The Aran island fort of Dún Aonghasa was sixth most visited national monument in Ireland in 2022, while Kerry’s Blasket island visitor centre has recorded a significant increase.

Coastal locations remained highly popular last year among over 800 historic sites and monuments managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the State.

Figures released by the OPW show Dún Aonghasa on Arainn’s Inis Mór in Galway Bay recorded 119,893 visitors who paid entry in 2022, compared to 83,892 in 2021 when the islands had a more restricted season due to Covid-19.

Kerry’s Great Blasket island recorded 12,000 visitors last year, compared to 8,137 in 2021.

"Coastal locations remained highly popular last year among over 800 historic sites"

The Blasket Island visitor centre and viewing point on the mainland, Ionad an Bhlascaoid, recorded a large increase, with 43,348 visitors last year compared to 11,067 in 2021.

North Mayo’s Céide Fields recorded a fall in visits, with 22,396 last year compared to 24,176 in 2021.

Kerry’s Scelig Mhichíl (Skellig Michael), where visitor numbers are restricted, had 14,197 visitors in 2022 compared to 12,105 the previous year.

Connemara’s newer attraction, Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh (Pearse's Cottage), recorded a big surge in numbers, growing from 11,075 in 2021 to 19,292 last year.

The OPW said the overall number of recorded visitors last year exceeded 15 million, up by 2.3 million on 2021, an increase of 18%.

The OPW said it “manages and maintains the most important of Ireland’s historic buildings and heritage”.

“We take meticulous care of the 780 heritage sites in our charge and, at the 70 sites with visitor services, we work hard to present them to their best potential,”it said.

Talks are still continuing in relation to a pay allowance for guides and staff at Skellig Michael, as reported by Afloat.