Australian and New Zealand tour operators discover the island of Ireland

Eight tour operators from Australia and New Zealand have been visiting the island of Ireland this week, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Tourism NI and Fáilte Ireland. 

The visiting tour operators are important partners for Tourism Ireland, bringing valuable visitors from Australia and New Zealand to the island of Ireland each year. Tourism Ireland aims to familiarise them with our superb tourism offering, to ensure Ireland features prominently in their programmes. 

The tour operators’ itinerary included a visit to Donegal Castle, The Shed Distillery, Sligo Oyster Experience and VOYA Seaweed Baths. They also enjoyed a sheepdog demonstration with Atlantic Sheepdogs and guided tours of the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, Irish National Stud & Gardens, Book of Kells Experience in Trinity College Dublin and Windmill Lane Recording Studios, as well as a food tour with Walking Food Tours in Dublin. 

The group also visited Killeavy Castle Estate and enjoyed a food tour of Belfast with Taste & Tour. On the Causeway Coast, the group went on a sea safari with Aquaholics and visited Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, as well as Crindle Bespoke for an equestrian experience before heading to Derry-Londonderry to visit the Peacemakers Museum and to enjoy a walking tour of the city walls. 

Sofia Hansson, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said:“We’re delighted these influential tour operators from Australia and New Zealand have taken the time to come and experience the island of Ireland’s superb tourism offering – including our rich cultural and historical experiences – and see for themselves what Ireland has to offer their clients. It’s a great opportunity to familiarise them with the destination for consideration in their future programmes”.