Tourist numbers on upward trend for 2016

Over 2 million trips were made to Ireland between February and April this year, 16 per cent more than during the same period in 2015, according to new figures.

The Central Statistics Office recorded increased visitor numbers to Ireland from almost all of the country’s main tourist markets, with almost a fifth more visitors coming from Great Britain and North America.

Irish citizens also travelled abroad more often compared to the same period last year, with 3.6 million trips overseas compared to the 3.2 million made between February and April 2015.

The improvements have been welcomed by the new Minister for Transport Shane Ross.

“I am pleased that, in my first weeks as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I can confirm that Irish tourism is on track for another excellent year. The figures are very encouraging as we enter the peak tourism season,” he said.