Irish residents continued to travel abroad in droves in the second half of this year despite warnings of economic slowdown with over two million people leaving the State during the traditionally busiest holiday time.
Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures published today show that between July and September 2007 there were some 2,356,000 trips abroad - an increase of 10 per cent on the same quarter last year.
Trips for holiday and recreation increased 21 per cent to just under 1.6 million. When those travelling abroad to visit relatives and friends are included, the figures rises to just over two million in the three-month period.
But there was a drop of just over 13 per cent in trips abroad for business and other purposes to 292,000 - down from 336,000. Trips abroad for one night or less accounted for the remainder.
Figures available for passenger ferries to and from Britain show the sector failed to capitalise on the increased activity, however - dropping 16 per cent.
Visits to continental Europe, which include figures for ferries, went up 14 per cent, and trips on transatlantic routes grew by 21 per cent. However, the latter figure was not reciprocated as visits to Ireland from Canada and the United States fell by 2 per cent.
Foreign visitors to Ireland also increased in the third quarter but by a more modest 6 per cent to 2,645,000.
Visitors from continental Europe grew 16 per cent, while the market from Britain went up by just 2 per cent.
A more detailed breakdown shows that overall business trips to Ireland went up by 17 per cent.
Despite greater numbers travelling to Ireland, the balance of trade shows a net outflow of €331 million. Earnings from visitors accounted for €1.767 billion, while expenditure by Irish visitors abroad amounted to €2.098 billion.
The average duration of a visit from all overseas visitors who stayed at least one night fell from 9 nights to 8.6 nights, the CSO figures show.