New data from Ireland's Central Statistics Office (CSO) has revealed a 1 per cent drop in inbound visitor numbers for the period between March and May 2012.

However, national tourism agency Tourism Ireland said the figures contained "a number of encouraging indicators" as visitor numbers from core mainland Europe markets increased compared with the same period in 2011.

There was also a 12 per cent growth in inbound numbers from Australia and emerging markets such as China and India, while the US and Canadian markets both returned to growth.

Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons said: "Despite economic uncertainty, demand remains strong for travel in both advanced and emerging markets."

Details: www.tourismireland.com