The State visit by Queen Elizabeth of England to the Republic of Ireland, planned to take place in the Autumn of 2011 could provide a major boost for tourism in the key British market.

A similar visit by Queen Victoriain the 1861 sparked off a  visitor boom in Killarney which was seen as the birth of the Irish tourism industry.

The first visit by a British Monarch to this country since Independence is certain to generate widespread positive publicity with

opportunities to promote places on her itinerary.

The British market, which accounts for 60% of visitors tom Ireland has been in  decline for almost two years, but the strengthening of sterling against the euro in recent weeks may -provide a platform for recovery during then peak Summer season.


Taoiseach Brian Cowen yesterday said he had issued an invitation for a state visit by Queen Elizabeth.

Speaking after his first formal meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron in London, he said that there were 'no obstacles' in the way of a visit by the monarch, and he hoped it would take place before the end of President Mary McAleese's term of office, which finishes in November 2011.