The number of overseas visitors to Ireland had decreased by almost 14 per cent over last year, according to new figures published today by the Central Statistics Office.
The latest overseas travel figures show 96,100 fewer overseas visitors came to the country in September compared with the same month last year. There were 594,600 visits from abroad during the month, compared to 690,700 in September 2008, a decline of 13.9 per cent.
The number of trips to Ireland by residents of Great Britain fell by almost 15 per cent to 271,600, while visitors from other European countries were down 17 per cent to 192,300.
The CSO data also revealed Irish residents took 628,800 foreign trips in September 2009, down nearly 13.4 per cent on the same month last year.
The CSO also reported that international travel by Irish residents dropped by 10.7 per cent in the third quarter of 2009. The number of overseas trips to Ireland was down 11.2 per cent for the three quarter stage.