Australian and New Zealand travel journalists experience ‘Ireland Unrushed’

Millions of people across Australia and New Zealand will be inspired to slow down and connect with nature, culture and communities in Ireland

Six travel journalists from Australia and New Zealand, with a combined reach of millions of readers, have been exploring the island of Ireland this week, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI.

The journalists – who write for various newspapers and magazines, including The Sydney Morning Herald, NZ Herald and Woman's Day – have been following a specially curated itinerary that showcases the island of Ireland as the perfect place to slow down and connect more deeply with our people and landscapes. 

Their visit is part of Tourism Ireland’s new global campaign ‘Ireland Unrushed’, which is under way for the month of June and encouraging visitors to enjoy journeying around the island of Ireland this summer and beyond. Based on the insight that 80% of overseas visitors who choose non-sun holidays are seeking a sense of exploration on their trips, the campaign is shining a spotlight on enjoyable journeys, highlighting experiences in nature and local communities.

The group’s itinerary included a visit to Clonmacnoise, a cycle along the Shannon-Erne Blueway with Electric Bike Trails and a guided tour at Strokestown Park House & Gardens. They also enjoyed a boat tour to Clough Oughter Castle, a visit to CABÜ by the Lakes in Killykeen Forest Park and a wellbeing experience at Farnham Estate. 

In Fermanagh, the journalists enjoyed an island discovery tour with Erne Water Taxi, a visit to Boatyard Distillery, a yoga experience at Marble Arch Caves and a jeep safari at Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail. Kayaking with Blue Green Yonder and a culinary tour with Enniskillen Taste Experience completed the itinerary. 

Sofia Hansson, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite these influential Australian and New Zealand journalists to come and experience for themselves what it truly means to slow down and enjoy more enriching travel. The articles the journalists write when they return home will be read by millions of people across Australia and New Zealand, inspiring them to choose Ireland for their holiday, dwell here for longer and explore more. 

“Tourism Ireland undertakes a busy publicity programme around the world each year to raise the profile of the island of Ireland – and visits by influential travel writers like these are a key element of that programme.”

Tourism Ireland’s ‘Ireland Unrushed’ campaign is running on leading video platforms, social and digital channels in Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, as well as in other key tourism markets around the world, and will reach an estimated 70 million people.  

Journalists from Australia and New Zealand at Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, with Aoife Costello, Tourism Ireland (second right); and rangers Kate Crane (left) and Gareth Presley (right).