Main pic: L-R – Shane Smyth, Donegal Tourism, Michael Scully, The Irish Mirror, Shane O’Donoghue, golf Journalist, Pauline Sweeney, Donegal Airport, Enda Coll, SportsJoe/JOE.ie, Simon Lewis, The Irish Examiner and David Leonard, Failte Ireland. Pic: Clive Wasson.
This week Fáilte Ireland will showcase Donegal’s world-class golf courses to a group of sports media professionals.
Titled ‘Swing into Scenic Bliss,’ this two-day event brings together a group of Irish golfing journalists to experience the unparalleled beauty, hospitality, and golfing excellence the county has to offer. It is being organised in partnership with Donegal Airport, Donegal Tourism and Emerald Airlines.
David Leonard, Wild Atlantic Way Programme Officer at Fáilte Ireland commented:
“This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity to showcase Donegal’s exceptional golf courses and hospitality to a distinguished group of sports journalists. We are thrilled to partner with Donegal Airport, Donegal Tourism, and Emerald Airlines to offer journalists a firsthand experience of the beauty and world-class amenities that await golf enthusiasts in Donegal together with its enhanced accessibility for travellers.”
Golf tourism, he added, is extremely valuable to the Irish economy and is estimated to be worth more than €300 million annually. Fáilte Ireland’s research shows a golf visitor typically spends three times more than the average leisure tourist with most of the spend going directly into local economies on non-golf expenditure such as accommodation, transport and food and beverage.
The media event will feature guided tours of Donegal’s premier golf courses at Cruit Island Golf Club, Narin & Portnoo Links, Rosapenna Golf Resort and Portsalon Golf Club.
Sarah Nolan, Head of Tourism at Donegal Tourism said:
“We are delighted to welcome these sports journalists to Donegal and provide them with an immersive experience that highlights the unique appeal of our region. From breathtaking coastal views to challenging courses designed by world-renowned architects, Donegal offers an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all levels.”
Pauline Sweeney, Marketing Manager, Donegal Airport said:
“I am excited to welcome this group to Donegal Airport before setting out to explore Donegal’s world-class golf courses and sharing their experiences with their readers. This initiative presents a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Donegal’s golfing treasures and inspire enthusiasts to discover the beauty of this remarkable region.”