Throughout this trip I have gotten the chance to be immersed in Irish culture and learn a lot in such a short period of time. Ireland is a country with many great qualities and things to offer. The country features breathtaking rural landscapes, vibrant cities, and a rich history. From my time in Dublin to getting to see the cliffs of Moher, the trip has been truly special. Not only have I enjoyed the tourist activities, but I have also gained insights into the impact of tourism on Ireland, both from a business and cultural perspective.
While the first few days were spent strictly in Dublin, my true exploration of Ireland started with a trip to Kilkenny, followed by a trip to the Wicklow mountains. This excursion gave me a deeper insight just how much tourism means to the country. Just a simple observation such as looking around at the other people on the bus with us showed me that people come from all over to see what Ireland has to offer. I heard different languages, accents, and people were from all different countries, showing just how wide of a variety of people come to this country for tourism.
The second trip we took was to the Cliffs of Moher, directly followed by an afternoon in Galway. This trip presented me with a glimpse into the traditional Irish way of life. The cliffs were gorgeous, and once again I saw people from all different countries and races there to do the same thing as me, take in the breathtaking view the cliff presents. The streets of Galway seemed to be more of a local crowd, but there were still plenty of tourists flooding the stores, restaurants, and pubs.
During my travels, I have had the opportunity to engage with locals, fellow travelers, and tourism guides, which deepened my understanding of how tourism impacts Ireland. From a business perspective, tourism generates revenue, stimulates job creation, and supports various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and retail. It enables small businesses to flourish and promotes economic development in both urban and rural areas.
From a cultural perspective, tourism plays a vital role in preserving Ireland’s traditions, customs, and heritage. The tourism industry encourages the preservation of historic sites, traditional music, and other traditions. It fosters a sense of pride among locals, ensures the passing of cultural knowledge to future generations, and enables cultural exchange between visitors and residents. Additionally, I have gotten to share some of my own individual experiences with some of the locals!
In terms of a sales pitch for the country of Ireland, my message would be pretty simple: sell the irresistible attractions and unique charm Ireland has, while also making sure to highlight how Ireland has modernized in the last 20-30 years. I would talk about Irelands warm hospitality to begin with, because after all, when somebody comes to a new country, they want to feel comfortable and welcomed. I would next sell the rich heritage the country offers. During my experience I have been blown away with how unique the people, geography, and culture is. Finally I would talk about the modern aspects of Ireland. Dublin is a vibrant, fast paced, modernized city that is much different from the rest of the country. This city is a massive business hub with companies from all over the globe being present here. Ireland has a ton to offer, and it has a very diverse makeup for being such a small country. I would hope that people see how unique this is for a small European country and give Ireland a chance!