TOURISM IRELAND PRESS TRIP GUIDEBOOK 2019 - GROUP & INDIVIDUAL PRESS TRIPS TO THE ISLAND OF IRELAND - Media Room
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
TOURISM IRELAND PRESS TRIP GUIDEBOOK 2019 GROUP & INDIVIDUAL PRESS TRIPS TO THE ISLAND OF IRELAND
Tourism Ireland 2019
The Island of Ireland welcomed over 250,000 Nordic visitors in 2018, reflecting steady growth
and great potential. We know Nordic visitors enjoy the culture, heritage and landscapes
of the Island of Ireland and that meeting local people is at the core of their experience.
This year’s press trip itinerary covers a variety of experiences from adventurous activities in
the natural landscape to special encounters encompassing food & drink, culture, history
and heritage. Please note the dates given in this booklet may be subject to change.
Delight in the dramatic coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way, experience the beauty of
the Mourne Mountains, discover the hidden parts of the Emerald Isle or test
your swing at one of Ireland’s links courses.
This booklet should provide you with the inspiration you need to join us on one of our group trips
or have an individual trip tailored for you. Looking forward to seeing you in Ireland this year!
Tourism Ireland is delighted to invite you to visit the Island of Ireland in 2019!
Rikke & Niamh / Tourism Ireland’s Nordic Publicity Team
Press Trips 2019
Contact Us Dublin Festival Break, Celebrate St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin 15 - 18 March
Game Of Thrones® 9 - 14 April
For more information or to sign up to one of our trips, Wild Atlantic Way: The Flavours of the West Mid-April
please contact Rikke or Niamh on: Soft Adventure and Unique Accommodation: Northern Ireland for Influencers End of April
Rikke Aagaard Petersen Wild Atlantic Way: Pre-Irish Open Fam – Hidden Gems 29 April - 3 May
Publicity Executive Ireland’s Ancient East & Festivals, Irish Country Houses, Castles and Gardens 28 May - 2 June
rpetersen@tourismireland.com
Activities in Derry & On The Coast of Northern Ireland 15 - 18 June
Wild Atlantic Way: Into the West - Magnificent Mayo 17 - 21 June
Niamh Walsh
Publicity Assistant Northern Ireland Food Experiences 20 - 23 June
nwalsh@tourismireland.com Walking in Northern Ireland, International Mournes Walking Festival 27 June - 1 July
Houses and Gardens in Northern Ireland 5 - 8 September
Food and Drink in West Cork September
Visit our Nordic Media Room and follow us on Twitter for
regular press releases, inspiration and images of Ireland: Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands: The Road Less Travelled Mid-September
Food & Cider Festival 19 - 22 September
media.ireland.com/sv-fi
Derry Halloween Festival 28 October - 1 November
@TiMediaNordics Hidden Dublin 14 - 17 October
Belfast City Break December
4
Dublin Festival Break
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin
15 – 18 MARCH 2019
Saint Patrick’s Festival - Ireland’s national celebration of identity, arts and culture, showcases
the very best of Irish and international talent and entertainment with a whole host of fun festivities.
Dublin - was named as one of National Geographic’s Best Trips 2018, is described as ‘Europe’s
largest village’ and included in the top 10 friendliest cities around the world, according to the
2018 Condé Nast survey. Combine both of these accolades with St. Patrick’s Festival and have
a truly a memorable weekend in Dublin!
6 7
Wild Atlantic Way: The Flavours of the West
MID-APRIL 2019
Come with us into the wild and rugged countryside and feel the ancient essence of Ireland and taste the home grown and
Game Of Thrones® home crafted flavours of the land.
9 APRIL - 14 APRIL 2019
Visiting Connemara, an area of desolate beauty, incredible scenery and inspiring attractions, which combine to place it close
to the hearts of Irish people. We will also visit the Burren - a vast limestone pavement rich with rare flora and crossed by
Did you know Game of Thrones®, the world’s biggest TV show,
ancient green roads and we’ll go down to the Flaggy Shore, described by Seamus Heaney in his much-loved poem Postscript
was filmed in Northern Ireland for the past 10 years? Using
as a place that can “catch the heart off guard and blow it open.
