German and Italian visitors have bolstered the burgeoning North American tourist market as almost 10 million people -- just under 7% growth -- came to Ireland since January.

Two Limerick men - who drowned in two separate incidents in recent days - have been remembered at their funeral masses as unique, loving, and free-spirited.

Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar has defended Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s decision to march in the controversial St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York.