The footfall figures for Waterford City from May to August sit at a staggering 1.8million. July proved to be the busiest month with footfall reaching almost half a million at 496,950. While it is often said that retail in the city centre is struggling, these numbers suggest that the summer footfall at least could provide a source of opportunity and encouragement to local businesses.
As Waterford Council said in a statement to The Munster Express, “Waterford city and county enjoyed a spectacular summer of sunshine, sports, festivals and fun.”
And festivals did play a significant role in the footfall figures and continue to be a successful driver of people into the Waterford’s City and Towns.
Similarly, Dungarvan and Grenway Abbeyside footfall was over 112,200 for the same period. Although it should also be noted that the Waterford Festival of Food in April, featured over 140 events in the Dungarvan area with an estimated 80,000 people were in attendance over the four days.
‘THIS IS IRELAND’
In a standout success for Waterford, the GAA World Games in July attracted almost 20,000 visitors to SETU Arena.
During the unforgettable event, the SETU area hosted teams in Football, Hurling, Camogie, Handball, and GAA Rounders competitions, featuring teams from across Europe, Britain, North America, South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australasia, with the finals taking place in Walsh Park.
Speaking about the World Games in Waterford, GAA President Jarlath Burns, said: “Waterford people opened their doors to us all this week and that is why the atmosphere is so amazing here. Waterford is an ancient, historical City and because of that it is such an amazing place to bring the people that are playing our games abroad to it, and say this is Ireland.”
“We are so proud at how successful these games have been, again it was bigger than the last, and bigger than the one before that.”
Along with the players themselves, GAA fans, team supporters and families descended on Waterford City Centre and accounted for footfall of 280,000 in the city centre between July 13 and July 17.
SUNSHINE AND OPERATING COSTS
After an unprecedented summer of sunshine, it could be taken for granted that the businesses in Waterford benefited from a season of increased spending. But this isn’t automatically guaranteed, as a CSO figures suggest that the national tourism spend was down when compared to recent years.
The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation said in a statement: “Ireland welcomed 3.9 million overseas visitors in the first seven months of 2026, an increase of 13% on the same period last year.
“However, visitor spending remains below 2024 levels, according to the latest CSO figures. The data points to a mixed outlook for Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, as tourism businesses contend with high operating costs, changing travel patterns and intense competition from other European destinations.
“Tourism is worth €11.2 billion annually to the Irish economy, with €3.3 billion returned to the Exchequer through tourism-related taxes. The industry supports 229,400 jobs, making it a particularly important employer in regional Ireland.”
ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh said: “There is growing evidence that the tourism season is softening and we have still not moved beyond 2024 revenue levels.
“International tourism is exceptionally competitive. Visitors have more choice than ever and Ireland has to compete on value, access and the overall visitor experience. The opportunity is there, particularly as air connectivity improves, but converting that into sustained growth cannot be taken for granted.”
The Munster Express spoke to the Laura McBrinn, General Manager and Owner of the Majestic Hotel in Tramore, to gauge their experience of summer season.
“We had a really positive summer season,” she explained. “With such fabulous weather it just felt like everyone was on holidays.
“In Tramore as well there’s now a variety of things to do, whether it’s the parks, the beach, food, coffee, wellness events, so we are delighted with the progression,” Ms. McBrinn added.
Ms. McBrinn also confirmed that the good season was reflected in overall spending. However, she has noticed a difference in spending patterns in recent years.
“I think people are more conscious of quality when it comes to prices. They want value and variety, they want good food and good experiences,” she said.
“But in Tramore we have such a broad offering now, and it just continues to grow and expand. So Tramore really is becoming an all year round destination.”
FESTIVALS AND CRUISES
Waterford’s summer season has become synonymous with festivals like Spraoi, which went from being planned as a one-off, one-day event to becoming the weekend cornerstone of Waterford’s festival season.
As Waterford Council explained: “The Spraoi festival which took place throughout the August Bank Holiday weekend, or as it’s known to locals, the Spraoi Weekend, transformed Ireland’s oldest city into a giant stage featuring street performers from around the world.
“This imaginative wonderland attracts thousands of spectators for a packed free programme of street performances and music concerts, headlined by a spectacular festival parade, and fireworks. This year’s festival featured performers from Ireland, Germany, Scotland, Wales, England, Spain, France, Poland, Norway, and Italy.
Waterford City Centre attracted over 208,000 visitors during Spraoi 2026, and nearby attractions such as the Waterford Cultural Quarter, Tramore, and Dunmore East were closely linked to visitor journeys before/after their visit to Spraoi.”
Despite some disappointments early in the season, the weather conditions did eventually allow cruise shits to visit Dunmore East, brining a huge 15,000 tourists into the village and the surrounding county.
“Throughout the season, eighteen cruise ships visited Waterford, bringing in excess of 15,000 visitors to the area. In August, four cruise ships arrived over four consecutive days to Dunmore East, bringing 5,000 visitors. From cafés, restaurants, and shops to attractions, tour providers and hospitality businesses, cruise calls bring a valuable boost and give visitors even more opportunities to spend time in and support communities across Waterford,” the council spokesperson added.
Waterford continues to excel in tourism and Waterford Council now hosts events to bring together tourist-centred businesses allowing them to network and collaborate. As explained by Waterford Council: “Events such as the Waterford Rural Tourism Network Showcase bring together tourism service providers to highlight tourism offerings in the Rural Tourism Network five cluster areas; Copper Coast, Blackwater Valley, Comeraghs, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary”.
These events take place throughout the year with each geographical area of the network highlighting the offering of that part of the county. The Waterford Rural Tourism Network programme is funded by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland.
AARON KENT Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
