Top US sports channel NBC Sports Boston, with a viewership of over 15 million are in Ireland this week putting Ireland’s Ancient East golf courses to the fore with the assistance of Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland.
Producer Kevin Friend and his crew are here to film Powerscourt Golf Club, Wicklow, Rosslare Golf Club in Wexford and Carton House Golf Club in Kildare for their Golfing The World: Ireland series.
Golf tourism is a hugely lucrative sector for Ireland and has been identified by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority as one of the key activities to engage in while visiting Ireland. The trip will also focus on activities and things to do at each location - a visit to the Gardens, Waterfall and Distillery at Powerscourt, while in Rosslare they will film at Kelly’s Resort and surrounding beach before heading to Carton House to film some culinary delights at The Linden Tree, together with fishing and horse riding activities.
Speaking about the importance of these trips, Rory Mathews, International Publicity Executive for Fáilte Ireland explained –
“North Americans are among the biggest spenders during their stay here in Ireland, so we welcome NBC Sports Boston who will spread the word on our world class golf courses in Ireland’s Ancient East. Fáilte Ireland’s research shows that the golf sector provides a total overseas spend of €202m for the Irish economy. Good news indeed, and with 163,000 overseas visitors playing golf while in Ireland last year, each visitor is worth on average €1200 to the economy - two and a half times that of the average tourist.“
“With more than 400 golf courses on offer across Ireland, and with Ireland’s Ancient East having a comprehensive offering for those looking to take a golfing holiday or short break. More than that, golf is an important high yielding market for Ireland, that spend almost 80% of their money on ‘off the course’ activities such as accommodation, hospitality and transport meaning the broader tourism sector benefits from their visits.”
Kevin Friend, NBC Sports Boston said: "We are so excited to showcase Ireland's Ancient East in our 15th episode of Golfing the World: Ireland. We will visit two outstanding luxury destinations at Carton House and Powerscourt, and we are really looking forward to introducing Rosslare Golf Club on the coast of the "Sunny Southeast"...a real gem. We feel it is so important to show our audience that Ireland is full of great golf courses, and great new experiences in every corner of this magnificent island. "
Annually more than 200,000 overseas visitors play golf which contributes almost €270million to the Irish economy and accounts for over 1.7 million bed nights. Demonstrating the exceptional quality and value Irish golf provides to the British market is part of Fáilte Ireland’s efforts to encourage more visitors from our nearest market to choose Ireland for a holiday or short break.
Michael Dempsey, Club Captain, Rosslare Golf Club, commenting on:
“It is a fantastic opportunity for Rosslare and Co. Wexford, but particularly it gives us the opportunity to promote our Links Course which was founded in 1905. We are very proud of having been selected as Ireland’s hidden gem in 2018 by Golfers Guide to Ireland, we are delighted to welcome our American friends to enjoy a great experience in our club and surroundings.”
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