Challenging summer for Leitrim Tourism

The summer of 2024 has been particularly challenging for Ireland's tourism sector, with Leitrim feeling the brunt of the decline. According to Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Barometer, conducted by Strategic Research and Insight (SRI), 53% of businesses across the country experienced fewer customers than in 2023. The combination of rising costs, poor weather, and a shortage of tourist accommodation has created a perfect storm for Leitrim’s tourism industry, leading to a sharp drop in visitor numbers and a gloomy outlook for the rest of the year.

The 2024 summer season has seen visitor volumes decline across all key markets, both domestic and international. According to Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Barometer, only 24% of businesses reported an increase in customer numbers compared to 2023, while over half (53%) saw fewer visitors. Even traditionally strong regions like Dublin struggled to match last year’s figures, a trend reflected throughout the country, including Leitrim.

Leitrim, known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities, was especially impacted by these trends. Local business owners report that the fall in visitor numbers has been significant, particularly as the county depends heavily on nature tourism and outdoor recreation.

One of the main issues highlighted in the Fáilte Ireland report is the rising costs affecting both businesses and consumers. This summer, 88% of businesses across Ireland cited payroll costs as a primary challenge, while inflation and operating costs continue to drive up prices for tourists. In addition, the high cost of accommodation has become a significant barrier to attracting visitors, with 56% of businesses expressing concern about the cost of tourist accommodation. Furthermore, 58% noted that the lack of available tourist accommodation is hindering their ability to host guests.

One hotel manager in Carrick-on-Shannon noted, "We’ve seen a sharp drop in bookings this summer, especially from domestic tourists. Rising operational costs mean we can’t offer competitive rates, which has affected our visitor numbers significantly."

In addition to rising costs, the poor weather this summer has been another critical factor, especially for outdoor and nature-based tourism. The caravan and camping sector has been particularly affected, with 82% of operators citing the weather as a major concern. Frequent rain and stormy conditions have discouraged visitors, limiting the appeal of Leitrim’s outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating.

The food and drink sector in Leitrim has been hit hard, with 73% of restaurants and 66% of pubs seeing fewer customers than in the previous summer. According to the Tourism Barometer, over half (53%) of restaurant owners stated that they saw "nothing to be positive about" this summer—a higher proportion than any other sector. Rising payroll costs (88%) and a shortage of accommodation for staff (56%) have added to the pressure faced by restaurateurs and pub owners alike.

Pubs and bars in Leitrim have also struggled, with only 13% reporting an increase in customer numbers, while a significant 66% saw a decline. A pub owner in Leitrim Village commented, “Our costs are through the roof, especially insurance and wages, and with fewer tourists around, we’re finding it increasingly hard to stay in business.”

The cost of insurance was flagged as a particularly significant burden for pubs and bars, with 57% of businesses citing it as a major concern. Profitability remains a key issue, with 82% of pubs reporting that their profits are down this summer, raising concerns about the future viability of many establishments.

Sector-Specific Performance: While most sectors have struggled, some have managed to buck the trend. Self-catering operators reported a more positive outcome this summer, with 36% of businesses seeing an increase in visitor levels. Inbound tour operators and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) also fared better, with 43% seeing more visitors compared to last year.

However, despite these isolated pockets of success, the overall picture remains challenging for Leitrim’s tourism sector. According to the Fáilte Ireland Tourism Barometer, key overseas markets—including North America, which was a crucial driver of 2023’s strong tourism performance—have seen a significant drop in visitor numbers. Many in the tourism sector believe that economic uncertainty and the upcoming U.S. election have reduced international travel from North America this year.

With the peak season behind them, Leitrim businesses are preparing for a difficult end to 2024. Fáilte Ireland’s research indicates that only 19% of businesses expect to see an improvement in visitor numbers for the remainder of the year, while 50% expect a further decline. A tour operator in the region noted, "Autumn bookings are already looking weak, and with rising costs, it’s hard to remain optimistic about the rest of the year."

Leitrim’s tourism sector is facing a perfect storm of rising costs, poor weather, and fewer visitors, as evidenced by Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Barometer for Summer 2024. With local businesses struggling to remain profitable, many are calling for increased support from tourism bodies and the government to help weather the downturn. As Leitrim looks toward the off-peak season, it remains to be seen how the county’s hotels, restaurants, and pubs will navigate these challenging times. However, with few businesses foreseeing an immediate upturn, the outlook for 2025 is uncertain at best.