The NI Tourist Board predicts an influx of tourists as residents from the Republic of Ireland take advantage of the relatively weak sterling and the construction of several new tourist attractions.
   
During 2008, 366,000 tourists visited NI from the Republic of Ireland; this represents a rise of 14% from 2007.

"There is probably an overall decline in holiday-taking in the south but those that are more inclined to consider Northern Ireland as the destination for whatever short breaks they are taking" said Alan Clarke, chief executive of The NI Tourist Board.

And, of course, getting to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland is hardly challenging, tourists can rent cars from their hometown, drive to their destination, leave the car with the same car rental Ireland company, then take advantage of local public transport, simply hiring another a car for the return journey.