A recent ‘Visitor Attitudes Survey’ carried out by Fáilte Ireland shows that overseas visitors continue to rate Ireland as value for money and that our people, scenery and culture remain our strongest assets.

Almost four out of ten (39 per cent) tourists said that their experience in Ireland exceeded their expectations, while a further 60 per cent said that Ireland met their expectations.

Why did people think Ireland exceeded their expectations?

For these reasons:

• Irish people  – 68 per cent
• Scenery – 54 per cent
• Irish history and culture – 31 per cent
• Weather better than expected – 30 per cent
• Food quality and variety – 21 per cent

The top five experiences mentioned by overseas visitors were:

• Listened to live music in a pub – 83 per cent
• Visited a coastal town – 82 per cent
• Tasted a Guinness – 79 per cent
• Visited a food or craft market – 49 per cent
• Took part in a city tour – 41 per cent