THE National Gallery of Ireland was the top tourist attraction in 1996, the last year for which figures are available. The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr McDaid, listed the top 10 attractions for Mr Billy Timmins (FG, Wicklow) who raised the issue during Question time.
The Book of Kells was the second most popular attraction, followed by Dublin Zoo; Bunratty Castle and Folk Park; the National Museum of Ireland; the Hugh Lane Gallery; the Irish Museum of Modern Art; Guinness Hopstore; Muckross House and Gardens; Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre. Dr McDaid said Bord Failte was planning to carry out a comprehensive survey of visits to tourism attractions, which would include information for 1997 and 1998.