The number over overseas travellers to Ireland increased by 18 per cent in the three-month period between November and January, according to the latest figures released by the CSO.
A total of 1,745,400 people touched down in the country over the time, an increase of 271,400 compared to the same period last year. Visitors from the UK accounted for almost half of the total trips, increasing by 17.5 per cent.
Visitor numbers from North America were up by 19.4 per cent while mainland Europe increased by 21.1 per cent.
Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe welcomed the figures, adding that the Ireland would be "aiming for even further growth in visitor numbers and associated revenue in 2016".
Tourism Ireland's chief executive Niall Gibbons said the results were "very positive" as the representative body rolls out its new campaign for 2016.
