Sun shines on tourist industry as clouds lift

THE Irish tourist industry appeared to have had dark clouds hovering over it in recent months. And not just because of our unpredictable weather.

Soaring prices, the smoking ban, poor transport infrastructure, children barred from pubs after 9pm and a decline in the number of five-star hotels have contributed to the supposed doom and gloom for the industry.

Yet it looks like being another good year for Irish tourism.