Sterling work: Kilkenny showcased to UK tour operators ahead of Brexit d-day

By COLIN BARTLEY

KILKENNY is using it’s ancient and medieval history to attract UK visitors to the county, while our closest neighbours are in the middle of making history of their own,

Ahead of whatever happens with Brexit, people from the UK will still be going on holidays, so Fáilte Ireland invited Albatross Travel, a leading wholesale travel group from the UK to come to Ireland and learn more about Kilkenny and Ireland’s Ancient East.

Albatross Travel has now added a new Ireland’s Ancient East tour – of which Kilkenny is central, to their brochure for 2020. The tour to Kilkenny and the east is heavily promoted in the UK and Europe.

During the course of Albatross’s visit, Fáilte Ireland showcased many of Kilkenny’s attractions including Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Design Centre, the Smithwick’s Experience and Malzard O’Grady’s pub, in Freshford.

Speaking about the trip Paul Mockler, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Commercial Development said: “It is still difficult to quantify the range and scope of impacts that Brexit will have, tourism is a key economic driver, supporting and creating employment in a way that many other industries struggle to achieve.

“To this end, Fáilte Ireland will continue to work closely with the tourism industry and partners, with a focus not only on building top-class visitor experiences but also on preparing for Brexit.”