Dublin has proven itself to be one of the most popular destinations for a city break in Europe, by consistently maintaining its position as one of the ten most visited cities in the continent. According to the latest travel figures, Ireland’s capital city is 6th in the overall list of cities in Europe that were visited by holidaymakers in 2007.
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Dublin has remained in sixth position, behind the obvious most popular cities of London, Paris, Rome, Prague and Barcelona in terms of visitor numbers. The other tourist destinations, which are in the top 10, include Austria’s capital city Vienna, the popular Dutch city of Amsterdam, Spain’s capital city Madrid, and Berlin, one of the largest cities in Germany. The visitor figures are calculated from statistics amassed from the visitor numbers of the different European Countries’ National Tourist Organizations.
The figures for 2007 show that Dublin city welcomed almost 4.5 million overseas tourist visitors, which generated an approximate figure of almost 20 million bednights. The latest 2007 figures show a growth of 3% on 2006, when Dublin was also in sixth position in European City travel visitor figures.
In the early years of the Millennium, Dublin was at one stage the third most visited city in the European Union area. However, the growth of Prague as a short break city destination and its entry into the European Union area in 2004, and the increased development of Barcelona as one of the largest conference cities in Europe has led to its entry in the top 5 visited cities in Europe.
Irish Tourist experts have welcomed the figures at a time when the worldwide economic downturn has really hit the Irish economy, and the figures reflect a continued tourist confidence in Dublin as a destination that offers so much to see and do for the visitor. Experts have predicted that the 2008 figures will also show a modest increase in the tourism numbers coming to Dublin, and this will be even more positive news as the year 2008 was when the world recession really hit in earnest.
Dublin’s continued strong performance in the European Tourism Market is a huge boost to Irish Tourism given the stark economic climate and given the major competition between European Union states.
Dublin has so much for the visitor to enjoy and this buzzing cosmopolitan city has it all - if it is shopping and nightlife you are after, you have come to the right city. Grafton Street and Henry Street offer high street stores, and boutique stores for the serious shopper, and the area around Temple Bar offers the best in entertainment, serious nightclubbing and live musical entertainment at various venues including the brand new O2 arena.
For the tourist attractions and gems in Dublin you are spoilt for choice - from Trinity College (home of the Book of Kells) and Dublin Castle to Dublin Zoo and the National Gallery and Museums of Ireland, there is much to see and do. You can enjoy some solitude browsing at the National Library of Ireland, or spend some peaceful time strolling around the many public parks and gardens in Ireland’s capital city. The charm and wit of locals, and a warm sense of welcome is another important factor in Dublin’s healthy position as one of the leading tourism destination cities in Europe!
Have we whetted your appetite to visit one of the most popular European travel destinations? There is so much to see and do in Ireland’s capital city. For all your accommodation needs, check out our Dublin Hotels page.
Have you been to Ireland before and explored Dublin? What did you think of the sights and sounds? Have you any travel advice for other readers? Please let us know - your comments are most appreciated!
