Tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in Ireland. From the social point-of-view, the tourist industry is valuable because it can promote economic growth throughout the country, including the most rural areas.

Tourism Ireland was established as one of the six areas of cooperation under the Good Friday Agreement for the purpose of marketing the entire island of Ireland as an international tourist destination.

Tourism attracts almost 7.7 million overseas visitors each year, about 14% from the U.S. In 2007 it is estimated that the number of visitors grew by 4% with the North American Market growing by over 4%.

There has been a great improvement in recent years in the standard and volume of accommodation for visitors enabling the industry to respond to Ireland’s growing popularity A substantial investment program to develop the range and quality of year-round attractions has yielded visible results.

In addition, in 2003, the Government established Failte Ireland as the new National Tourism Development Authority. Failte Ireland, working closely with the tourism industry provides a one-stop-shop for strategic and practical support to develop and sustain Ireland as a high quality and competitive tourist destination.

Ireland’s main tourist attractions are its scenery, people historical, musical and literary heritage, and way of life. The country offers excellent facilities for activity-based holidays such as walking, cycling, golfing, riding, water sports, fishing and cruising as well as a wide range of other leisure activities.