Compared with the same period last year, cultural institutions have seen a "significant" increase in visitor numbers. Dublin's Natural History Museum has seen nearly 80,000 visitors since reopening in April.

In total, Ireland's cultural attractions have welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors in the first six months of 2010, which comes amid a decline in the number of inbound tourists to Ireland over recent months.

Irish tourism minister Mary Hanafin said: "Our cultural institutions continue to attract growing numbers of visitors - this is in no small measure due to the very active marketing campaigns underway.

"The marketing of our cultural heritage is something this government has prioritised at home and abroad. The timely growth of the cultural tourism product provides a wealth of cultural attractions to delight tourists, academics and the wider public."

Image: Dublin's Natural History Museum - National Museum of Ireland

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