IRELAND's tourist board Fáilte Ireland has published its annual list of top performing tourist attractions in Ireland.
Listing both free and paid for attractions, it is the big Dublin names that stole the show in 2015.
Ireland's top five paid for attractions in 2015 were...
1. Guinness Storehouse
It’s no surprise that topping the list is Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse. Last year the attraction enticed over 1.5million visitors through its iconic gates, 230,000 more than in 2014. The owners of St James' Gate will be raising a glass to that.
The iconic Guinness Storehouse gates2. Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience
Co. Clare's Cliffs of Moher visitor experience came a close second with 1,251, 575 visitors. Crowds flocked to experience the stunning scenery and meet the colony of puffins who make their home on the cliffs throughout the summer months.
The atmospheric Cliffs of Moher continue to draw crowds3. Dublin Zoo
A cool 1,105,005 tourists made their way to Dublin zoo last year. One of the world's oldest zoos, the the 28 hectare space in Dublin’s Phoenix Park is home to 400 different species.
4. National Aquatic Centre
Last year 991,554 visitors made a splash in Dublin's national aquatic centre. The centre is home to Ireland's biggest Water Park, AquaZone.
5. The Book of Kells
The Book of Kells exhibition at Trinity College Dublin remains high on the must see list with 767,996 through the door. An 18 per cent increase in visitor numbers from the previous year.
Other popular Irish fee paying attractions were, Blarney Castle, Fota Wildlife Park, Kilmainham Gaol and the Jameson's Experience.
Ireland's top five free attractions in 2015 were....
1. The National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery saw a healthy 21 per cent rise in visitors. The gallery has been keeping young customers engaged with a new 'masterpieces app' which provides information on 80 of the most famous art works, which visitors can download for free.
2. National Botanic Gardens
An oasis of calm just 3km from Dublin's city centre, the National Botanic Gardens are the perfect escape from the buzz of Dublin. In 2015 visitor numbers to this gem rose by a modest two per cent.
Wrought iron conservatory in Dublin's Botanic Gardens3. Irish Museum of Modern Art
The Irish Museum of Modern Art had an impressive 58 per cent more visitors in 2015 compared to 2014. This massive rise is thanks in part to an extensive program of exhibitions throughout the year.
The Irish Museum of Modern Art saw a big increase in visitors in 20154. National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
The Archaeology department of the National Museum of Ireland has seen a steady two per centincrease in visitor numbers digging around its exhibitions.
5. Farmleigh
The former residence of the Guinness family, and the official Irish state guest house welcomed 410,076 people to its immaculate grounds and rooms in 2015.
Farmleigh is the official Irish State guest houseWhat would be your top five Irish tourist attractions? Let us know in the comments.
