IRISH APPs ARE SMILING

Tourism Ireland has launch its new “Gathering Gestures” App for iPhone and Android devices. In the year of The Gathering Ireland 2013, this free to download App is an extra special Irish welcome to international visitors, offering a variety of “gestures” so travellers can get even more value from their vacation to the island of Ireland. Over 500 Irish tourism businesses and organizations have registered their “gestures” for the App, and users can access featured offers including bonus treats on food & drink, hotels, visitor attractions and travel services. The App is designed to help demonstrate the Irish tourism industry’s appreciation to visitors for spending quality time with them during their holiday to Ireland this year. Benefits include complimentary GPS from selected car hire companies; a free tour around Killarney in a vintage Buick with a stay at Sheen Falls Lodge; a free Gathering cocktail/mocktail being served in hotels around the country; home baking on arrival at B&Bs; a complimentary glass of sparkling wine in restaurants; golf deals; a free seaweed bath in Galway; and an extra special surprise for people with the surname “Jameson” visiting the whiskey’s famous distillery in Cork, plus much more. The Gathering Ireland 2013 is the country’s largest ever tourism initiative with over 3,000 festivals and events taking place nationwide throughout the year and the whole world has been invited. Jayne Shackleford, manager Tourism Ireland Canada, observed: “Ireland is known the world over for the warmth of our welcome and there has never been a better time to experience it. As we look forward to a summer season bursting with festivals and events it is the perfect time to enjoy the fun and spirit of The Gathering Ireland 2013– now with even more value for Canadian visitors through this wonderful new App.” Visit the iTunes or Google Play store to download the Free Gathering Gestures App. For further information about visiting Ireland and The Gathering Ireland 2013 go to http://www.ireland.com . Seen in the photo, from l to r, are Ireland’s minister for tourism and sport, Michael Ring with Tourism Ireland chief executive, Niall Gibbons launching the “Gathering Gestures” App in Ireland.