Emerald isle's shiny allure

Ireland's fantastic coastlines and stunning scenery have graces many movies and TV series. [Photo Provided to China Daily]

Approximately 55,000 Chinese paid visits to the country in 2016, he says, and the number is expected to hit 100,000 in 2020. The country welcomed 9.3 million overseas travelers in 2015, and raked in 4.7 billion euros ($5.1 billion) in tourism income.

The Beijing Utour International Travel Service Co, a major outbound-travel operator in China, has witnessed significant growth in the number of Chinese visitors to Ireland.

"We've seen growth in tourist numbers every year since 2013," says An Linlin, Utour's Ireland product manager, who says her company often combines Ireland with UK travel packages.

"At the beginning, we only had 10 groups (of about 25-30 people each) to the country every year, and now we have more than 10 groups every month," An says.

The serene and primitive environment are most appealing for the Chinese, and golf is a plus, An adds.

Most of visitors are in their 30s and 40s, she says, and they can experience local farm fun and life, and hike along the Cliffs of Moher while taking in the grand view.

Shopping has also been put on the schedule, An says.

The Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East offer exciting ways to explore fascinating history and heritage as well as an opportunity to experience local unique culture, Irish music and dance.

The island's golf is world-class with more than 500 quality golf courses.

Tourism Ireland is ensuring that the island of Ireland is ready for Chinese visitors.