Irish America

Irish America

Tourism

Follow the Music: Advice from a November Holiday in Ireland

By Liz Cunningham-Purchia, Tim Gannon, Clare Gannon, and Jano Cabrera, Contributors
February / March 2015

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Liz Cunningham-Purchia, her boyfriend Tim Gannon, his sister Clare, and her husband Jano Cabrera, all Washington, D.C. transplants, planned a November escape to trace their roots and follow the music. This is their account of six nights in Ireland. We’ve never heard any of our relatives say “You have to visit Ireland in November.” Nor would our practice of booking evening … [Read more...] about Follow the Music: Advice from a November Holiday in Ireland

Céad Mile Fáilte:
Alison Metcalfe

By IA Staff
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Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, talks about her own experiences as a traveler and the joys of drawing visitors to one of the most welcoming places in the world. When was the first time you were a tourist? It’s hard to say. We always traveled as a family when I was growing up. My mother in particular was a big advocate of travel as a great form of … [Read more...] about Céad Mile Fáilte:
Alison Metcalfe

Valentia Island’s Buried Treasure

By Colin Lacey, Contributor
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Buried treasure on a remote Irish island, the descendants of a 13th-century Knight and a 19th century American entrepreneur – and the birth of the modern communications industry. It’s not the plot of some barely-believable potboiler, but the real-life back story behind a bid to have the small island of Valentia – off the coast of south west Ireland – recognized formally as one … [Read more...] about Valentia Island’s Buried Treasure

Kilkenny Arts Festival Announces 2013 Highlights

May 16, 2013

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The Kilkenny Arts Festival was founded 40 years ago this August by a group of classical music enthusiasts, and has continued to grow in its draw, reach, and prestige of performances ever since. For 10 days each August, the medieval city located in the South-East of Ireland comes alive with a feast of artistic entertainment across a range of mediums, including theater, dance, … [Read more...] about Kilkenny Arts Festival Announces 2013 Highlights

New North America Head for Tourism Ireland

June / July 2013

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In late April, Tourism Ireland announced that Alison Metcalfe, who is currently the U.S. vice president of marketing, will replace the long-serving Joe Byrne as head of Tourism Ireland North America on June 1. Metcalfe has worked with Tourism Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board since 1992, initially in Canada. She was promoted to her current position in 2007, and … [Read more...] about New North America Head for Tourism Ireland