The number of people visiting Ireland is up by 7.8% from July to September.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) says there was an overall increase of over 164,000 compared to the same time last year.

The data for the last three months shows visitors from the United States were up over 13% to 415,000.

While those visiting from Europe increased by 1.2% to 786,200 and trips by UK residents rose by 9% to 904,700.

And more Irish people are going abroad with just over 2 million of us taking a break elsewhere.

The Minister for Tourism Michael Ring says the sector is recovering.