A hundred thousand welcomes to you!
Failte Ireland Tourism 2011 recently released a new promotional video, that I just came across on the Cliff’s of Moher facebook page. Based upon the music, I’m guessing Failte Ireland is targeting young people who may not have a particular thing for Ireland, but are simply looking for a great holiday destination. To be fair, I suppose those of us with a thing for Ireland do not need a video to coax us to visit! Hey – whatever works, because Ireland is most definitely a marvelous holiday destination and it also happens to be in great need of a boost in tourism these days, considering the current economic situation.
Having lived in Ireland for a year during 2001-2002, and visited too many times to count since then, it was my personal observation that toward the end of the Celtic Tiger boom years Ireland was becoming a bit cynical about its tourist trade and had begun to take its visitors for granted. However, I have noticed in the last couple of years, since about 2008, a resurgence in the once famous Irish hospitality and welcome. People seem to be truly happy that you have come to visit their country, glad to meet you and talk to you and yes, appreciative of the tourist dollars you’re bringing in, knowing that times are hard for just about everyone around the globe these days.
Another recent upside for tourists is that since the housing boom has gone bust, rampant construction has come to a halt just in time to leave the unique beauty of Ireland intact. This was something I was beginning to worry about a few years ago as I watched more and more housing estates – and even a few strip malls – filling up the countryside between the cities. And not to completely dismiss the boom years, one of the positive byproducts of the Celtic Tiger and Ireland’s participation in the EU, are the new motorways that make traveling around the country much quicker and more convenient than the quaint country roads. The charm of meandering along winding, country boreens is still there for our enjoyment, but it is nice to now have the option of hopping on a motorway and zipping across the country with an ease that was not available in years past.
So, I urge everyone to consider a visit to Ireland, a country that has a lot to offer, both old and new, along with a renewed enthusiasm for its visitors. Here is a nice overview of the sites and delights of Ireland 2011 !
10 comments
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April 8, 2011 at 1:56 am
Dona
If the purpose of the Video is to make people want to visit Ireland…….They succeed.
My ancestors were Scotch/Irish……….
I’d love to go. I’ll have to add it to my Bucket List.
April 8, 2011 at 8:24 am
bloggingfromthebog
I hope you get there Dona! I think the video succeeds too.
April 8, 2011 at 10:16 am
lifeonthecutoff
Janet, you are an ambassador for Irish tourism if there ever was one. Someday, I will get there, but, until then, this is a great video.
April 8, 2011 at 10:56 am
bloggingfromthebog
I wouldn’t be your typical salesperson type, but when I’m enthusiastic about something I tend to drag others with me! I hope you get to Ireland Penny – and Greece too!
April 8, 2011 at 11:07 am
lifeonthecutoff
Someday, I will.
I meant to comment on Declan’s picture. That is phenomenal.
April 9, 2011 at 6:28 am
Irish Cottage Dreams
Love this post! I go to Ireland every chance I get… recharges my batteries. Almost anyone i have talked to about Ireland wants to visit. I hope they do!
Thank you always for your nice comments on my blog. 🙂 Did yo get a chance to see my Burren shoes? I ordered a pair for myself…I am my best customer. LOL!
Happy Spring!
April 9, 2011 at 3:53 pm
janet (Country Mouse)
I have Scottish and Irish ancestors. The photo is marvelous! The video looks fun except for the golf. I am not at all interested in golf. My Dad quit taking us water skiing when he started playing golf so I have held a grudge since then. Tee hee. It looks beautiful, but I may never get there. Sigh….
April 9, 2011 at 11:05 pm
bloggingfromthebog
The golf doesn’t appeal to me either, but to golfers, many of the golf courses in Ireland are among the best in the world and there are a lot of them in the West right along the coast.
May 9, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Laura
We visited Ireland a month ago. Had a fairy tale trip! The Irish people love their country and they want you to love it too! I would return in a heartbeat!
May 9, 2011 at 7:45 pm
bloggingfromthebog
I’m glad you had such a wonderful experience in Ireland and I hope you’re able to get back!