Record numbers of visitors from the US and Canada have helped make 2014 one of the best years yet for tourism.
There was an increase of 9% overall in overseas visitors this year, and 5,000 extra jobs were created in the tourism sector.
Failte Ireland's own business sentiment index is high, with almost 80 percent of operators optimistic for 2015.
Chairman Michael Cawley says visitor numbers from North America have been particularly high:
“For the first time ever we surpassed one million passengers from North America by the end of September, and are predicting a record year of 1.2 million by the end of the year” he said.
“That rise has been spectacular”.
“And we think, unlike perhaps previous experiences from North America, it will be sustained” he added.
