The number of Britons travelling to Ireland rose significantly over the Easter weekend, it has been claimed.

According to Irish carrier Aer Arann, its passenger traffic between the UK and Ireland rose by 14 per cent between March 22nd and 23rd, TravelDailyNews reports.

It also revealed a seven per cent increase in the number of holidaymakers using its domestic flights over the period compared with the same time last year.

Colin Lewis, head of sales and marketing for Aer Arann, highlighted the fact that the rise in traffic came shortly after St Patrick's Day resulted in a "complete sell-out" of tickets for its flights.

"Ireland is clearly a top holiday break destination and we hope to welcome more people to the Emerald Isle during the spring," he commented.

The Association of British Travel Agents said last week that it expected about two million Britons to leave the UK for the long weekend.

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