The number of trips made to Ireland between July and September jumped by 10.5% compared to last year.
According to the CSO, over 9% more visits were made by British people, while the figure from other parts of Europe was up 10% compared to the same period in 2015.
There was even better news from the North American market, with the number of visits up almost 16%.
A total of 3,061,500 visited Ireland this summer, with a total of 7,445,200 visiting since the start of the year.
Meanwhile, there was a jump of 3% (or 2,252,900) in the number of Irish residents heading abroad, with a total of 5,705,900 Irish residents having travelled overseas since January.
Image: CSO
Minister for Tourism Shane Ross says the challenge now is to maintain the growth in the sector.
Minister Ross said: "Budget 2017 reflects the government’s commitment to support the development and sustainability of Irish tourism. The 9% VAT rate was retained and funding of €122 million for the tourism programme will allow Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to develop Ireland’s tourism industry by further enhancing the experience brands and marketing Ireland effectively overseas and domestically."
CEO of Tourism Ireland, Niall Gibbons, says we're looking at the strongest year on record for tourism, adding that “we are determined to ensure that growth continues".