Titanic Studios, Belfast and Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge as
well as over 25 stunning filming locations Northern Ireland is
the home of Thrones. Over 25 new Game of Thrones® visitor
experiences have been developed since 2013 – the experiences
include guided filming location tours (scheduled and private),
immersive experiences, food experiences and self-guided
experiences. Immerse yourself in all things Westeros along the
world famous Causeway Coastal Route. Visit locations including
Cushendun Caves, Murlough Bay, Ballintoy Harbour and many
more. Explore County Down location hotspots on Castle Ward
demesne including Winterfell Castle, Robb’s Camp, Walder
Frey’s Twins and many more... Dress in replica costume and
stand exactly where ‘Jon Snow’, ‘Robb & Bran Stark’ stood in
Season 1 while trying your hand at archery.
8 9
Soft Adventure and Unique Accommodation
Northern Ireland for Influencers
END OF APRIL 2019
Ever dreamed of staying in a lighthouse or a bubble dome? Or how about glamping under the stars? As we embark on
a journey for the mind, body and soul, we like to introduce a side of Northern Ireland that will be less familiar to most.
Kayaking, cycling and hiking are just a few of the wealth of outdoor experiences one can undertake in Northern Ireland
and we hope to inspire and showcase a truly unknown side to the Emerald Isle!
Wild Atlantic Way: Pre-Irish Open Fam – Hidden Gems
29 APRIL - 3 MAY 2019
Lahinch Golf Club, located on the Wild Atlantic Way, and ranked no. 34 in the US Golf Digest Magazine’s Top 100 courses in
the World 2018, hosts the 2019 Irish Open. An invitation is extended to international golf media to play this prestigious course
and sample some of Ireland’s hidden gem courses including Glasson, Carne, Westport and Galway Bay during the visit.
10 11
Activities in Derry & On The Coast of Northern Ireland
15-18 JUNE 2019
Ready for some activity and adventure? Some gentle activities or adrenalin-pumping, wild-at-heart kind of stuff! Immerse
yourself in Northern Ireland’s beautiful scenery by exploring the Causeway Coastal Route, named as Lonely Planet’s number
one region in the world to visit in 2018. Drive the stunning 120 miles of the Causeway Coastal Route to sample the thrilling
Gobbins Cliff Path walk, tour the Game of Thrones® filming locations of the popular TV show before the 8th season is shown;
walk through the glorious nine Glens of Antrim and climb over some of the 40,000 basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway’s;
or why not have an early morning start to fish and catch your breakfast or surf your way around the Causeway Coast.
Ireland’s Ancient East & Festivals
Irish Country Houses, Castles and Gardens
28 MAY – 2 JUNE 2019
In Ireland, behind every Great House, Castle or Garden, lie stories created in the past that have endured for decades. Stories
that reflect the constantly changing fortunes of their owners and the island itself. Step between two worlds on a journey that
takes you along the pathways of Irelands’ Ancient East to visit some of Ireland’s grand mansions, historic castles and stunning
gardens. Discover for yourself the tales of invention, fantastic adventures and larger-than-life characters. This trip will feature
a night at Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and a chance to meet up with some of the participants.
12 13
Wild Atlantic Way: Into the West - Magnificent Mayo Northern Ireland
17 – 21 JUNE 2019 Food Experiences
20 – 23 JUNE 2019
The Wild Atlantic Way covers 2,500km of the coastline along the West of Ireland and The Bay Coast of Mayo has a savage
beauty all of its own. Begin your journey in bustling Westport town – once voted the Best Place to Live Ireland. Discover
On the back of NI’s phenomenally successful Year of Food
the Lost Valley with its view of Killary Harbour – Ireland’s only fjord; do a Looped Walk in spectacular Doolough Valley, get
& Drink, 2019 will continue the celebration of NI’s home
on your bike and cycle some of the Great Western Greenway to Achill Island where you will get to see both rugged coastline
grown produce and culinary talent. Thanks to our “terroir”
and dazzling sandy beaches. Visit Ballycroy National Park, Neolithic Ceide Fields and stunning Downpatrick Head with its
and passionate practitioners, we craft, grow, breed, catch,
edge-of-the-world feel to it before ending your journey in Ballina town on the banks of the River Moy.
cook and enjoy the finest, freshest food. Our beef, lamb,
game, seafood, dairy produce, fruit and vegetables are
proven amongst the best in the world: each county, producer
and chef bringing a distinctive twist to the table. With
farmer markets, pop up events, food & drink festivals &
food & drinks tours taking place across the land there’s
plenty to whet the appetite of food connoisseurs or those
who enjoy learning about a region through their love of
good food & drink.
