Tourism in the Republic of Ireland is one of the biggest contributors to the
Economy of the Republic of Ireland, with over 7.3 million people visiting the country in 2014, about 1.6 times Ireland's population.
[1][2] Each year about €5bn in revenue is made from economic activities directly related to tourists, accounting for about 4% of
GNP and employing over 200,000 people.
[3][4] In 2011 alone, Ireland was voted 'Favourite holiday destination in the World' by readers of
Frommer's Guide,
Lonely Planet listed Ireland as the world's friendliest country and
Cork City as one of the top ten cities in the world and the Irish tourist boards website, DiscoverIreland.com, was named the best tourist board website in the world.
[5][6] Most tourists visiting Ireland come from the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany and France.