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Almost 7m people visited Ireland in the first ten months of this year, 4% more than in the corresponding period of 2006, the latest figures show.

According to the Central Statistics Office, the number of people from Britain visiting Ireland in October this year increased by 2% on 2006.

American visitor numbers saw a year-on-year rise of 1%, while 6% more tourists from mainland Europe travelled to Ireland in October this year.

Seamus Brennan, minister for arts, sport and tourism, said: 'As we approach the end of 2007, all the indications are that we will have enjoyed another record year for Irish tourism.

'I am particularly pleased to note that the October monthly figures show that both the North American and British markets show an increase compared to the corresponding month in 2006.'

Mr Brennan said that the rise in US and British visitors was particularly positive owing to the challenging economic factors in those markets, which could have an impact on consumers' willingness to travel.

Ireland's latest budget awarded a record $170m (£123m) of funding to the tourism industry, which is expected to ensure continued growth in the coming year.

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