Dublin Zoo Top Visitor Attraction

The most popular attraction to visit in Ireland is now Dublin Zoo, according to new figures released by tourism body Failte Ireland.

The zoo, which is located in the Phoenix Park, increased its visitor numbers by almost 7% to just over 960,000 in 2010.

It was closely followed by the Guinness Storehouse, which saw 930,000 people pass through its doors.

The National Gallery continued its dominance as the most popular free attraction.

Last year was one of the most difficult years for Irish tourism in decades.

There was a 10% drop in overseas visitors, but despite this the most popular attractions in Ireland continued to perform well.

Visits to the top ten fee-paying and top ten free attractions fell by just 2.6% from 2009 figures.

"It is clear from these figures that the drop in overseas figures was tempered somewhat by an increase in domestic visitors," said Shaun Quinn, CEO of Failte Ireland.

"As more Irish people stayed at home in 2010, it is no surprise that family friendly attractions such as the Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park actually recorded significant increases."

"The indications for this year are that there will at last be some increase in our overseas numbers. Coupled with the fact that a third more Irish are indicating they will be holidaying at home this year, 2011 could be a great one for our top places and attractions."