More than 3.5 million people visited exhibitions and events at Ireland's cultural attractions in 2010 - an increase of 7 per cent in the previous year.

The figures were boosted by the reopening of Dublin's Natural History Museum last April, while the National Gallery of Ireland hosted two major exhibitions. Among the attractions to report "significant" increases was the National Library of Ireland, where visitor numbers were up by 34 per cent on 2009.

Foynes Flying Boat Museum in County Limerick reported a 39 per cent increase in visitors, while the Science Gallery, Dublin, saw numbers grow by 29 per cent. Irish minister for tourism, culture and sport Mary Hanafin said: "[The] variety of cultural exhibits in our museums, galleries and libraries continues to attract ever increasing numbers which is due to quality, variety and very active marketing throughout the past year.

"The diversity of the exhibitions and events that the cultural institutions offer is outstanding and is part of what defines us as a nation. It is clear that they will continue to form a major part of the tourism attraction on offer." Image: Dublin's Natural History Museum reopened in April 2010 - National Museum of Ireland