Travel Daily Media

TDM AWARDS - NOMINATE NOW!

Search Results forIreland

Global

Radisson RED opens with 177 keys in Ireland

The hotel has 177 guest rooms and suites, a ground-floor bar and grill, rooftop bar and restaurant, outside south-facing terrace and nine versatile meeting rooms, including a 220-guest theatre-style venue. Radisson Hotel Group Area Senior Vice President Northern & Western Europe Tom Flanagan Karttunen said: “Opening the first ever Radisson RED property in Ireland is a monumental occasion, and I could not be prouder that it’s located in Galway, which happens to be my hometown. The property perfectly marries the bold vibrance of the brand’s design with the culture and heritage of the city, and it is an ideal choice for business and leisure guests alike.” It is situated in Galway’s newest neighborhood, Crown Square and is located next to motorways that connect the city with Dublin and Limerick.  

Appointments

FCM Meetings & Events appoints Victoria Deprez as UK & Ireland Business Leader

  FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E), the long-standing event management specialist and flagship division of the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), has announced the appointment of  Victoria Deprez as UK and Ireland, Business Leader. Deprez’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the M&E division as they recently announced a $20 million global investment to target worldwide growth for this segment of the business. With over 18 years of leadership experience in the meetings and events industry, Deprez has built a reputation for delivering transformative client solutions across the technology and travel sectors. “Our Meetings and Events division has seen significant investment as we focus on unlocking its full potential, and we’re thrilled to welcome Victoria as our new Business Leader for the UK and Ireland, said Frits De Kok, Head of FCM Meetings & Events, EMEA.  “With an incredible opportunity for growth ahead of us, her expertise in identifying strategic opportunities and delivering client-centric solutions will be instrumental in positioning us as the go-to travel management company for meetings, events, and event travel. Victoria’s dedication to innovation and her proven ability to create value make her a fantastic addition to our team as we continue to elevate our presence in this dynamic sector.” Prior to joining FCM M&E Deprez worked for Leapwork, a Microsoft-backed tech startup, where she played an instrumental role in driving client engagement and building scalable, high-impact strategies. Before joining Leapwork, Victoria held senior roles at prominent industry players including The Institute of Travel Management, Travelport, Event Travel Management and Navan. “I'm thrilled to join this exceptional team at such an exciting time for the Meetings and Events division. I’m eager to bring a fresh perspective to uncover strategic opportunities, enhance the client experience, and deliver meaningful value. It’s clear that this team’s commitment to excellence has established it as a trusted partner in the industry, and I’m looking forward to building on that foundation as we shape the future of meetings and events together, said Victoria Deprez, UK and Ireland, Business Leader, FCM M&E.    

Festivals

A haunting Halloween experience at Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland

For those seeking an unforgettable Halloween adventure like no other, there's no place more fitting than the historical Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland. Nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of the Antrim coast, the real-life haunted castle invites guests to embrace the thrill of the season with a spooky overnight offer with a special guest and a devilish afternoon tea. With its rich history and unique character, the castle at Ballygally Castle is renowned as one of the most haunted places in Northern Ireland. Legend has it that Lady Isabella, wife of James Shaw who built Ballygally Castle, was locked in a room at the top of the castle after Shaw snatched their son away, leaving her to die tragically while attempting to escape. Another ghost is known for knocking on bedroom doors late at night and for the rustling of a silk dress in the corridors. Some believe it is the playful spirit of Madam Nixon, who came to stay at the castle after her husband’s death. While the Ghost Room in the tower can still be visited, no guests are allowed to stay there anymore, adding to the mystique and allure of this remarkable castle. Guests can embark on the hotel's unique 'Ghostly Nights & Delicious Delights' package, thoughtfully crafted to provide moments of eerie delight. They can indulge in a Halloween-themed afternoon tea filled with delightful treats and savory snacks, showcasing a charming blend of flavours and treats that draw inspiration from age-old ghost stories. As the sun sets, guests can retire to their comfortable rooms, where the echoes of ghosts add to the mysterious ambience before waking up to hearty full Irish breakfast.  

