Tourism industry sees confidence boost following bumper year

Confidence in the tourism industry is at its highest level in years with almost all accommodation providers expecting to increase or maintain business in 2014.

Visitor numbers grew by 7% overall last year - while the key North American market grew by 15%.

The Gathering initiative is credited with bringing in high numbers of US visitors.

"2013 was a good year," said CEO of Failte Ireland, Shaun Quinn. "The industry is very optimistic for 2014 - probably the most optimistic it has ever been for several years."