Dublin Castle tops list of most visited heritage sites
Dublin Castle was the most popular heritage site in 2024, according to new figures released by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The 18-century building was followed by Kilkenny Castle, the Rock of Cashel, Kilmainham Gaol and Dun Aonghasa.
The John F Kennedy Arboretum in County Wexford saw a 22% increase in visitors, while visitor numbers jumped by 21% at the Kilmacurragh Gardens in County Wicklow.
The Battle of the Boyne at Oldbridge Estate in Meath saw a 10% increase in visitors, while Corlea Trackway in Longford recorded a significant uplift of 35% in visitors in 2024.
Some heritage sites recorded a drop in visitors, including St Stephen’s Green in Dublin (down 8.2%), Hill of Tara in County Meath (down 3.5%), Desmond Hall in the Limerick town of Newcastle West (down 6.2%), and Scattery Island in County Clare (down 6.7%).
Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said, “We are fortunate to have such incredible landmarks across the country. I am pleased to see that a diverse range of regional sites like Dungarvan Castle, the Blasket Islands and Battle of the Boyne are welcoming more visitors across their thresholds.”