Global

Hastings Hotels shares results from a ‘Mental Health Survey’ conducted across Ireland

. A Hastings Hotels survey reveals the depth of stress and mental health challenges faced by individuals and how taking time away can play a crucial role in mental wellbeing. Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland has conducted a mental health survey across the island of Ireland from September 3rd to 7th 2024, with responses from 1,477 participants. From these results it shows that more than a third of people in Ireland (35%) admit to always or often feeling stressed in their daily lives, with women bearing a heavier burden (40%) than men (26%), new data shows. The highest levels of stress were reported by individuals aged 45-54, with almost twice as many women than men in this age group feeling strained. The survey by Hastings Hotels found work responsibilities to be the leading cause, affecting close to half (47%). Other significant stressors include money worries (31%), health concerns (26%), and family-related pressures (21%). A further 14% identified caregiving responsibilities and work colleagues as contributing factors. A total of 92% of respondents in the Hastings Hotel survey said that a hotel stay has a better impact on their mental wellbeing compared to other forms of accommodation. Picture: Chris Heaney   More than 1,400 people from the Republic and Northern Ireland completed the survey early last month. But the findings clearly show that small steps can lead to significant improvements in mental health. Proper sleep (79%), exercise (69%), and spending time in nature (66%) were the top activities identified by respondents as being beneficial to mental wellbeing. More than half recognised that time away from work is essential for maintaining a healthy mind, while connecting with family and friends plays a crucial role for six in ten people. On the flip side, a quarter said time away from family was beneficial for their mental health. Professional advice to take a break away as a stress management strategy has been given to one in four respondents, with more women (29%) than men (17%) receiving this recommendation. An overwhelming majority strongly agreed that a break away enhanced their wellbeing, contributed positively to their mood, and helped them feel more relaxed.A total of 92% of participants reported that a hotel stay has a better impact on their mental wellbeing compared to other forms of accommodation, such as an Airbnb. Claire Crummey, Group Wellbeing co-ordinator at Hastings Hotels, said the survey reveals the depth of stress and mental health challenges faced by individuals and how taking time away can play a crucial role in mental wellbeing. Picture: Alexandra Barfoot.   Almost the same said that frequent, mini escapes can help manage stress more effectively than waiting for an annual holiday. While the majority choose their partner for these escapes, solo travel is a favoured option for one in ten people. Comfort is paramount, with 90% of respondents emphasising the importance of a comfortable bed and room for their mental wellbeing. Friendly, accommodating staff also played a significant role, with 82% noting its positive impact, followed by quiet, peaceful surroundings (75%), and the opportunity to disconnect from daily life (70%). Spa and wellness facilities were cited by more than half as key to improving their mental health. A Hastings Hotels survey reveals the depth of stress and mental health challenges faced by individuals and how taking time away can play a crucial role in mental wellbeing “The survey reveals the depth of stress and mental health challenges faced by individuals and how taking time away can play a crucial role in mental wellbeing,” said Claire Crummey, Group Wellbeing co-ordinator at Hastings Hotels. “We encourage individuals across Ireland to prioritise their mental health by taking regular, short breaks and experiencing the benefits first hand. A hotel stay may be the key to not just relaxation, but to enhancing mood, productivity and overall mental resilience.”    

