Figures from the Central Statistics Office of Ireland show the number of visitors from overseas has increased in the first six months of 2014.

Commenting on the CSO figures for the first half of 2014, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Today’s CSO figures confirm growth of +10% in overseas visitors to Ireland for the first half of 2014, an additional 324,400 visitors when compared with January to June 2013.

“I am delighted to report that we are seeing growth from all of our market areas around the world this year. I am particularly pleased to see visitor numbers from Great Britain increasing by +14% for the first half of this year (176,100 additional visitors). 2014 is also set to be another record year for tourism from North America, with growth of +11% (54,900 additional visitors) recorded for the first six months of this year. And it is very encouraging to see growth from other important tourism markets – including Germany (+18%), Spain (+22%), Italy (+4%) and our long-haul markets (+14%). This reflects the sentiment expressed by our industry partners, including carriers and tour operators overseas, as well as tourism enterprises here at home.”

Niall Gibbons continued, “We are determined to ensure that tourism growth continues. We are undertaking an extensive program of promotions around the world throughout 2014 which includes a major focus on the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as on major events like Limerick City of Culture and the Croke Park Classic, when the University of Central Florida takes on Penn State in their college football season opener, on August 30.”