Record number of tourists visiting Ireland

The number of people visiting Ireland this year is on target to be the highest in the history of the State, according to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. John O'Donoghue yesterday described as "quite unprecedented" the 13 per cent increase in visitor numbers in the first four months of the year.

"All of the indications from the trade at the present time is that we will exceed seven million visitors this year," the Minister said. "That means that we will have the highest number of visitors in the country in the history of the State and I have no doubt but that the revenue figures will reflect that and that the revenue figures will be the highest in the history of the State as well."

Mr O'Donoghue was speaking at the launch of this year's Dublin Horse Show at the RDS. The Fáilte Ireland sponsored event begins on August 9th and runs for five days.

This year's show, the 133rd, will be the richest to date, with more than €725,000 in prize money, the Minister said.

More than 1,000 horses and ponies will pass through the gates of the RDS over the five days. There are several new features at this year's show, according to Michael Duffy, RDS chief executive, with classes for four- and five-year-old horses as well as a number of classes restricted to Irish-bred horses.

Eight international show jumping teams will battle it out for the Aga Khan Challenge Trophy, while the Longines Grand Prix will carry a prize fund of €120,000.

To encourage horse sales during the event, a video catalogue will be produced featuring samples of young horses entered in the show. The video will be sent to a list of prospective buyers.

Members of the public will also be encouraged to show their judging skills by picking the horses they think will win in selected classes. The entrants closest to that of the judges will win €1,000 each day.

Ladies Day will be held on August 10th when the top prize of €10,000 will be awarded to the best dressed woman. It will be judged by former Miss World Rosanna Davidson, tailor Louis Copeland and designer Synan O'Mahony.

For more information see www.dublinhorseshow.com