AGP Executive Report

Airport Growth: Shannon was reported as Ireland’s fastest-growing airport over the summer, a boost for the west’s connectivity and tourism. Visitor Spotlight: NBC’s Today show broadcast from Kenmare, bringing Irish scenery and local businesses to an international audience. Seasonal Stays: Five Irish breaks are being promoted for the Halloween mid-term, while Ashford Castle in Mayo has topped a UK-and-Ireland hotel ranking. Travel Disruption: Forecasts warn of stormy weather around the Bank Holiday, which could affect travel plans.

Air Travel: Shannon was Ireland’s fastest-growing airport over the summer, while a major EU court ruling could affect Dublin Airport’s flight slots and leave Irish travellers to Spain facing uncertainty. Ryanair is also reshaping its network, adding six Malaga winter routes but planning cuts to Spanish and Berlin services. Tourism Spotlight: NBC’s Today show broadcast from Kenmare, showcasing local sights and hospitality to a US audience. Halloween Breaks: Irish hotels and a Galway-border castle are among the latest picks for mid-term getaways. Weather Watch: Stormy conditions are forecast around the bank holiday weekend, with heavy rain and strong winds potentially disrupting travel and outdoor plans.

Tourism Spotlight: NBC’s TODAY brought its programme to Kenmare, showcasing local sights and businesses to a large US audience. Travel Costs: Ryder Cup fans are facing eye-watering accommodation prices, with listings reaching €99,000 for event week. Air Access: Ryanair renewed its call to scrap the Irish airport passenger cap after an EU court ruling left its future to the Government. Getting Around: Irish Rail services in the Midlands are reportedly at capacity, with no extra Athlone services currently planned. Industry Connections: Fáilte Ireland brought Clare and Limerick tourism businesses together at a networking event, while Aer Lingus launched a limited-time sale on North American flights. Visitor Policy: A proposed tourist tax is drawing attention to who might pay and how the revenue could be used.

Kerry Spotlight: NBC’s TODAY broadcast live from Kenmare, showcasing Irish culture and destinations to US viewers. The programme featured Sheen Falls Lodge, which is offering 30% off a three-night stay for bookings made by October 22. Airport Policy: An EU court ruling leaves the future of Dublin Airport’s passenger cap in the Irish government’s hands. Ryanair is again urging ministers to scrap it, as concerns grow over possible effects on existing flight slots. Rail Capacity: Irish Rail says it cannot add services or capacity on the crowded Dublin–Galway line for now; planned track and platform upgrades are targeted for completion by 2030. Cruise Tourism: Cork Harbour welcomed its final cruise ship of the 2026 season, closing a year that has brought fresh attention to the pressures facing the travel sector.

Dublin Airport: An EU court has left the future of the passenger cap in the Irish Government’s hands, prompting Ryanair to renew its call for the limit to be scrapped. Residents near the airport, meanwhile, are seeking stronger air-quality monitoring as more flights loom. Flight Deals: Aer Lingus has launched a flash sale on US routes, while Ryanair has announced 27 new nonstop routes, giving travellers more options to compare. Tourism Outlook: Cork welcomed its final cruise ship of the year as the sector faces a challenging outlook, and work is under way on Mayo’s new tourism strategy. Tourism Ireland is also urging destinations to decide what they want to be known for as AI reshapes travel searches. Bank Holiday Travel: Met Éireann says the risk of storms and severe winds remains low for now, though unsettled weather could develop later in the month.

Cruise Tourism: Cork’s 2026 season ends with 95 ship calls and 160,000 passengers, bringing an estimated €17m to the local economy, though rising fuel costs and environmental concerns are clouding the sector’s outlook. Ferry Links: Brittany Ferries has ended its Poole–Cherbourg service three weeks early after fleet problems; the Barfleur has been reassigned to Rosslare–Cherbourg, preserving that Ireland-France connection. Travel Policy: Ireland is challenging Germany’s proposed restrictions on Russian tourist visas, putting travel access and EU policy in focus. Regional Tourism: Mayo is being urged to extend its visitor season, while questions remain over the future of Galway Airport.

Kerry Spotlight: NBC’s TODAY Show is set to broadcast from Sheen Falls Lodge on October 16, with Tourism Ireland backing the visit — a high-profile showcase for Kerry. Airport Traffic: Dublin Airport handled 3.3 million passengers in September, with numbers up 4% so far this year. Air Links: Ryanair is adding six winter routes to Málaga but plans to drop flights to three Spanish destinations from April 2027, changing options for Irish holidaymakers. Visitor Attractions: Athy’s Shackleton Experience has welcomed 30,000 visitors in its first year, while a new free Dublin rock ’n’ roll walking tour offers another city-centre draw. Mayo Tourism: Calls for more beach funding and a longer tourism season highlight the push to support coastal destinations beyond the summer peak.

Travel Disruptions: Met Éireann has issued two days of wind and rain warnings, while Irish travellers are being advised to check the latest guidance before flying through the Middle East after attacks on Saudi airports. Ryanair is also cutting 12 Berlin routes from October 24 and plans to drop flights to three Spanish destinations from April 2027. Airport Trends: Dublin Airport handled 3.3 million passengers in September, with passenger numbers up 4% so far this year. Dublin Appeal: The capital has been ranked Ireland’s friendliest city and fifth friendliest in Europe; a new free Rock ’n’ Roll walking tour offers another way to explore its streets. Outdoor Ireland: A new book pairs walking routes with the stories and folklore behind them, from the Causeway Coast to Carrauntoohil. Near Cork, a coastal town is also drawing attention for its scenic trails, beaches and local food.

