Number of visitors to Ireland up by 7.6%

The number of trips to Ireland increased by 7.6 per cent in the three months from May to July, with the number of visitors from North America up by more than a fifth compared to the same period last year.

Figures published by the Central Statistics Office show a total number of 2,084,600 trips were made to Ireland, up by 146,800 on the 2013 period.

Minister for Tourism Michael Ring said the figures were "very encouraging" and that they again suggested The Gathering initiative was delivering more overseas visitors.

“I would like to thank the thousands of volunteers throughout the country who have organised and helped out with Gathering events and brought a great sense of community and pride back to parishes and towns,” the Minister said.

“Visitors from overseas are enjoying their holiday experience here in Ireland with many promising to return again in the future.”

Trips by North American residents were up by 20.5 per cent to 418,700.

The number of trips by residents of European countries other than Britain was up by 5.1 per cent to 760,400 and trips from other areas were up 11.9 per cent to 134,700.

British visitors to here were up by 3.3 per cent to 770,800.

In total, the number of overseas trips made by Irish residents during the May-July period was up by 3.2 per cent to 1,999,200.

From January to July, the number of trips to Ireland increased by 6 per cent when compared with the same months last year.

Mr Ring said visitors from overseas were enjoying their holiday experience here with many promising to return again in the future.

He also welcomed CSO figures this week which showed an 8 per cent increase in employment in accommodation and food services over the last 12 months.

He said this showed the special 9 per cent tourism VAT rate and other tourism measures were supporting job creation.