Ireland 'a dream trip' for most Americans

Last year’s college football tie was a huge draw for Americans

Allison Bray

VISITING Ireland is on the "bucket list" for most Americans, according to a new survey by travel website TripAdvisor.

The bi-annual "TripBarometer" survey by the popular travel review site revealed that Ireland rates among the top three worldwide destinations people would like to visit before they kick the proverbial bucket.

According to the survey of 10,000 American respondents, Ireland ranks alongside Australia and Italy.

The survey also revealed the average American has set aside $8,272, or just under €6,000, to spend on holidays this year, up slightly on last year.

"The results of this TripAdvisor survey are good news indeed and confirm our own research that Ireland is high on the wish-list for Americans as a dream destination," said Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland.

Strategy

"Our strategy is to reach out to those people across the US who are well disposed towards Ireland – and get them to book that trip to Ireland now."

Tapping into the American market was vital, he added, noting that last year 980,000 US visitors came here, surpassing the previous record set in 2007.

"We are also highlighting the many great festivals and events taking place in Ireland this year – including Limerick City of Culture; next month's Grande Partenza or 'Big Start' of the Giro d'Italia; and, of course, the Croke Park Classic, when the University of Central Florida takes on Penn State in their college football season opener next August," he added.