A total of 7.9 million people have visited Ireland over the last year, a record number of visitors and an 11 per cent increase on last year.
Tourism Ireland, the organisation responsible for promoting Ireland as a tourist destination overseas, said that 2015 has been the best year ever for visitor numbers to the country.
More than €4.2 billion in revenue has been generated by tourists this year, a 16 per cent increase on 2014.
Ireland's core markets have all seen growth, including Great Britain, which saw visitor numbers increase by 10 per cent. United States, Canada, Germany, France, Spain and Australia all had record years also.
Tourism Ireland said its various promotional campaigns, including the Wild Atlantic Way, Game of Thrones tours and the Global Greening initiative on St Patrick’s Day have helped highlight Ireland as a tourist destination.
The board also plains to use the new Star Wars film, which was partly shot on Skellig Michael, to promote the country in its new campaign in 2016.
