Ireland Strengthens Tourism Ties With Australia And New Zealand Through Exclusive Familiarization Tour

Published on September 5, 2025

Eight starring circuit operators from Australia and New Zealand embarked connected an immersive travel crossed nan land of Ireland this week, hosted by Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, and Fáilte Ireland. This sojourn highlights nan enduring value of nan Australian and New Zealand markets for Ireland’s tourism sector, which annually welcomes a important number of visitors from these countries. The inaugural is designed to showcase Ireland’s divers attractions and guarantee nan land remains a cardinal destination successful world recreation itineraries.

During their broad itinerary, nan group knowledgeable a operation of cultural, historical, and culinary highlights that bespeak nan extent and assortment of Ireland’s tourism offerings. Their travel began successful nan northwest pinch a sojourn to Donegal Castle, an iconic historical site, followed by a tasting acquisition astatine The Shed Distillery. The circuit continued pinch a hands-on culinary escapade astatine nan Sligo Oyster Experience and a rejuvenating convention astatine VOYA Seaweed Baths, providing insights into Ireland’s thriving artisan nutrient and wellness sectors.

Visitors were besides treated to a accepted sheepdog objection hosted by Atlantic Sheepdogs, an authentic showcase of Ireland’s agrarian heritage. The group explored nan National Famine Museum astatine Strokestown Park, offering a sobering yet basal position connected Irish history, earlier continuing to nan Irish National Stud & Gardens for a glimpse into Ireland’s equestrian excellence. Cultural immersion continued successful Dublin pinch a sojourn to nan renowned Book of Kells Experience astatine Trinity College, a travel done Irish medieval artistry, and a behind-the-scenes circuit of nan iconic Windmill Lane Recording Studios, famed for its contributions to world euphony history. The culinary exploration successful Dublin included a guided nutrient circuit pinch Walking Food Tours, introducing nan group to nan capital’s vibrant gastronomic scene.

Northern Ireland offered arsenic compelling experiences, opening pinch a enactment astatine Killeavy Castle Estate. In Belfast, nan circuit operators participated successful a food-focused stepping circuit pinch Taste & Tour, sampling section specialties and gaining penetration into nan city’s evolving nutrient culture. The group past ventured on nan Causeway Coast, embarking connected a thrilling oversea safari pinch Aquaholics and visiting nan melodramatic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a quintessential Northern Irish landmark. The itinerary besides included a sojourn to Crindle Bespoke for an equestrian experience, allowing nan operators to research Ireland’s long-standing horse-riding traditions.

The travel concluded successful Derry-Londonderry, wherever nan circuit group visited nan Peacemakers Museum to deepen their knowing of nan region’s rich | history of conflict resolution. A stepping circuit on nan historical metropolis walls provided some panoramic views and a tangible relationship to nan city’s storied past, leaving nan visitors pinch lasting impressions of Ireland’s blend of history, culture, and earthy beauty.

This week-long familiarization travel underscores Tourism Ireland’s strategical committedness to strengthening relationships pinch cardinal world partners. By providing firsthand experiences of Ireland’s cultural, historical, and culinary attractions, nan programme ensures that circuit operators are well-equipped to creation and beforehand itineraries that captivate visitors from Australia and New Zealand. With its operation of practice sites, culinary excellence, outdoor adventures, and authentic experiences, Ireland continues to asseverate itself arsenic a apical destination for travelers seeking some escapade and taste enrichment.

Sofia Hansson, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Australia and New Zealand, said:“We’re delighted these influential circuit operators from Australia and New Zealand person taken nan clip to travel and acquisition nan land of Ireland’s superb tourism offering – including our rich | taste and humanities experiences – and spot for themselves what Ireland has to connection their clients. It’s a awesome opportunity to familiarise them pinch nan destination for information successful their early programmes”.