Gathering 2013 expected to bring in 325k extra visitors

Members of the global Irish diaspora are being urged to play a role in Ireland's economic recovery and resurgence.

The Gathering 2013 is being officially launched today, and it is expected to attract up to 325,000 extra visitors to the country next year through a series of new festivals and other activities.

The major tourism initiative is being targeted at the estimated 70 million people around the world who identify themselves with Ireland.

The Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said The Gathering has the potential to leave a lasting legacy for the country.