A group of top international media, with a combined circulation of almost 6 million documented the Irish LGBT tourism experience – The Outing, in Lisdoonvarna.
Organised by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, the trip allowed the journalists (from Canada, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France and the UK) and Canadian TV crew with host Adamo Angelo Ruggiero a well-known actor in Canada, to meet some influential figures in Ireland’s LGBT community. The group will experience Dublin on a Gay walking tour of the city with DJ and activist Tonie Walsh, attend ‘The Outing in Lisdoonvarna’ – the world’s only LGBT matchmaking festival, and take in some of the most iconic experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Speaking of the visit, Head of International Publicity for Fáilte Ireland, Ciara Sugrue said: “This is without a doubt one of the largest press groups we have hosted for this festival, and the sheer circulation of the visiting media will undoubtedly position Ireland as a must-see place to visit in 2017 and beyond. Last year’s referendum has raised the profile of Ireland among the global LGBT community, a market with good potential growth for Ireland so ensuring this group of influential media enjoy all that Ireland has to offer is paramount.”
As part of a bespoke itinerary designed by Fáilte Ireland the group have an action packed few days with highlights including meeting with Willie Daly at the Hydro Hotel for some traditional matchmaking and a welcome Céili, a visit to the Burren Smokehouse brand new music venue, meet with John Connolly from Burren Wild Tours for an introduction to a working farm and lunch at Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory, finishing with a cruise around the Cliffs with Doolin Ferries.
The Outing festival is now in its fourth year and is growing into a major off shoot festival of its own from the main 160 year old traditional matchmaking festival. Eddie McGuinness, Director of The Outing Festival said “We are delighted to see the interest from so many countries on the world’s only LGBT Music & Matchmaking festival here in Lisdoonvarna. We are delighted to be able to extend a big Irish welcome and to be able to entertain this group of overseas media during their time in Ireland.
“Since the referendum, Ireland has shown the world that its doors are open to the LGBT market, as more and more people from the gay, lesbian, bi and trans community come to Ireland not only to visit but to find love and even marry here. It is now up to us, and the wider tourism sector, to provide our famous Céad Míle Fáilte so that we can make the most of this opportunity.”
All pics by Eamon Ward
