Trips to Ireland from abroad increased by some 8.6 per cent in the first quarter of the year.
The total number of trips was 1,177,600, an overall increase of 92,800, compared to the same period in 2010. Figures for overseas travel published by the Central Statistics Office show the number of visitors from North America was up by 11.9 per cent to 153,600.
Trips by residents of other European countries and Britain were up by 8.9 per cent and 7.2 per cent respectively. Overseas visits from other countries rose by 12 per cent.
In contrast, the number of trips by Irish residents going abroad was down by 11.7 per cent when compared to the first three months of last year.
Quarter 1 2010 saw a drop of 6.5 per cent from the corresponding quarter in 2009, the CSO said.
Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar said he was confident growth would continue for the rest of the year.
"The last two weeks have seen the highly successful visits of Queen Elizabeth II and US president Barack Obama," he said.
"I don't think anything could compare with the positive images of Ireland broadcast around the world in recent
days. I understand well over 11,000 articles have already appeared in print and online media across the globe."
Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons said the figures were welcome news for all in the industry.
"The figures issued today are well ahead of expectations, showing a strong turn-around and a welcome return to growth from Great Britain, our largest and most important market, as well as from North America, France, Germany, Spain, the Nordic Region and from Australia and developing markets," he said.
Mr Gibbons said he believed the industry was poised for a return to growth after a number of difficult years for tourism.
According to Tourism Ireland, overseas tourism business accounts for 59 per cent (approximately €3.1 billion) of all tourism revenue.
The Government yesterday launched a campaign calling on Irish people to “put the country first” and to consider holidaying at home this year.
A major Discover Ireland advertising campaign and discounted rail fares from Iarnród Éireann are among the €1 million package announced by Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar. To help promote weekend breaks at home, the rail company will discount rail tickets bought online by 50 per cent for Saturday travel and some Sunday services from anywhere in Ireland.
The company promises a €20 day return fare from Dublin to anywhere in the Republic by rail on Saturdays (€10 for children and €50 for a family of two adults and up to four children).