most popular destinations within Ireland with nearly two-thirds of overseas visitors to the country spending all or part of their visit in Dublin.

According to 2022 AirDNA data for Dublin:

• ADR is $231 (July)

• Occupancy rate is 100% (September)

• Average monthly revenue is $4,000 (September)

• 51% are entire rooms

3. County Wicklow

Known as the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow embodies the beauty of Ireland, from rolling mountains and pristine beaches to historic monuments. It’s home to the largest national park in the country Wicklow Mountains National Park, Black Castle, Wicklow Gaol, Wicklow Head Lighthouse, some of the most scenic hiking trails, the highest waterfall, the stunning Glendalough monastic site, and the Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens where grows some of the scarcest plants in the world such as monkey puzzle trees and the oldest Irish Champion trees.

Wicklow embodies Ireland’s reputation for containing the most golf courses per capita in the world with a particularly high concentration of world-class clubs. In 2019, 353,000 tourists visited Wicklow, spending €53 million.

According to 2022 AirDNA data for County Wicklow:

• ADR is $162 (July)

• Occupancy rate is 94% (August)

• Average monthly revenue is $3,500 (August)

• 65% are entire rooms

4. West Mayo

Located on the west coast of Ireland, County Mayo is the third-largest Irish county. It’s known for its offerings of adventure, natural beauty, and tradition. Home to the National Museum of Country Life where visitors can learn Irish traditions, the most beautiful house in Ireland Westport House, the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick also known as the Reek, Kildavnet Castle, Keem Bay, and Achill Island. Visitors can drive the windy roads of the Wild Atlantic Way that hug the coastline, cycle down Ireland’s longest trail Greenway, and take a boat trip to the 365 islands of Clew Bay.

According to 2022 AirDNA data for West Mayo:

• ADR is $144 (Oct)

• Occupancy rate is 92% (August)

• Average monthly revenue is $3,300 (August)

• 78% are entire rooms

5. Cork

The maritime haven of Ireland, Cork, with its deep natural harbour and the longest shoreline of any county in Ireland, lays claim to a maritime history of over a thousand years and the last sunset in Europe. Brimming with history, heritage, and landmarks, Cork contains stunning natural landscapes such as mountains, river valleys, and serene coastlines. Its many ports, coves, and bays offer plenty of maritime and outdoor activities. The county is also known for its culinary and cultural cache and prides itself on knowledgeable locals ready to provide information to visitors.

Cork also focuses on business tourism with world-class conference facilities and golf courses. Meanwhile, the Port of Cork brings in over 100,000 visitors each year. The county has boomed in popularity for domestic tourism, bringing an estimated revenue of €167 million.

According to 2022 AirDNA data for Cork:

• ADR is $166 (July)

• Occupancy rate is 100% (September)

• Average monthly revenue is $3,100 (June)

• 50% are entire rooms

6. Kilkenny

Kilkenny has an established reputation for its excellent culinary offerings including wonderful cafes, fantastic restaurants, and gastro pubs. A lively space, it hosts a packed programme of events throughout the year including art, music, comedy, culture, wellness, and animation. Steeped in history, the city of Kilkenny also boasts the Medieval Mile, a trail that links the top historical sights in the city along narrow, cobblestone streets. Scenic views and monastic ruins dot the countryside. The county is also home to castles, crafts ranging from glass making to pottery, the medieval Black Abbey, Tudor Rothe House, the neo-gothic St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the captivating ancient Dunmore Cave. Kilkenny Castle is one of the most visited sites in Ireland.

Tourism is a major revenue generator and brought in €94 million in 2016. Meanwhile, in 2019, Kilkenny attracted 387,000 domestic tourists.

According to 2022 AirDNA data for Kilkenny:

• ADR is $175 (June)

• Occupancy rate is 86% (August)

• Average monthly revenue is $2,900 (August)

• 69% are entire rooms

7. Sligo

Sligo lays claim to an uninterrupted coast that offers plenty of opportunities for water sport enthusiasts all year round. Mullaghmore Head in particular is home to some of the best big-wave surfing in the world with waves getting as big as 30ft. There’s plenty of breathtaking walking, cycling, and driving routes along the Ox Mountains, Benbulben, and Knocknarea. There are also plenty of historic sites such as the collection of tombs that is Carrowkeel and Streedagh Beach where the Spanish Armada ran aground and is dotted with fossils. Sligo is also home to Coney Island, named after its rabbit inhabitants; Drumcliffe Church, the final resting place of W.B. Yeats; and the Sligo Food trail which includes award-winning restaurants, cafes, and fresh farmers markets.

According to 2022 AirDNA data for Sligo:

• ADR is $137 (June)

• Occupancy rate is 92% (August)

• Average monthly revenue is $2,700 (August)

• 65% are entire rooms

8. Westmeath

Located in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, County Westmeath is easily accessible and has plenty to offer visitors. From must-see towns like Mullingar and Athlone known for their famous residents to a packed schedule of concerts and festivals, the oldest distillery in the nation, great castles, parks, and trails for walking and cycling. Known as Lake County, it has beautiful waterways like Lough Ennell and River Shannon that offer plenty of water-based activities like Viking cruises on replica boats. The former seat of the High Kings, Westmeath is rich in scenic beauty, heritage, and relaxation.

According to 2022 AirDNA data for Westmeath:

• ADR is $156 (March)

• Occupancy rate is 76% (July)

• Average monthly revenue is $2,400 (August)

• 53% are entire rooms