The Guinness Storehouse is the top tourist attraction in Ireland with almost 1.5 million visitors last year.

That is followed by The Cliffs of Moher, Dublin Zoo, the National Aquatic Centre and the Book of Kells.

The National Gallery of Ireland is the top free destination according to the figures from Failte Ireland, with the National Botanic Gardens, and Farmleigh also included in the top five.

Alex Connolly, is the Head of Communications with Fáilte Ireland – he has said they want to encourage visitors to come here year-round: “We call spring and autumn the shoulder seasons and we think it is very keen always to have activity and to generate activity during those shoulder seasons.

“So for example, Failte Ireland would put an awful amount of emphasis in promoting and supporting festivals not only during the summer but particularly during the shoulder seasons.

“So there is something on and something to do during autumn.”