It’s been a tough few years for Dublin’s pubs as the pandemic and inflation has wrecked profit margins and hit local demand. However, an influx of American tourists, flush with a strong US dollar and ready to spend, are likely to boost Ireland’s hospitality and travel industry from hotels and bars to golf clubs and visitor attractions this summer.
“A lot of Americans are starting to come because the dollar’s strong,” said Tom Doone, who runs The Merchant’s Arch in Dublin’s Temple Bar district. He’s expecting a busy tourism season — which traditionally kicks of with St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, he said.
