Gathering gestures for overseas visitors

Yesterday saw the launch of a new app that any overseas visitors to Ireland this year will want to try out before they arrive. It's designed specifically for The Gathering and it's called Gathering Gestures.

Launching the new app: Minister Michael Ring (centre) with Niall
Gibbons, Tourism Ireland CEO, and Monica MacLaverty, Overseas
Manager – The Gathering Ireland.

Created by Tourism Ireland, it offers a wide variety of “gestures” to ensure international visitors get more from their holiday here and an extra special welcome during this year of The Gathering. To date, about 500 tourism organisations from around Ireland have registered their “gestures” for the new app, to demonstrate their appreciation to visitors for spending time with them during their holiday in Ireland. The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), B&B Ireland, Heritage Ireland, the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) and Good Food Ireland are all encouraging members to take part.

Examples of the “gestures” include a complimentary tour of Kenmare in a 1936 vintage Buick, offered by the Sheen Falls Lodge Hotel; a free seaweed bath for anyone doing a walking or cycling tour which passes through or stays in Leenane, offered by Connemara Adventure Tours; complimentary tea or coffee and home baking on arrival at B&B Ireland homes; a complimentary “Gathering” cocktail or mocktail at the Ice House Hotel in Ballina; as well as lots of other added value experiences like brown bread-making demonstrations, complimentary Irish coffees and special “Gathering” value menus from RAI members. Golf courses are also on board – with special incentives for Gathering groups – and Waterford Crystal is even offering a special “Gathering” trophy for a hole in one!

The app is now live on the international app store and is free for people around the world to download before they arrive here. Tourism Ireland will promote the app to prospective visitors through its website, Ireland.com – reaching more than 11 million potential visitors around the globe. The app will also be highlighted on thegatheringireland.com.