It seems more of us are opting to holiday at home, the latest figures from Fáilte Ireland reveal.

In 2015, there were 7.5 million overall trips taken by Irish residents within the Republic - including business tips - with associated expenditure of €1.53bn.

This represents an increase of 2% in trips on 2014, while expenditure increased by 5%.

And with regard to domestic holiday trips, there were 3.8 million taken in 2015, representing an increase of 6%, while holiday spend was up by 10% to €939m.

Fáilte Ireland's director of marketing, Noel John McLoughlin said: "The importance of the domestic market is crucial to the tourism industry here in Ireland, not only in terms of revenue but also by providing an opportunity to extend the season and deliver additional business in Spring and autumn."

"With our Dublin, Ireland’s Ancient East and Wild Atlantic Way brands now up and running, we are able to provide and promote compelling and exciting choices for domestic holiday makers."

The report also found that over half (58%) of Irish residents took at least one holiday trip in Ireland in 2015.

The south west was the most popular destination for Irish holidaymakers, accounting for 22% of all domestic holiday trips last year.

Source: Fáilte Ireland

Fáilte Ireland says booking trends indicate an increase in advance planning - with 46% of holidaymakers booking at least three weeks in advance in 2015, compared with 39% in 2011.

The internet as a method of booking a holiday has grown by five percentage points to 52% since 2011.

And almost three-quarters (74%) of holidaymakers were satisfied with value for money - including 44% who were very satisfied.

Overall 96% of holidaymakers reported being satisfied with their holiday break.