Irish Whiskey’s ‘serious revival’ has not only given rise to an influx of new distilleries but also led to the formation of several tours based around the spirited beverage.

John Callely, founder of Whiskey Island Premium Tours and Tastings, says that for a long time the island of Ireland’s whiskey industry lay dormant. ‘At one stage we were down to just two distilleries, now we have 39 and more (about 25) on the way.’

He says whiskey trails offered to guests take in a number of distilleries but also stop at some of the historical, cultural and scenic highlights along the way.

More than 25 tourism providers from the island of Ireland, as well as four operators based in Australia and New Zealand, will re-engage with travel advisors at Tourism Ireland ANZ’s first Ireland Virtual Expo on 7 and 8 September from 5pm-7pm.

At the online B2B event, Tourism Ireland will facilitate an Exhibit Hall as well as one-on-one pre-scheduled video appointments, where advisors will connect with the exhibitors to obtain the latest in news and experiences. The event will help advisors discover/rediscover the wide range of products and experiences in Ireland.

Tourism Ireland says it is looking forward to rolling out the green carpet to international visitors following the country’s adoption of the EU’s new Digital Covid Certificate.

This will enable more seamless travel among EU member states. Ireland will begin the scheme on 19 July, meaning that travellers from EU member states bearing the pass – which attests that the holder has either been vaccinated, has had a negative test for Covid-19 or has had the virus – will then be able to visit Ireland without the need for a test or quarantining.

Ireland is giving agents and clients the chance to discover the island’s great whiskeys from the comfort of their armchair.

Irish whiskey has undergone a huge renaissance over the last decade. New arrivals from distilleries like Slane, Dingle, Walsh and Echlinville stand beside centuries-old favourites like Bushmills, Jameson, Teeling and Tullamore D.E.W.

IrishWhiskey360° https://irishwhiskey360.com demonstrates the importance of the master distillers, who combine quality Irish ingredients and a variety of cask finishing to create new flavours.

Last year, 17 distilleries on the island of Ireland welcomed more than one million visitors for tours that give a behind-the-scenes insight into their products. While visits are not currently possible, people can still discover the stories of Ireland’s whiskies on websites and through virtual tours.

Jameson 

Teeling Whiskey 

Walsh Whiskey 

Bushmills

www.ireland.com

Clients might not be able to travel to the Emerald Isle at the moment, but Tourism Ireland is reminding people they can still connect with its landscapes and culture through literature.

Six new members have been added to Ireland’s Blue Book for 2019.

Born to Run Tours offers a new and different way to experience Northern Island’s sights.

Back-Roads Touring has a Europe Sneak Peek campaign, where clients can save up to $1,042 per couple on some of its most popular tours for 2019 travel. The deal is on sale to 19 June 2018. The early bird special applies to selected departure dates from 10 of Back-Roads’ most popular tours including Italian Indulgence, Iberian Inspiration and Corners Of Cornwall.

Back-Roads Touring country manager APAC Dennis Basham says now is the perfect time for travellers to book their UK or European holiday. ‘Catering to the mature traveller, Back-Roads recognises the demand for unforgettable experiences that take customers on an authentic, scenic route of discovery,’ he says. He adds that available experiences include lunch at Rick Stein’s signature restaurant The Seafood Restaurant, traditional Italian cooking lessons in a Tuscan villa, visiting the resting place of William Shakespeare or exploring the coastlines of Ireland. More info here backroadstouring.com