14 15
Walking in Northern Ireland
International Mournes Walking Festival
27 JUNE – 1 JULY 2019
As Northern Ireland enjoys increasing exposure as a ‘must see’ destination, incredible walking opportunities are being
discovered by climbers, hikers and ramblers of all ages and abilities. Deceptively compact, Northern Ireland provides a
range of regions and terrains, each offering a unique outdoor experience: the rugged cliffs of the Causeway Coast; the
haunting remoteness of the Sperrin Mountains; the languid landscapes of the Fermanagh Lakelands; the unmistakable
outline and varied challenges of the Mournes/Ring of Gullion.
Houses and Gardens in Northern Ireland
5 - 8 SEPTEMBER 2019
Northern Ireland’s compact, stunning and varied landscape provides a continuous display of visual delights. Forest parks,
country parks, city parks, grand estates and private gardens abound; every corner of the country offering magical, tranquil,
unforgettable moments. Explore the world of Northern Ireland horticulture and uncover many interesting facts that could
surprise even the most inquisitive.
16 17
Food and Drink in West Cork
SEPTEMBER 2019
West Cork is known in Ireland as ‘the Capital of food’. So much of the best
food being grown and produced in Ireland comes from West Cork. From the
farmers, to the producers to the farmers markets and restaurants, it is a
haven for foodies and you will get to experience all that as we dive deeper
into the South Western part of the Island.
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands:
The Road Less Travelled
MID-SEPTEMBER 2019
Tap into the relaxed rhythm of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands to uncover unexplored
tracks and trails, waterside towns and picturesque rural villages. Discover the
glorious River Shannon, taste the food of the land and hear our stories. Come
with us as we uncover the hidden Ireland which has its own beat, its own vibrant pace.
18 19Food and Cider Festival
19 SEP – 22 SEP 2019
The ‘Food Heartland of Northern Ireland’, Armagh, is showcasing
its wonderful local produce and acclaimed restaurants in a
fabulous annual festival for foodies each autumn. Whether it
is dining on the lawns at a stunning orchard, food tours and
trails where you meet and talk to artisan producers and chefs,
pop-up restaurants at a traditional cidery or at markets bursting
with superb local artisan produce – it can only be Armagh Food
and Cider Festival! The press trip will also introduce the visitors
to beautiful scenery and the historic St Patricks Cathedral.
Derry Hallowe’en Festival
28 OCTOBER –1 NOVEMBER 2019
Origin of Hallowe’en in Ireland
Irish Hallowe’en origins date back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when, according to tradition,
the ghosts of the dead returned to walk the earth before a new year began on November 1st.
What to expect
A scarily unique experience for absolutely everyone brave enough to get into the Hallowe’en spirit! An awesome 100 plus
events in over 40 venues across the city and district in a spookily packed programme of arts, music, food, cultural, contemporary
and family-friendly entertainment on the city’s streets and 17th century walls culminating in a magical fireworks display by
the River Foyle. Derry is also without doubt THE best destination for those seeking short relaxing breaks, unique experiences,
value for money, plenty to see and do, lively pubs, cool places to eat and drink and fun visitor attractions.
20 21Belfast City Break
DECEMBER 2019
Introduce yourself to Belfast, by exploring this vibrant city during the winter season. The city really comes alive with its
buzzing Christmas market and the many cosy pubs and restaurants serving delicious food and drink that will keep you
warm. It’s also the home of the Titanic, a dynamic arts scene and an incredible musical heritage. This city, by the sea,
has a stunning natural beauty and you are never far from spectacular scenic attractions.
Hidden Dublin
14 - 17 OCTOBER 2019
The foundation of Dublin dates back to 988 AD when the Vikings built a settlement around a river on the east coast of
Ireland. Sample some of the secrets and surprising discoveries unearthed during this rich history of Dublin as we dive into
the lesser known sides of our Capital City. Experience an innovative cuisine and sample some of our finest, locally produced
food and drink in some of the many new restaurants and bars in the city.
22 23Individual Media Trips to Ireland Tourism Ireland are happy to consider applications from media who would like to take an individually tailored trip to Ireland. If you would like to discuss a potential visit or discuss ideas, please contact us at: Rikke Aagaard Petersen: rpetersen@tourismireland.com Niamh Walsh: nwalsh@tourismireland.com
You can also read
