Over 15 million people attended Office of Public Work sites in 2022.
Two midlands amenities were among the most visited Office of Public Works heritage sites last year.
New figures from the OPW show nearly 100,000 people took a trip to Clonmacnoise, earning it a top ten spot in the 'paid visitor attraction' in the country.
Emo Court also cracked the top ten 'free access sites' - 350,000 people visited the Laois heritage site.
Almost 50,000 people attended the Rock of Dunamase in 2022.
Over 15 million people visited OPW heritage sites last year, an increase of 18% on the year prior.
Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan says:
"These figures clearly indicate that there is an enormous interest in heritage tourism and that an increasing number of tourists and domestic visitors regard Ireland’s heritage sites as great places to visit.
It is wonderful to see that these sites are doing so well, both the paid attractions, which reflects very well on Ireland’s tourism performance, as well as the sites, parks and gardens which the public can access for free year round. Every heritage site contributes to the local sense of place, the local economy and is a precious and unique place to discover for visitors of all ages and interests."
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