New figures show that Ikea's flagship store in north Dublin attracted three million visitors last year as its revenues grew to €152m - that was a 15% increase on the previous year.

The average shopper spent close to €50 per trip - visits were 15% higher, according to the Irish Independent.

Ikea sold some 2.5 million meatballs during the 12 months.

However, its pre-tax profits fell by 10% to €11.84m as its operating costs increased. It paid a dividend of €11m to its parent company.

Ikea opened a second Irish outlet, a smaller 'Order and Collection' point at Carrickmines in south Dublin, it is also believed to be planning a major store in Cork.

Between 2014 and 2015 the Swedish company's profits almost doubled.

Its cost of sales rose from €87.4m to €100m during the 12 months. Its staff costs were €17.2m - it added 110 new workers bringing the total headcount to 567.

Ikea's global profits rose by 20% last year as it made gains in the Chinese market.