130,000 outbound Mayo passengers through airport
By Tom Gillespie
IN the region of 130,000 outbound passengers from Mayo passed through Ireland West Airport last year, RedC research has confirmed.
And more than 160,000 visitors from overseas visited Mayo using the airport as a gateway.
Mayo, the study found, is the number one market from an outbound and inbound passenger perspective.
RedC research in 2023 showed that visitors to Mayo spent an average of five nights in the county when they visited the west of Ireland.
And 43 per cent of overseas visitors who travel to Mayo do so for holiday purposes. Westport, Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, Knock Basilica and Achill Island were found to be the highlights for those who visit Mayo.
In 2023 Ireland West Airport had a 20 per cent increase in the number of Donegal people using the airport compared to 2022, based on data from the airport’s online car parking system which tracks car registrations.
In the region of 40,000 outbound passengers from Donegal used the airport in 2023 while 30,000 visitors from overseas visited Donegal using the airport as a gateway.
County Donegal is the fourth biggest market from an outbound passenger perspective behind Mayo, Galway and Sligo, which is very positive.
The five times daily bus service with Bus Éireann on Route 64 between Letterkenny and Galway, stopping at the airport, has proven to be very popular with Donegal people as the bus company have reported a big uptake on passenger numbers from this region in 2023.
RedC research in 2023 showed that visitors to Donegal and Leitrim spent the most nights on average in these counties, spending an average of six nights there when visiting the region.
And 56 per cent of overseas visitors who visit Donegal do so for holiday purposes.
Over 35,000 Co. Leitrim passengers each year use the airport. Over 15,000 inbound visitors came to Leitrim through the airport last year.
And 33 per cent of overseas visitors who visit Leitrim do so for holiday purposes.
Approximately 16,000 Co. Longford passengers each year use the airport. Over 10,000 inbound visitors come to Longford through the airport last year.
Last year they had a 15 per cent increase in the number of Roscommon people using the airport compared to 2022. In region of over 40,000 outbound passengers from Roscommon used the airport last year and 30,000 visitors from overseas visited the county via the airport.
Roscommon is the fourth biggest market for the airport from an outbound passenger perspective behind Mayo, Galway and Sligo, which airport bosses see as very positive.
The research showed that visitors to Roscommon spent an average of four nights in the county and 22 per cent of overseas visitors visit Roscommon for holiday purposes.
Lough Key Forest Park was the highlight attraction for those who visited Roscommon.