Arecord number of Irish passports were issued in 2016, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs announced in January. In total, 733,060 passports were issued last year, a nine percent increase from 2015. Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan, TD, attributed the rise to “a variety of factors including the fact that more Irish people traveled in the first half of the year; … [Read more...] about Record Number of Irish Passports Issued in 2016
Travel
Sligo Named European Volunteering Capital 2017
In January, Sligo was announced as the European Volunteering Capital for 2017, beating out other European cities like Belfast, London, Edinburgh, Bruges, and Cagliari. A joint application was submitted from Sligo County Council and Sligo Volunteer Centre, according to volunteersligo.ie. The jury commended Sligo on having “well thought out and properly resourced volunteering … [Read more...] about Sligo Named European Volunteering Capital 2017
Donegal Crowned World’s Coolest Destination
Co. Donegal claimed the number one spot on National Geographic Traveller’s annual “Cool List” of recommendations for those who love travelling the world. The isolated western county ranked above locations in Greenland, Sudan and Seoul among other “culture capitals, hipster hotspots [and] wild escapes” and was praised for its “undiscovered” aura by the magazine. “There’s an … [Read more...] about Donegal Crowned World’s Coolest Destination
Cliffs of Moher Experience Breaks Visitor Record
The 10 year anniversary of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience was celebrated with a tourism networking afternoon at the Experience’s headquarters in Liscannor, Co. Clare in February. The event also marked 2016 as a record-breaking year for the Experience, with 1,427,166 people visiting the center to take in the beauty of one of Ireland’s most prominent natural wonders. This … [Read more...] about Cliffs of Moher Experience Breaks Visitor Record
Joe Biden Receives Surprise Medal of Freedom, May Return to Ireland This Summer
In January, Barack Obama surprised former Vice President Joe Biden with the highest honor that can be bestowed on an American citizen by the government – the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. It was the only one he gave out during his presidency. Biden admitted he was taken by surprise and had no idea the award was being given, thinking he was attending a dinner … [Read more...] about Joe Biden Receives Surprise Medal of Freedom, May Return to Ireland This Summer