We are delighted to announce a special Networking and Tourism Information Event at Galway Bay Golf Resort on Thursday 19th April 2018. If you are a hospitality or tourism industry member then read on to find out more about this special event:
The ‘Rising Tide’ Tourism & Hospitality Event
hosted by Bridge That Gap in association with Oranmore-Clarinbridge Tourism Network

Pictured at the planning meeting for the ‘Rising Tide’ Tourism and Hospitality Event which takes place on Thursday 19th April from 10am to 2pm in Galway Bay Golf Resort were Jack Greally, Jordan’s Bar, Clarinbridge, Cllr. Martina Kinane, Chairperson, Bridge That Gap,Annette Hassett, SCCUL Sanctuary, Clarinbridge and Barry Phelan, Galway Bay Golf Resort, Oranmore; Photo: Damien Burke.
DESCRIPTION
Are you a Hospitality or Tourism provider? Are you involved in a tourism community group? Would you like to learn more about the opportunities of the Wild Atlantic Way? Are you interested in maximising your marketing budget? Do you want to network?
In the spirit of the well-known phrase: ‘A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats’ by JF Kennedy –Bridge That Gap, local social enterprise along with Oranmore-Clarinbridge Tourism Network are hosting this information and networking event to bring Hospitality and Tourism businesses, communities and organisations along the Wild Atlantic Way together in Oranmore on Galway Bay for a half day event. The ‘Rising Tide’ event will provide a great opportunity to network, exchange information, seek motivation, get practical advice and learn something new on how to maximise the Wild Atlantic Way route and brand. Attendees are expected from Donegal to Kerry, so a great opportunity for all.
Featuring:
Special Guest Speaker Pól Ó Conghaíle, award winning Tourism journalist and Travel Editor, Independent and Weekend Magazine. Award-winning travel writer and expert. Travel Editor for INM’s Independent.ie and Weekend Magazine, he writes and shoots for National Geographic Traveller and is a highly respected speaker and influencer. He is the travel expert for Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show. He also contributes regularly to Ireland AM, the RTE Today Show (pictured), and on travel issues with RTE Radio One, the BBC, Today FM, 2FM etc. He has also featured as a travel expert on The Afternoon Show, The Consumer Show, The Daily Show et al.
Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way Region. ‘The Wild Atlantic Way – success and opportunities’. Miriam will talk about the strategy and future plans for The Wild Atlantic way as well as its success to date, the investment in it by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland with some examples of video/out of home marketing etc
Eva Costello, Team manager, Wild Atlantic Way for Sligo and Mayo, Fáilte Ireland. Eva will present a Case Study: Destination Westport and their success in working together and the increase in business it has brought them
Donal Healy, Head of Aviation Business Development, Marketing & Communications, Ireland West Airport. ‘Driving tourism and economic development in the West of Ireland’
Jill Holtz, Founder MyKidsTime.com and Director, Digital4Sales ‘Social Media and tourism marketing to parents’.Jill will talk about using social media to engage parents and market tourism – what are parents looking for and where do they source this information?
Diarmuid Kelly, Kelly’s Oysters, Clarinbridge – Oyster opening demonstration
Galway 2020 – Galway County Council – TBC
Oranmore-Clarinbridge Tourism Network
Bridge That Gap
Who should attend
Anyone based along the western seaboard in particular along the Wild Atlantic Way especially Galway City and County who are involved in
- tourism
- hospitality, hotels, guest houses, accommodation providers
- events and festivals
- transport
- guided tours
- conferences
- meeting management and organisation
- community organisations including non-profits, sports, heritage and arts
- music organisations
- suppliers to tourism and hospitality businesses, venues and
- local authorities.
- This would also be of great interest to start-ups who are looking for new business ideas in this sector.
#hotels #airbnb #tours
Numbers are limited – online registration in advance is essential.
Registration will cover admission for attendance at full event including speakers, presentations, coffee break and networking lunch at Galway Bay Golf Resort and free admission for a tour of Oranmore Castle (2.30pm).
The event is being organised by Bridge That Gap (non-profit) in association with Oranmore-Clarinbridge Tourism Network with support from Galway County Council.
PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
Outline Schedule
9.30-10.00am Registration from 9.30 to 10.00
10.00am Introductions
Welcome to Oranmore – Oranmore / Clarinbridge Tourism Network
10.15am Speakers & Presentations – time break down TBC –
Miriam Kennedy, Fáilte Ireland,
Eva Costello, Wild Atlantic Way – Mayo / Sligo
Donal Healy, Ireland West Airport
Galway 2020 (TBC) Galway Co Co;
11.15 Networking Coffee break
11.30-12.10 Special Guest Speaker – Pól O Conghaile, Travel Editor, Sunday Independent
12.10-12.30pm Jill Holtz: MyKidstime & Digital4Sales
12.30-12.50pm Q&A and Panel Discussion
12.50pm Round Up
1.00-2.00pm Networking Lunch
2pm Finish
2.30pm Tour of Oranmore Castle by Leonie Finn
PARKING Ample parking is available in the Galway Bay Golf Resort car park
DIRECTIONS Take the Maree Road direction Rinville Park from Oranmore Village – follow signs for the Wild Atlantic Way and Galway Bay Golf Resort.