Top 8 Airbnb Vacation Rental Markets in Ireland

Long known for its scenic beauty, friendly people and of course, its Guinness, the Emerald Isle of Ireland continues to capture the hearts of travelers from around the globe.

Replete with stunning coastlines, rolling hills, meandering rivers, national parks and historical monuments and architecture, it is no surprise that travelers come calling. In 2019 alone, nearly 11 million visitors flocked to this enchanting land, contributing an average tourist spend of $1,352. 

Let's dive into the best-performing Airbnb markets in Ireland, where the magic truly happens.

What are the Top 8 Airbnb Markets in Ireland?

1. Galway

2. Kilkenny

3. Dublin

4. County Wicklow

5. Waterford

6. West Mayo

7. Sligo

8. Cork

Best Performing Airbnb Markets in Ireland

Not all places in Ireland are created equal and some markets fare better for short-term vacation rentals than others. Some areas, bolstered by resilient offerings, have thrived through the challenges of the pandemic while others have lost out. What’s more, Airbnb vacation rentals are not equally distributed creating varying supply pressures. Cities like Dublin have high numbers of Airbnbs while others like Monaghan have just a few. History buffs, cultural enthusiasts and sports tourists continue to fuel demand, making certain regions standout performers.

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

1. Galway

One of Ireland's most visited counties, Galway is a treasure trove of tourism gems. In 2018, it welcomed 1 million domestic visitors, generating €175 million in revenue, and 1.729 million international visitors, bringing in €626 million. 

The vibrant city of Galway, crowned the 2020 European City of Culture, is considered to be the most bohemian in Ireland with a lively scene of art, comedy and pubs. From street buskers to traditional pub sessions, music fills the air. The region is home to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Aran Islands, Connemara National Park and the famous Galway oysters.

According to June 2024 AirDNA data for Galway:

• ADR is $232.70

• Average occupancy is 65%

• Average annual revenue is $21,900

• Revenue per Available Rental (RevPAR) is $147.20

• 61% of listings are entire homes

2. Kilkenny

Kilkenny has an established reputation for excellence in culinary offerings. A lively place, it hosts a packed program of events throughout the year on art, music, comedy, culture, wellness and animation. Steeped in history, the city of Kilkenny 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 June 2024 AirDNA data for Kilkenny:

• ADR is $220.70

• Average occupancy is 55%

• Average annual revenue is $19,600

• Revenue per Available Rental (RevPAR) is $109

• 69% are entire homes

3. Dublin

Dublin is a fun (craic) place. It is crammed with offerings for visitors, from fantastic parks including Phoenix Park - the largest city center park in Europe, gorgeous seaside towns, stunning walking routes, world-renowned pubs and dramatic sunsets. Its National Botanic Gardens alone drew over 540,000 visitors in 2014. 

The city of Dublin, rich in medieval history, hosts a long list of events year-round, from theater and concerts to matches and exhibitions that draw loads of visitors. The Rose Festival in St. Anne’s Park, for instance, draws about 5,000 visitors per day.

Dublin is one of the most popular destinations in Ireland with nearly two-thirds of overseas visitors to the country spending at least part of their trip here.

According to June 2024 AirDNA data for Dublin:

• ADR is $210.50

• Average occupancy is 60%

• Average annual revenue is $16,000

• Revenue per Available Rental (RevPAR) is $124.20

• 56% are entire homes

4. 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, historic sites like Black Castle and Wicklow Gaol,  scenic hiking trails, the highest waterfall, the stunning Glendalough monastic site and the Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens where some of the rarest plants in the world such as monkey puzzle trees and the oldest Irish Champion trees grow.

Wicklow also exemplifies Ireland’s reputation for having 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 June 2024 AirDNA data for County Wicklow:

• ADR is $162

• Average occupancy is 55%

• Average annual revenue is $17,900

• Revenue per Available Rental (RevPAR) is $106.70

• 67% are entire homes

5. Waterford

Waterford County, often referred to as the ‘Sunny Southeast’, offers a blend of historical richness, coastal charm and vibrant cultural life. The county is home to Ireland's oldest city, the seaport of Waterford founded by the Vikings in 914 AD. Visitors can explore its rich heritage through the Waterford Viking Triangle, featuring relics from the city’s Viking, Norman and medieval past along the River Suir. 

Waterford hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Spraoi International Street Arts Festival and the Waterford Harvest Festival, drawing both domestic and international tourists. The County also holds the Waterford Greenway, a spectacular off-road cycling and walking trail and the lush countryside of the Comeragh Mountains

According to June 2024 AirDNA data for Waterford:

• ADR is $197.70

• Average occupancy is 54%

• Average annual revenue is $16,000

• Revenue per Available Rental (RevPAR) is $102.80

• 79% of listings are entire homes

6. West Mayo

Located on the west coast of Ireland, County Mayo is the third-largest Irish county. It’s 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 June 2024 AirDNA data for West Mayo:

• ADR is $188.50

• Average occupancy is 55%

• Average annual revenue is $16,400

• Revenue per Available Rental (RevPAR) is $98.30

• 80% are entire homes

7. Sligo

Sligo lays claim to an uninterrupted coast that provides plenty of opportunities for water sports 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 is also 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 June 2024 AirDNA data for Sligo:

• ADR is $170.90

• Average occupancy is 55%

• Average annual revenue is $14,500

• Revenue per Available Rental (RevPAR) is $90.70

• 81% are entire homes 

8. Cork

The maritime haven of Ireland, Cork, with its deep natural harbor 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 is also home to stunning natural landscapes while 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 answer travelers’ questions. 

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 which brings in an estimated €167 million in annual revenue.

According to June 2024 AirDNA data for Cork:

• ADR is $147.90

• Average occupancy is 65%

• Average annual revenue is $13,500

• Revenue per Available Rental (RevPAR) is $95.90

• 51% are entire homes

A Guide to Ireland’s Best Airbnb Markets for Short-Term Rentals 

Ireland's diverse landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage make it a top destination for travelers and these best-performing Airbnb markets exemplify the best that the country has to offer. From the vibrant city life of Dublin and Galway to the serene beauty of County Wicklow and West Mayo, each location offers unique experiences that captivate visitors and Airbnb hosts and property managers can exploit. By focusing on these top destinations, you can leverage Ireland’s enduring appeal to create and grow a thriving vacation rental business.