The number of tourists coming to Ireland is on the rise.

New Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show there has been an increase of more than 10% in visitor numbers during the first half of this year.

More than 324,000 extra people travelled to Ireland between January and June compared to the same period in 2013.

Growth has been recorded in the number of visitors coming from all four major markets of the Irish tourism sector, including Britain and North America.

The Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe says the government wants to ensure the growth continues.