Respondents expressed a strong sense of pride in Dublin, particularly when showing it off to visitors.
A recent survey conducted by Dublin City Council through its “Your Dublin, Your Voice” panel has revealed evolving public sentiment towards tourism in the capital. The online survey, carried out between May 20 and June 1, 2025, gathered responses from over 1,000 residents, offering a comprehensive snapshot of how locals perceive tourism’s impact on their city.
The most cited reasons that Dubliners think that tourists visit Dublin remain its vibrant pub scene, rich history, and cultural offerings.
Respondents expressed a strong sense of pride in Dublin, particularly when showing it off to visitors. Over 90% feel that tourism benefits Dublin but there are also concerns about the additional strain on the City.
The most cited reasons that Dubliners think that tourists visit Dublin remain its vibrant pub scene, rich history, and cultural offerings. The survey highlights a shift in attitudes toward the sustainability of tourism. In 2025, 43% of respondents felt tourism in Dublin was sustainable, up from 34% in 2023. Despite this, the protection of the environment, quality of life for residents and cleanliness of public spaces are seen as the most negative impacts of tourism.
Interactions with tourists are frequent, with 81% of residents describing them as positive or very positive – though this figure has dipped slightly from 2023. Technology’s role in enhancing the tourist experience is seen as underutilised, with only 28% believing it is used effectively. Top suggestions for improvement include easier payment systems for public transport, better transport apps, and a comprehensive Dublin tourism app.
Support for a proposed tourist bed charge is strong, with 64% in favour-rising to 70% among Dublin City Council (DCC) residents. Respondents indicated that revenue from such a charge should be directed toward improving public transport, safety, and the overall public realm.
The survey also compared Dublin’s tourism impacts with EU norms. While Dublin scores higher than average in areas like economic benefit and cultural vibrancy, it lags behind in infrastructure and environmental protection. 44% of respondents reported experiencing problems linked to tourism (EU norm, 60%), with crowding and cost of living the most cited.
As Dublin continues to grow as a popular destination, the city remains committed to balancing tourism with quality of life for residents, sustainability, and cultural preservation.
Join the Your Dublin, Your Voice opinion panel here and have your views heard on a range of issues that impact the quality of life in Dublin.
Economist, Dublin City Council
