Tourism Ireland

Ireland’s Culinary Delights:

Farm fresh food, innovative young chefs and a huge increase in organic farming has made Ireland the newest destination for gourmands! The number of Michelin-starred restaurants increase each year and noted cooking schools abound.

Michelin Star Restaurants & Award Winners
Thornton’s at the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Michelin*, Dublin.
L’Ecrivain Restaurant, Michelin* Dublin.
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud Restaurant, Michelin**, Merrion Hotel Dublin.
Chapter One Restaurant, Dublin, Michelin* & Jacob’s Creek Reserve Award 2007.
MacNean House & Bistro, Co. Cavan, Georgina Campbell, Restaurant of the Year 2007 Award.
The Ballymore Inn, Co Kildare, Féile Bia Award 2007.

For further information about Irish Food and Drink click here.

New luxury accommodation throughout Ireland:

There are many new exciting luxury properties coming on line throughout Ireland over the next few months some notables include Ritz-Carlton which will open its first hotel in Ireland in 2007 when The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt opens in verdant County Wicklow. This will only be the company’s sixth European property. It will offer 203 rooms with great golf and spa facilities. Another new addition will be the Capella Castlemartyr located near the rugged coastline of County Cork, the historic manor house will offer 103 guestrooms and suites and the resort will also have a full spa and a Ron Kirby designed 18 hole golf course. - click here.

Great Escapes – Great Spas:

From Kerry to Donegal and Dublin to Galway and Belfast visitors can now find great Spa Vacations. Irish Spa Vacation offer a total escape from hectic, everyday life and offer a chance to rest, rejuvenate and luxuriate in the peace and serenity of the countryside. Many traditional health resorts now combine their approach with brand new and pampering spa facilities.

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Explore Ireland’s Islands:

Rugged, wild and beautiful, Ireland’s islands are steeped in history and shrouded in mystery and romance. Each island has a unique character with incredibly diverse landscapes – often sweeping from spectacular cliffs to craggy shore. On many islands the Irish language thrives. Traditional music, dance and crafts flourish and the sense of community is very strong.

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Great Golf:

The Emerald Isle has more golf courses than days in the year - and more courses listed in the Top 100 world rankings than any similar-sized place on earth. Some of the greatest golf courses in the world are in Ireland: Royal County Down, Ballybunion, Portmarnock, Waterville, Royal Portrush, The K Club, Lahinch, The Old Head and Mount Juliet, to name a few The 2006 Ryder Cup showcased Ireland’s golf at it’s best and will do so again in 2011 when Ireland will host the Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle, the ancestral home of the Earls of Fingal, which sits in a wooded estate in 500 acres in Dunsany, Co. Meath.

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Northern Ireland’s Growing Appeal:

More Americans than ever are now including Northern Ireland on their Emerald Isles visit. Research has identified some important tourism attractions as signature tourism projects with huge appeal to visitors. They will be promoted heavily to the American travel market.

These include:

•	The Walled City of Derry: Few places offer such a compelling and unique experience for the visitor as the Walled City of Derry – its setting on the steep hills overlooking the wide sweep of the River Foyle, its distinctive architecture and its famous walls all provide enormous appeal.
•	Christian Heritage/St. Patrick: The St. Patrick’s Visitor Centre opened in Downpatrick in 2001. This area represents an important part of the Christian Heritage of the island of Ireland and includes St. Patrick’s burial place
•	The Giant’s Causeway: It is one of the wonders of the world. The huge basalt ‘stepping-stones’ are a magnet for American visitors. The entire Antrim coastline is magnificent and it is a key attraction for visitors of all backgrounds and special interests.
•	Belfast Maritime Heritage/Titanic: Titanic, the most famous of all ocean liners was built in Belfast and launched (and sank) in 1911. Belfast’s Titanic Quarter is a must-see for visitors to this beautiful city.

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Irish City Life:

Dublin – the fair city, is rich in elegant Georgian architecture, world famous museums and now, a vibrant restaurant and club scene. Few cities have produced so many great literary artists. Dublin has produced great theatre and theatre companies, like the world acclaimed Abbey Theatre.

Belfast – Belfast is buzzing with culture and cuisine to satisfy all! Belfast is a lively, fun-packed city with ample opportunities to sample fine cuisine, friendly pubs, galleries and museums and great theatre and concert halls. Waterfront Hall is now one of Europe’s premier concert and conference venues.

Cork, Waterford, Londonderry and Limerick all have much to attract the city visitor including a warm Irish welcome!

Business Tourism:

With the business travel market recovering from the setbacks of the past few years, Ireland is looking to increase it’s share of business related travel. Especially in the meetings, conventions and incentive travel arenas. With increased air capacity and development of more luxury accommodation, meeting planners will find Ireland an intriguing choice for their next meeting or incentive.

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