Tourism sees hike in figures

Tourism saw a boost in October compared with the same month last year, according to figures from the Central Statistics Agency.

In October 2006 there were 644,500 trips to Ireland, compared with 611,100 in October 2005, an increase of 33,400.

Irish people also took to air and sea to travel abroad in increased numbers - there were 591,700 overseas trips by Irish people in October 2006 compared with 479,000 in October 2005, an increase of 112,700.

The number of visitors from Britain decreased by 2,700 but increased by 26,400 from other European countries. Trips to Ireland by US people grew by 7,300.