Fáilte Ireland has released figures for the most popular visitor attractions in Ireland in 2008.

The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin was named as the top fee paying attraction, recording over one million visitors, followed by Dublin Zoo (932,000 visitors) and the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience (808,310).

Making up the top five fee paying destinations were Dublin's National Aquatic Centre (706,739) and the Book of Kells, also in Dublin (541,364).

The National Gallery of Ireland came top of the free attractions list, recording almost three quarters of a million visitors last year.

Following it were the Irish Museum of Modern Art (440,000), the National Museum of Ireland , Archaeology (380,547), the National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts, Art and History (300,418) - all in Dublin - and Holy Cross Abbey in Shannon (260,000).

Commenting, Paul Keeley, Director for Business Development and Investment, Fáilte Ireland said: "Despite the difficult year and downturn, these figures highlight once again the popularity of our visitor attractions and the integral part they play in the overall visitor experience."