There were a record number of visitors to Ireland in 2007, but growth was more moderate than previous years, and markets such as Britain and the US lagged behind, a new report has found.

According to the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation, overseas visitor numbers for the year are expected to finish at close to 7.8 million, a 4 per cent rise on last year. Total industry revenue is estimated to finish at almost €6.5 billion for 2007.

The first half of 2007 saw exceptional growth, fuelling the year's record performance which generated revenue of almost €1.6 billion for the full year.

While the domestic market helped boost figures, and continental Europe saw strong growth, Britain was still the main source of visitors to Ireland. However, visitor numbers were static compared to 2006, with 3.8 million people making the trip to Ireland, 3 per cent less than the target growth. The holidaymaker sector of this market showed a slight improvement, the ITIC said.

About one million visitors came to Ireland from North America during the year, slightly more than 2006, but still below the 4 per cent growth that had been expected.

Although the ITIC said the outlook for 2008 was promising, it was cautious, citing instability in global financial markets, oil prices, the weakness of the dollar and geopolitical tensions as possible factors affecting the year.