Fill your heart with Ireland and some breathtaking scenery

As we look ahead to 2025, we would like to take the opportunity to thank the coach and group travel sector for their continued support. Coach and group travel will remain a key focus for Tourism Ireland and we’re very much looking forward to working with you to promote holidays to the island of Ireland in 2025 and beyond.

Great Britain remains an incredibly important market for tourism to the island of Ireland delivering 48% of all overseas tourism and around 28% of all overseas tourism revenue. Britain is also our most important market in terms of visitor numbers and bed nights, and we will continue to maximise all opportunities that this strong position affords.

There are plenty of compelling reasons as to why the island of Ireland should be on your radar for 2025. We have so much to offer groups across the regions and seasons - and all of it delivered with our globally renowned friendly welcome!

Your clients can take in the breathtaking scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way, the fascinating history of Ireland’s Ancient East, the natural splendour of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the vibrant culture in and around Dublin, as well as the myriad of giant experiences on offer across Northern Ireland.

What’s more, the island of Ireland benefits from quick, easy and hassle-free access from Great Britain with plenty of air and sea routes to choose from.

Rest assured there is something to interest and intrigue every group. Foodie fans can sample a Galway Food Tour or visit to the new McConnell’s Distillery in Belfast, outdoors enthusiasts can hike the majestic surrounds of Slieve League Cliffs in Co. Donegal or cycle the Waterford Greenway.

Set jetters can follow in the footsteps of hit comedy Derry Girls with a tour of Derry-Londonderry or visit Game of Thrones Studio Tours in Banbridge, Co. Down. If exciting festivals are your thing, then look no further than our extensive St Patrick’s Day celebrations all over the island or Púca Festival, a fantastically spooky celebration of Ireland’s position as the Home of Halloween.

What’s more, the island of Ireland benefits from quick, easy and hassle-free access from Great Britain with plenty of air and sea routes to choose from and the continuation of the Common Travel Area (CTA) means British and Irish citizens can travel between the two islands without a passport or visa restrictions, subject to ID requirements from the travel provider.

We can’t wait to welcome you and your groups to the island of Ireland!

David Wood,
Trade, Industry and Business Tourism Manager, Tourism Ireland

For more information visit: www.trade.ireland.com. 

This comment is from the 2025 edition of Who’s Who in Group Leisure. Posted to thousands of our readers it is also available online for everyone by clicking here.