Pictured: Trinity College, Dublin
With a remarkable coastline, cities packed with culture and rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see, it’s hard not to fall in love with the island of Ireland
There is no better time to visit the island of Ireland than in 2020. Its historical sites, vibrant live music scene and incredible scenery are just a short flight or ferry ride away. Plus, with the Common Travel Area remaining in place, there will be no restrictions on travel between the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The island of Ireland is known for being home to some of the world’s friendliest people. No matter where your customers want to visit, whether it’s a city or a quaint coastal town, rest assured they will be greeted with a warm Irish welcome. From road trips to group tours, and city breaks to countryside retreats, your customers will be able to find the perfect holiday.
City life
Throughout the island of Ireland, visitors will find cities that are full of life, with fascinating history, striking architecture and cultural attractions. The charming cities of Dublin and Belfast are packed with top-notch restaurants, buzzing bars and no shortage of world-class tourist attractions including the Guinness Storehouse and Titanic Belfast.
Meanwhile, Galway is the European Capital of Culture in 2020 and promises an incredible programme of activities spanning music, theatre, literature, film and more, making this a great time to explore the city and beyond.
Pictured: Galway City
Culinary delights
Ireland packs a punch when it comes to delicious cuisine. In recent years, the island has undergone a renaissance in food and drink, with chefs taking a modern twist on traditional dishes. Delicious food can be found throughout the whole island, from excellent gastro pubs and traditional tea rooms to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Taste the Island, running from September to November, celebrates the island of Ireland’s incredible food and drink scene. Whiskey is a popular tipple, and there are many distilleries across Ireland where you can see it being produced. And no visit to Ireland is complete without trying Guinness.
Pictured: Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
Get off the beaten track
The island of Ireland is a road tripper’s dream. The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the most dramatic coastal drives in Europe, offering breathtaking views along the fully signposted 1,500-mile route. Passing through coastal towns, your customers will be able to experience what local life is like.
There are plenty of regions to explore by car, such as Ireland’s Ancient East, which holds 5,000 years of history, with castles, monuments and seemingly endless countryside just waiting to be explored. Customers holding a valid UK driving licence will be able to rent a car anywhere on the island of Ireland.
Getting there
There are excellent transport links from Great Britain. Across the island of Ireland there are nine airports as well as four ferry ports with direct services from Great Britain, meaning getting there couldn’t be easier.
A warm welcome to Ireland will continue post-Brexit
The Common Travel Area allows the free movement of people between the United Kingdom and Ireland. The agreement was established in 1923 and will remain in place post-Brexit, meaning there will be no travel restrictions between the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Keep an eye out for fam trips in 2020
Tourism Ireland will continue to run a range of fam trips from Great Britain to the island of Ireland. Contact the trade team for more details.
In London:
David Wood
dwood@tourism ireland.com
020 7518 2810
Juno Thompson
jthompson@tourismireland.com
020 7518 2812
In Scotland:
Amy Riddell
ariddell@tourism ireland.com
0141 572 2912