From Bilbao to Blarney: Spanish travel journalists visit Cork

Highlighting new Aer Lingus flight from Bilbao to Cork to holidaymakers in the Basque region of northern Spain

Five travel journalists from Spain, representing various print and online publications in the Basque region of northern Spain, have been exploring Cork city, Kinsale and Cobh, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Aer Lingus. 

The journalists – who have millions of readers – arrived on the new Aer Lingus flight from Bilbao to Cork. As well as highlighting ease of access for Spanish holidaymakers to Cork, the aim of this visit was to shine a spotlight on Cork’s superb tourism offering and the many great things to see and do, through the articles and content the visiting journalists will write and share. 

Susan Bolger, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Spain, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite this group of travel journalists to visit Cork. There really is no better way to showcase Cork’s unique appeal than by experiencing it at first-hand. Through the articles and content they create and share, the journalists will inspire their audiences to come and experience Cork, Ireland and our superb tourism offering for themselves.”

The group’s busy itinerary included guided tours of Blarney Castle & Gardens, Midleton Distillery Experience, Cork City Library and Titanic Experience Cobh, as well as a traditional music session at The Gables in Ballintemple. They also enjoyed a boat trip with Cork Harbour Boat Hire, a visit to Ballycotton Lighthouse, an e-bike guided tour along Kinsale’s coast and a food tour with Kinsale Food Tours.

Spanish travel journalists at Elizabeth Fort in Cork city, with Soraya Gabriel, Tourism Ireland (third left); and Seamus Heaney, Visit Cork (centre).