Millions flock to famous attraction
Ireland's most popular visitor attraction looks set to regain its title after pulling in more than 1 million people last year.
The famous Guinness Storehouse was again on course to beat off competition from the Cliffs of Moher and Dublin Zoo for the coveted title.
Paul Carty, Storehouse managing director, said the St James's Gate attraction continued to hold its own despite poor tourism figures.
"It was no mean feat with the year that was in it," he said.
The Irish tourism industry faced one of its most difficult years last year with a 12% fall in visitors from overseas.
Guinness said, however, the Storehouse - the third busiest brand experience in the world behind Hershey's chocolate in the US and Volkswagen in Germany - performed strongly with numbers down only 1% on 2008.
The centre saw UK visitors fall by just over a quarter but the sharp decline was offset by rising number of American visitors, up 12%, and resounding 19% growth from European countries. Most visitors came from Britain.
Since opening in December 2000, more than 7.5 million people have passed through its doors.
Press Association