Appointments

Lufthansa appoints Patrick Borg Hedley as GM Sales UK, Ireland and Iceland

Lufthansa Group announces Patrick Borg Hedley as the newly appointed General Manager Sales UK, Ireland and Iceland. Based in London, Borg Hedley will be responsible for the commercial and sales activities for all Lufthansa Group carriers Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, in the above-mentioned markets. Reporting to Sven Thaler, Senior Director Sales Northern Europe Lufthansa Group, Hedley succeeds Frank Wagner who has relocated to Berlin and previously held the position as General Manager for the last three years. Hedley brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position following many years of airline management experience in business development, sales, project management as well as airport operation & security. Commencing his Lufthansa journey over 25 years ago in Malta, Patrick has held several global leadership positions spanning Yemen, Cyprus, United Arab Emirates and Portugal. His last appointment was as General Manager Sales Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, Lufthansa Group, a position he held since 2021.      

Appointments

Sabre appoints Richard Viner as Head for Corporate Accounts for the UK & Ireland 

  Sabre Corporation announced the appointment of  Richard Viner as Head for Corporate Accounts for the UK and Ireland.  Richard Viner brings extensive experience from his roles at major travel industry organizations,  including Expedia, Egencia, TravelPerk, and PSNGR1. At TravelPerk, he led the company’s rapid  expansion contributing to a5x growth during in annual revenue during his tenure . He also led the  go-to-market strategy for PSNGR1, positioning it as a key player in the UK market. According to Viner, “Sabre is driving innovation in corporate travel by offering solutions that address  the evolving needs of the industry. Its cloud-based technologies and AI-driven tools enable faster,  more efficient collaboration between suppliers and buyers. A key part of this is Sabre’s multi-source  content strategy, which integrates NDC, low-cost carrier content, and traditional GDS content. This  ensures corporate travel buyers have the choice, transparency, and efficiency they need. Sabre’s  ability to solve the increasing complexity of the travel ecosystem makes it a critical partner for  companies navigating this changing landscape”. Richard Viner will focus on helping corporate travel buyers in the UK and Ireland access Sabre’s  multi-source content, including GDS, NDC, and low-cost carriers, to improve booking transparency  and operational efficiency. His role will ensure corporate accounts can offer a broader range of  travel options while streamlining their processes.    

Features

Top ten best-rated tourist destinations of Ireland

Panoramic view of the Kilkee Cliffs along the Kilkee Cliff Walk in County Clare - Ireland   New research has uncovered the most-loved Irish tourist spots, based on top Tripadvisor ratings.  The study, conducted by sports betting and casino site Tonybet, looked at the percentage of 'excellent' reviews compared to the total number of reviews on Tripadvisor for top Irish destinations. The destinations with the highest portion of 'excellent' reviews were then ranked top to bottom. Only places with 100 reviews or more were considered. The data revealed Kilkee Cliff Walk in County Clare as the tourist spot with the highest number of 'excellent' reviews, making up 91.8% of all reviews. Currently, the walk has a 5-star review on Tripadvisor. During the 3.5-mile walk, visitors can see beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. The second highest-rated location is the Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern in Carlingford, County Louth. At the cavern, you can hear the history of the leprechauns left in Ireland. According to Tripadvisor reviews, the location has a 5-star rating, with 89.5% of the reviews deeming it 'excellent'. Next in line, Gougane Barra Church in County Cork places third highest-rated. The old church sits on a small island and is said to have been set up by a monk in the sixth century. Visitors have given the church a 5-star rating, with 89% of these leaving the highest review. Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance in Kinsale ranks as the fourth best-rated spot, with 87.7% of reviews being 'excellent'. The garden, a memorial to the September 11 attacks, is dedicated to those who lost their lives and was set up by a local nurse who lived in New York City at the time of the attack before returning during her retirement and creating the park. The fifth best-rated location is Downpatrick Head in Ballycastle. The cliff area offers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and has a 5-star rating, with 85.6% of reviews being 'excellent'. The coastal beauty is situated in County Mayo and is named after St Patrick, who founded a church, now ruins, on the small peninsula.   Top 10 Irish Tourist Destinations Rank Name Total Reviews Percentage Excellent Reviews 1 Kilkee Cliff Walk 514 91.8% 2 Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern 218 89.5% 3 Gougane Barra Church 118 89.0% 4 Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance 130 87.7% 5 Downpatrick Head 327 85.6% 6 Dingle Peninsula 846 85.1% 7 Eask Tower 267 82.4% 8 Victors Way 337 81.9% 9 Youghal Clock Gate Tower 151 81.5% 10 Horn Head Loop 262 80.9%   Ranking as sixth most-loved is Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. The peninsula, also known as Corca Dhuibhne, spans across 30 miles with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Presently, 85.1% of the location’s reviews of Tripadvisor are ‘excellent’. Overlooking Dingle Harbour, Eask Tower places as seventh best-rated with 82.4% of reviews being ‘excellent’. The stone tower is located in County Kerry, on the Dingle Peninsula, and has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor. Next in line, Victor’s Way in County Wicklow comes eighth with ‘excellent’ reviews making up 81.9% of all reviews. The place is home to an Indian sculpture park with plenty of monuments for visitors to see. Youghal Clock Gate Tower in East Cork places ninth highest-rated, with 81.5% of reviews giving it the highest rating. The clock tower was built in 1777 as a gaol, and now proves popular with tourists, securing a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor. Rounding off the list, Horn Head Loop in County Donegal places tenth. Horn Head Loop is a six-kilometre peninsula visitors can walk along and take in scenic views of the cliffs and surrounding nature. The place has a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, with 80.9% of reviews naming the place as ‘excellent’. A spokesperson from Tonybet said: “Ireland has long been known for its beautiful countryside and scenic views. This study has highlighted just some of the many hidden gems that visitors can include in their travels. “Many of the places on the list are steeped in a rich history that locals are very proud of. Places like Gougane Barra Church have centuries of stories surrounding it, but newer areas on the list, such as the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance offer rich cultural experiences, providing travellers with moments of reflection, whether alone or with loved ones.” “Overall, Ireland is home to some of the most captivating and beautiful destinations in the world, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical depth and cultural richness that make it a must-visit for any tourists.”      

