Kilkenny Castle beats Dublin Castle to take top spot as most visited attraction in 2023

Kilkenny Castle and Parklands has been revealed as the number one ticketed visitor attraction managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) last year, pipping Dublin Castle to the post.

As many as 546,354 people passed through its doors during 2023. Overall, it was another successful year for visitor numbers at OPW heritage sites, with the number of recorded visitors last year exceeding 15.3 million, up from 15 million in 2022. 

The Office of Public Works is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating 780 important heritage sites. The Office of Public Works conserves and protects the nation’s built heritage in its care whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with the Ireland’s heritage.

The 2023 data highlights a continued trend in number of visitors to historic castles, gardens and monuments across the country. The numbers show the top heritage locations in each of two categories: Paid visitor attractions and free access sites.

Iconic Irish heritage sites such as Kilmainham Gaol, The Rock of Cashel and Glendalough continue to play a pivotal role for both domestic and international tourism. The major parks, such as the Phoenix Park, St Stephen’s Green and parklands around Doneraile Court have remained top of the list, continuing the trend of visitors utilising these recreational spaces. 

The data indicates a continued upward trend and visitor interest in Ireland's cultural legacy and underscores the importance of preserving such invaluable assets for future generations.

“The 780 sites under the care of the Office of Public Works contribute to the local sense of place, the local economy and are great places for domestic and international tourists to enjoy. The 2023 visitor data clearly indicates that there is a strong interest in heritage tourism and that an increasing number of visitors regard Ireland’s heritage sites as great places to visit," said Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan.

“We have fortunate to have such a rich and diverse collection of landmarks across the country. The continued investment by the State in our heritage portfolio- from ancient monuments to medieval castles- is so important for the safeguarding and preservation of our built heritage. It is wonderful to see the continued upward trend in visitor numbers to both the paid attractions and the recreational spaces which the public can access for free, all year round."