8.8 million people came to Ireland in 2016 with spending reaching €4.7 billion.

That represents a 9% increase in spending compared to 2015.

Domestic tourism showed positive gains too at around €1.75 billion.

The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation says the sector also looks set to create a further 50,000 jobs by 2025.

And the sector is likely to grow by 50% over the next ten years.

Chief Executive of the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation Eoghan O'Mara Walsh, says there's potential to attract even more visitors from parts of northern Europe.