Airlines and Aviation

Air Charter Service opens its doors in Ireland

Alex Sadler   Aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, has opened a new office in Dublin, the company’s first in Ireland. Justin Bowman, ACS’s Chief Executive, commented: “Ireland has always been on our list of where we wanted an office. In fact, it was at a company conference in Ireland more than 20 years ago that our Chairman, Chris Leach, first laid out his global expansion plans for ACS to the rest of the team. Business aviation in Ireland has been on an upward trajectory for some time now, and this move will help us to better serve our existing customers in the country and to grow our client base further. We are really excited to see the opportunities that ACS Ireland creates for the business going forward. “Heading up the office is the hugely experienced Alex Sadler, who joined ACS more than 11 years ago in our London headquarters. Most recently he successfully opened and ran our office at Gatwick Airport, and he is looking forward to growing a team of aircraft charter experts in Ireland.” Sadler added: “The office is located in the centre of Dublin on St Stephen’s Green, which is home to several other aviation companies. We’ve been working towards the office opening for months now and I’m excited to finally get started here, as there is a huge potential to grow our customer base in Ireland.” The office opened on 1st August.    

Luxury Oceanfront Pool Villa seeks fun-loving travellers! Apply within

In partnership with TD, Conrad Koh Samui is giving you the opportunity to win two nights in a Oceanfront Pool Villa including breakfast for two all by answering one easy question.

Win 2 nights in a Ocean front Balcony Pool Suite at SALA Samui Chaweng Beach!

SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort is Koh Samui’s stunning new 5-star pool suite and villa beach resort and spa. Replete with a white sandy beach, luxury pool villas and all the amenities needed to create a magical getaway drenched in sunshine -- it really is the quintessential Asian paradise.

Win two nights at the AVANI Atrium Bangkok

Travel Daily Asia has teamed up with AVANI Atrium Bangkok to offer travel professionals the chance to win a 2-night

Scroll to Top