Name: Brendan Griffin
Title: Minister of State for Tourism & Sport
Company, city: Government of Ireland Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport; Dublin, Ireland
Recent project: Tourism Ireland recently launched a new brand advertising campaign, “Fill Your Heart with Ireland,” to inspire Americans to put Ireland on their vacation destination list.
First job: I was a porter at age 15 at a 5-star hotel in Killarney, my summer job
Little-known fact about you: I am a writer; I have self-published two books of fiction for children and have one planned for adults.
Your Business
What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years? We want to inspire more people to visit Ireland outside of the peak season and explore all corners of the island. We need to drive the extra mile to appeal to different dimensions of travel.
Best career advice you’ve received: Work hard and make yourself available — this is the way you will encounter luck.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Don’t give up. I lost my first election; you have to dust off and keep going.
Brendan Griffin as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: Going on holiday in West Cork with my children; it’s only a two-mile drive but is relaxing and good to disconnect. While traveling to Inishbofin Island off Galway, my wife inspired me to start writing again.
One travel tip you cannot live without: Pack lightly. When I was a porter I sometimes saw three suitcases for just one week of travel.
About Ireland
What do you think draws visitors to Ireland now?
More than 2 million North Americans visited Ireland in 2018, 14 percent more than in the previous year. These travelers want to see the beautiful scenery, meet the warm and welcoming people, experience the culture and enjoy the rich heritage.
Tell our readers about visiting movie and television filming locations in Ireland.
Our collaboration with the “May the 4th” locations for Star Wars, such as The Skellig Michael (the rock where Luke Skywalker camped out), and the Game of Thrones locations near the Giant’s Causeway offer great attractions. My father worked on the set of Ryan’s Daughter, driving the actors to and from locations, so we have a long history of filming locations.
What does Ireland offer luxury travelers?
We have a vast array of great hotels and world attractions, including Ashford Castle and Adare Manor, recently voted Best Luxury Hotel in the World by Virtuoso. Ireland has one-third of the world links golf courses, and we have temperate weather where you can play golf and sports year-round. Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland will host The 148th Open this July.
What would you say to people considering Ireland for a vacation?
I would say there’s never been a better time to visit Ireland, and with 18 direct gateways, it’s never been easier to get here! People look for unique and authentic experiences, and Ireland has plenty to offer — truly something for everyone.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
Paradisus by Meliá Redefines the All-Inclusive Experience
Paradisus by Meliá, a leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand, is taking the hospitality world by storm with its latest developments. With a slew of exciting developments, including a fresh property in Punta Cana, an adults-only resort in Los Cabos, an enticing chef partnership, revamped suites and much more, the brand is setting new standards for all-inclusive excellence. Each property maintains the essence of all-inclusive luxury while immersing guests in the rich tapestry of its destination, offering bespoke experiences that celebrate local culture and heritage. Paradisus is on a mission to redefine the all-inclusive paradigm, moving beyond conventional expectations to deliver personalized, lavish experiences tailored to every guest.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Annual Travel Insurance?
One affordable plan can protect an entire year of trips: business or pleasure, short or long, domestic or international.
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 24, 2024Althoff Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg Review
After a long drive from our previous destination, it was a relief to see Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg in our view. When we pulled into the hotel court, I felt like we were pulling up to a royal palace. Considering the hotel was originally built as a castle for Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf and his wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, my thought wasn’t that far off.
ShareThis