On Friday 7 June the CEO of Tourism Ireland, Alice Mansergh visited the beautiful Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. This visit served as a strategic initiative to strengthen relationships with key partners in the tourism industry and explore collaborative opportunities.
The Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich geological heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings. During the visit, Alice engaged with local businesses, to discuss mutual goals and strategies for enhancing the visitor experience.
Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Cllr Pete Byrne stated: "I was thrilled to welcome Alice from Tourism Ireland. It is fantastic to have her here visiting our destination and engaging with our local tourism providers across the district as we continue to promote our stunning area on the International market. This highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable growth in our region."
Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “It was a pleasure to spend time in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark and hear directly from tourism providers in the area about their passion and commitment to providing a first-class experience for overseas visitors.
We know tourists are inspired to visit Northern Ireland based on our scenery, heritage and hospitality and this destination has so much to offer, from mountain adventures and chocolate making to whiskey distilleries and castle stays."
Tourism Ireland has an extensive programme of promotions well under way for Northern Ireland in 2024, including a recent campaign with County Down native, Rory Best and ‘The Telegraph’ shining a spotlight on all the great experiences on offer in the area. So far this year Tourism Ireland have hosted tourism businesses from the region at key industry events including ITB in Berlin and IMEX in Frankfurt and welcomed travel professionals and specialist media from the US, Belgium, and the Netherlands on familiarisation visits.
Places like Mourne Gullion Strangford have so much to offer visitors and Tourism Ireland look forward to continued collaboration with tourism partners from the region with the aim of increasing the value of overseas tourism to the Destination and Northern Ireland, sustainably supporting economies, communities, and the environment.
The itinerary included a visit to accommodation and experience providers within the Geopark, providing an opportunity to experience firsthand the unique offerings that draw visitors from around the world.
Deepen your Mindfulness Practice through forest bathing in the magic of the Ring of Gullion.
Brian from Mountain Ways Ireland is a wild food enthusiast and folklorist and have been for all of his life. Tapping into a lifetime love for the outdoors, centuries old tacit knowledge handed down through his family and years of my his research and experimentation, Brian will guide you on a foraging journey that reveals the hidden potential in even the most familiar of wild plants, those plants that surround you, the ones you walk past every day whether you live in the countryside, town or city.
Discover the unique story of Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and the history of blending and bonding in Ireland. Learn about the true art of blending whiskey and enjoy exclusive access to Two Stacks ultra-rare casks, extracting and tasting the whiskey yourself.
Welcome to Killeavy Castle Estate, the perfect antidote to the modern fast paced world. Named winner of the Luxury Castle Hotel (Europe) Award at the prestigious World Luxury Awards 2021, it’s the ideal place to escape and unwind, and is located just 10 minutes outside Newry City.
The Canal Court Hotel & Spa is a fine four star property, with a total of 110 bedrooms & suites, extensive Health & Leisure Complex and stunning Spa, perfectly located in the heart of the City close to both Bus & Rail Stations.
Denvir's is steeped in history and is the perfect setting for an overnight stay or a drink and a bite to eat in the heart of Downpatrick. The atmosphere is warm and friendly with plenty of craic so don't be afraid to join in. We hope to welcome you soon.
The Byre is a 2 bedroom cottage which can sleep up to 4 people. The Byre has a lowered cooking and food preparation area in the kitchen so it suitable for someone who has limited mobility and who may require the use of wheelchair.
A beloved destination for families, golfers, and holiday travellers, Slieve Donard is a local landmark that’s equal parts homey and breath-taking. The resort sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked no. 1 in the world by Golf Digest.
NearyNogs is a small family-run business that produces some of Northern Ireland’s finest, most irresistible chocolate, and they’re ready to welcome you in and show you how it’s made.
