The most expansive festival and events calendar encompassing more than 600 festivals and worth an estimated €200 million to the economy was launched yesterday by Fáilte Ireland.
Over seven million people are expected to attend the events and festivals, according to chief executive of Fáilte Ireland Shaun Quinn.
Highlights of the national tourism authority's 2006 calendar include new festivals such as the World Fleadh in Ballybunion, Kerry, and the Street Performance World Championship in Merrion Square, Dublin.
More than 80 per cent of overseas visitors are expected to come from the "core markets" of the US, UK, France and Germany. The need to boost tourism in regional centres is of primary concern to Fáilte Ireland, which has invested more than €15 million over the last five years through the Festival and Cultural Events Initiative.
"Research shows that people need a hook, a reason to go to a place . . . something they can build a trip around. If people are to go to Killarney now, there has to be a draw and an attraction organised," explained Mr Quinn.
Such tourism initiatives are exemplified by the Celtic European Festival of the Sea in Donegal, a new music festival for Sligo town, and Puck Fair in Kerry.
"Strong community spirit is alive and kicking. They may need guidance, however, in organising events and so, for the first time, we are providing training to festival organisers so that they can get things off the ground," said Mr Quinn.
On average, one-third of festival audiences book into local accommodation and stay for at least one night, according to Fáilte Ireland. The indirect economic impact of festivals can be significant for other sectors.
Fiona Gleeson, festival and cultural officer, said the national St Patrick's Festival will generate over €58.3 million , while the Galway Arts Festival this year could generate over €17 million.
Other events such as the Galway International Oyster Festival, the Ryder Cup, the Rose of Tralee festival and the Dublin Horse Show are expected to attract large audiences.