Businesses working in the tourism sector are at their most positive since the Celtic Tiger years.

Almost three quarters (74%) of them are upbeat about their 2014 business performance, according to the latest Fáilte Ireland Tourism Barometer.

It says the recovery in tourism is now apparent across the country "with all regions now reporting strong accommodation sector increases on last year."

The south west, in particular, has enjoyed a good performance so far this year - with 84% of respondents reporting business to be up on 2013.

Many people there cited the recent 'Wild Atlantic Way' initiative as a positive factor.

Dublin - which has been leading the recovery in tourism - continues to perform strongly and the Shannon region, where improvements at the local airport are mentioned as a positive factor, is also recording robust growth.

79% of accommodation providers reported an increase in visitor volumes, compared to the same period last year.

Source: Fáilte Ireland

Hotels remain the strongest sector, with 82% seeing an increase in visitors. However 2014 has also proved to be a good year for guesthouses, as 69% have seen growth, while B&Bs are up by 60%.

The overseas market has also provided sharp increases for restaurants, with 72% of reporting their overseas visitor volumes to be up on last year.

Commenting on the research, the CEO of Fáilte Ireland Shaun Quinn said: "Business sentiment amongst the Tourism trade is buoyant and that's no surprise as the industry is now experiencing growth in all sectors and throughout the country."

"For now, tourism is back but this has been a very hard won recovery. It has taken a mixture of sacrifice and innovation by many operators - as well as far-sighted government support for the sector - to make Ireland a competitive destination again."

So far this year, Germany, North America and to some extent Great Britain are becoming stronger markets, and many also report greater volumes and spending within the domestic market.