Shannon Airport – Daily Non-Stop Flights from New York And Boston, Returning To the US From Shannon Provides Combined TSA/EU Checkpoint With Only One Security Check Required

Tourism Ireland is delighted to welcome The Shannon Airport Group to the US this week and continue a long-standing partnership in highlighting the very best of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and the ease of access through its gateway airport at Shannon.

Shannon Airport is a perfect choice to discover some of the most stunning locations on the island of Ireland including the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and the Ring of Kerry. An international airport with a regional feel, Shannon currently offers daily non-stop transatlantic flights to New York JFK, NY Newark and Boston with airlines such as Aer Lingus, and United.

Shannon airport also operates US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance which means visitors will return to the US as domestic passengers.

Returning to the US from Shannon is a breeze where new time saving initiatives make it even easier for passengers. The airport’s newly introduced security screening technology abolishes the 100ml rule, eliminating the need to remove liquids, gels and electronics from cabin bags. In addition, the airport operates a combined TSA/EU checkpoint which means only one security check is required, it is the only airport in the world to have this system in place.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Executive Vice President, North America and Australia/NZ, said, “We are rolling out a dedicated campaign to highlight Shannon as the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way to remind US travelers of the ease of access with direct flights from New York and Boston. The campaign will run across digital and social channels supported by digital outdoor billboards in New York, Boston and New Jersey. through November. The Shannon region delegation, led by The Shannon Airport Group, bring with them an important message showcasing the unique nature of a trip to this stunning part of the island and the many immersive experiences to be enjoyed by visitors.

Ms. Metcalfe continued, “We know from our research that there is significant pent-up demand among travelers to return to the island of Ireland and we look forward to communicating with consumers, and our trade partners in the US, the great experiences and the warm welcome that awaits the length and breadth of the Wild Atlantic Way.” Shannon Airport is also conveniently located to some of Ireland’s leading luxury accommodations including Dromoland Castle, Gregans Castle, and the Park Hotel Kenmare.

It’s also a superb entry point to tee it up at some of the finest golf courses in the world at Lahinch, Ballybunion, Doonbeg, Tralee and Adare Manor. The stunning property at Adare Manor will host the Ryder Cup in 2027, while the upcoming KPMG Women’s Irish Open will take place at Dromoland Castle.

Mary Considine, CEO, The Shannon Airport Group said, “Shannon Airport is the life blood of our region, and we are proud of the role we play in supporting the business, aviation and tourism sectors that are so vital to the regional and national economy. Ms Considine continued, ‘Recently rebranded as ‘The Shannon Airport Group’ we embark on our next chapter in shaping opportunities in aviation and property, and supporting our region as a thriving, connected place to live, work, learn and spend vacation time. We look forward to continuing our special relationship with the US and reconnecting with our American friends and offering them the warmest of Irish welcomes and the travel and vacation experience of a lifetime.”

A short drive to Limerick, Shannon airport is also less than 90 minutes from the cities of Galway and Cork. Its hinterland boasts destination highlights such as Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Knappogue Castle and Skellig Michael – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Top culinary landmarks include the Burren Smokehouse, The Wild Honey Inn, and Aniar, a Michelin Starred restaurant located in Galway’s West End.

The region is a hotbed for sports with golf being joined by hurling, gaelic football and rugby as definite highlights for any trip. Limerick are the current All-Ireland Hurling champions and no visit to this area is complete without catching a Munster Rugby game at Thomand Park or checking out the newly opened ‘Irish Rugby Experience’ in Limerick city.

Tourism Ireland Removes Almost All Covid Restrictions For Tourists

The Irish Government has announced today that almost all Covid-19 public health restrictions will come to an end. From tomorrow, restaurants and bars can resume normal trading hours; and restrictions on indoor and outdoor events, including sporting fixtures, will be lifted.

Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said:

“The announcement that most Covid-19 restrictions in Ireland will come to an end is excellent news for tourism and hospitality. It means that we can now move forward and begin planning holidays in Ireland with confidence for the year ahead.

We can now look to the future with optimism. Tourism Ireland’s priority for 2022 is to restart overseas tourism to the island of Ireland. We will be pulling out all the stops to set Ireland apart from our competitor destinations, to drive bookings and revenues for tourism businesses. Together with our industry partners, we will undertake our most extensive marketing campaign ever in 2022. Our message – and that of the entire Irish tourism industry – is very simple: we cannot wait to roll out the green carpet and welcome back visitors from around the world.”

For information on Ireland as a vacation destination please visit www.Ireland.com

Tourism Ireland Invites Same-Sex Couples To Tie The Knot On The Island

DUBLIN, Ireland - It may be September before same-sex marriage can take place in Ireland, but tourism chiefs have lost little time inviting LGBT couples to celebrate their weddings in the country.

Tourism Ireland unveiled its new campaign – “Ireland says I do” – just a day after the historic marriage referendum was carried.

On Saturday, Ireland became the first country in the world to introduce same sex marriage by popular vote, with 62.1% of people voting Yes.

A day later, Tourism Ireland's campaign began highlighting “dreamily romantic locations to tie the knot” and honeymoon on the island.

The campaign is being targeted at members of the LGBT community in nine overseas markets including Britain, the United States, Canada, the Nordic region, Australia, France, Spain, Italy and Germany.

It focuses on Facebook, Ireland.com and a new video showcasing The Outing, the world’s first-ever LGBT matchmaking festival, an offshoot of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, which takes place in October.

"The Yes vote absolutely will have a positive impact on tourism," Brian Finnegan, Editor of Gay Community News magazine, told Independent.ie Travel.

"In cities like San Francisco, Sydney or Berlin there is a sense of equality. People feel safe to be openly gay and express affection in public. The vote de-stigmatises... and that is bound to have a strong effect."

Many gay couples from Ireland have travel#Irelanded to Spain, Canada and New York City to get married, he adds.

"So why shouldn't LGBT visitors come to Ireland for the same reason?"

Research unveiled at World Travel Market 2014 showed the annual spend on travel by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people exceeded USD$200 billion (€181bn) for the first time in 2014.

The fact that Ireland has become the first place in the world to introduce same sex marriage by popular vote could also be a reason in itself to visit, Finnegan adds.

"This sends a message that Ireland is a leader in terms of equality, respect and human dignity. The photos from the day of celebration portray Ireland as a wonderfully colorful and exciting country.

"Why shouldn't that attract people to visit?"

Guinness Storehouse Ireland's Most-Visited Paid Tourist Attraction

DUBLIN, Ireland - A pint of the black stuff is still your only man for tourists, with another record-breaking year for the Guinness Storehouse as the country's number one international visitor attraction.

There were more than 1.25 million visitors in 2014 - breaking all previous records.

Some 1,269,371 guests flocked through the door of the venerable home of the black stuff at St James's Gate over the last 12 months - a 9.7pc increase on 2013 visitor numbers.

Most of the visitors were from overseas, at 93pc, with guests from the United States and the UK the top nationalities, followed by Ireland and France.

August was the busiest month of the year, with 148,683 visitors pouring through the gates.

Paul Carty, managing director of Guinness Storehouse, said last year alone they welcomed visitors from more than 20 countries.

Failte Ireland said there was an appetite across the globe for authentic Irish experiences.

For more details please visit: www.guinness-storehouse.com/ 

For more information about planning your trip to Ireland please visit: http://www.ireland.com/en-us/

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