Air Links: Newcastle has lost all Loganair services, leaving Aer Lingus’ Dublin flight as its only listed nonstop option. Hotel Business: Whitbread, owner of Premier Inn, reported lower half-year profits despite selling more rooms, citing rising costs and restructuring; it has also cut planned investment. Travel Updates: Ryanair has changed its check-in deadline for 2026, so passengers should check the latest rules before departure. Irish travellers considering Middle East routes are also being urged to review advice after an attack at a Saudi airport. Visitor Appeal: Dublin has been ranked Ireland’s friendliest city and fifth in Europe, while Athy’s Shackleton Experience has welcomed 30,000 visitors in its first year. Airport Demand: Dublin Airport handled 3.3 million passengers in September, with numbers up 4% so far this year.

Airport Update: Dublin Airport handled 3.3 million passengers in September, with numbers up 4% so far this year. Ryanair will close check-in desks 60 minutes before departure from November 10; Dublin Airport has also removed its 100ml liquid limit, allowing containers up to two litres through security. Getting Around: Plans for a Park and Ride near Kinnegad have secured €50,000 for surveys and an options assessment, with the facility intended to improve public transport access and ease town-centre congestion. Visitor Attractions: Athy’s Shackleton Experience welcomed 30,000 visitors in its first year, drawing guests from more than 25 countries. Tourism Pressures: Trinity College Dublin students say heavy visitor crowds are disrupting campus life and raising privacy concerns at the popular city-centre attraction. Travel Safety: Irish travellers are being advised to consider the risks of flying through the Middle East following an attack on a Saudi airport.

Aviation Investment: European aviation leaders are calling for €5bn to modernise air traffic management by 2034, as record flight volumes put pressure on the system that keeps Ireland connected. Travel Disruption: Met Éireann has issued a severe weather warning expected to affect 500,000 people, putting travellers on alert. Regional Connections: The Derry–Dublin route has been described as starting at a competitive disadvantage, while questions persist over the future of Galway Airport. Visitor Trends: Dublin Airport handled 3.3 million passengers in September, with passenger numbers up 4% so far this year. A new guide also highlights how visitors can travel from Dublin to Dingle without a car, while Mayo tourism leaders see potential to extend the season.

Air Travel: Stansted set a September record with 2.88 million passengers, up 6.4% year on year; Dublin was among its popular city-break destinations. Dublin Airport handled 3.3 million passengers in September, with traffic up 4% so far this year. Getting Around Ireland: New guides highlight car-free travel from Dublin to Dingle and seaside day trips close to the capital. Tourism Outlook: Mayo tourism voices say better promotion could help extend the season, while Galway Airport’s future remains uncertain. Hotels: Killarney properties earned top global reader rankings, and the historic Great Southern has revealed a rebrand.

Travel Disruption: A fresh strike at Riyadh airport killed one person and injured 11, following an earlier deadly attack that injured an Irish traveller. Flights have been disrupted. Air Links: Ryanair will end all Bremen flights from April 2027, cutting a route option for Irish travellers. Wicklow Escapes: Laragh is drawing attention as a relaxed base for hikes in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and visits to Glendalough. Tourism Beyond Summer: Mayo’s tourism sector is being urged to make more of its attractions and extend the visitor season. Food Tourism: Galway’s International Oyster and Seafood Festival features among the world’s top food festivals, adding another reason to plan a trip. Car-Free Ireland: A new guide highlights how to explore Ireland’s charms from Dublin to Dingle without a car.

Dublin Travel: Irish air travel is growing faster than expected, with Dublin Airport adding capacity to meet demand. Councillors from government and opposition parties have also backed a tourist tax for the capital. Hotel Highlights: Ballyfin Demesne has been named Ireland’s No 1 hotel, while two Mayo hotels earned international recognition. Visitor Attractions: Derry Halloween is adding an Irish wake experience to its programme, and Cillian Murphy’s plans to revive Dingle’s century-old Phoenix Cinema could restore a much-loved cultural venue. Port of Cork: The port has reported strong 2025 figures as major investment continues.

Travel Costs: Irish supporters’ clubs say rising Premier League ticket prices are making match trips across the water unaffordable for many families. An Irish family also reported a travel-insurance premium jump of more than 300% despite making no claims. Air Travel: Ryanair has confirmed an £8 seating-rule change, while Dublin Airport expansion could add capacity for visitors from the US. Irish Stays: Killarney hotels earned top global rankings, and the town’s Great Southern hotel has unveiled a rebrand; a five-star Kerry stay is also in the spotlight. Tourism Policy: The Government has published its Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill, while Dublin councillors have backed a proposed tourist tax. Day Trips: Dublin’s nearby seaside towns are being promoted as affordable escapes, with a hidden beach and scenic walking spot just 30 minutes from the city. Ireland’s Appeal: Condé Nast Traveller readers named Ireland Europe’s friendliest country.

Dublin Coast: Affordable seaside day trips are in the spotlight, from Victorian harbour towns along the Dublin Coastal Trail to Howth’s cliff walk and hidden beach, around 30 minutes from the city. Kerry Stays: Killarney’s Great Southern has unveiled a refreshed look after renovation and earned five-star status; the town also has approval for a raised walking and cycling platform over its lakes. Air Travel: Dublin Airport handled 3.3 million passengers in September, with numbers up 4% so far this year. Ryanair has also confirmed a change to its seating rules, with an £8 charge highlighted in coverage. Tourism Policy: Dublin councillors have backed a tourist tax, while the Government has published a Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill. Irish Escapes: Ireland was named Europe’s friendliest country in a Condé Nast poll, and five Irish resorts made the publication’s top 20 in Europe.