AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Outdoors: Oweninny Windfarm Visitor Centre in North Mayo opens to the public this summer (Thu–Sun, 10am–4pm from June to end of September), with free entry, interactive exhibits, Orla’s Café, and a scenic 5km walk around Lough Nafaran. Community & Regeneration: Minister Dara Calleary TD visited Waterford for openings and sod turnings, including the Cappoquin Railway Bridge Loop Walk (ORIS funding) and a new glamping pod facility, plus town-centre regeneration work in Cappoquin. Culture on the Move: Trinity College Dublin launches a new literary experience from June 10—Trinity Trails Literary Walking Tour plus “Oscar Unwritten” at the Samuel Beckett Theatre. Food & Travel Planning: Gardaí warn holidaymakers about online holiday scams that can cost victims €2,500+; watch for “too good to be true” offers, ghost brokering, and fake webpages. Family Fun: Comeraghs Wild Festival 2026 unveils its full programme for July 9–12 in Waterford, mixing headline music, comedy, outdoor adventure and community events. Sport & Travel: The FAI is seeking UEFA approval to move the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League home fixture vs Israel to a neutral venue, with Budapest tipped.

World Cup 2026: Groups I–L preview spotlights the big names and storylines heading into the tournament, from France’s Mbappé-led challenge to Messi’s Argentina and Ronaldo’s Portugal. Clean Towns & Tourism: Sligo is named Ireland’s cleanest town again in the latest IBAL litter survey, while Waterford tops the clean city list; Navan and Drogheda also improved, but Dundalk remains “moderately littered.” Road Safety: A fatal single-vehicle crash on the N73 at Kildorrery, Co Cork has claimed the life of a woman in her 20s; the road is closed for forensic examination and Gardaí are appealing for witnesses. Summer Travel Disruption: Ryanair warns that passport control may take longer for some non-EU travellers due to the EU Entry/Exit System, urging passengers to arrive early. Weather Watch: Met Éireann forecasts a shift toward warmer, drier conditions later in the week, with temperatures potentially reaching around 25C next weekend. Local Visitor Interest: Wallace Arnold’s vintage coach drivers returned to Killarney for a Ring of Kerry itinerary and local landmark stops. West Cork Branding: Clonakilty rebrands as “The Soul of West Cork,” rolling out new signage and merchandise inspired by Irish language sign-painting.

Diplomatic Visit: Canadian PM Mark Carney is set to visit Ireland next week, meeting Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin and then travelling to Mayo to meet President Catherine Connolly—his first official trip to Ireland as PM in nearly a decade, with roots traced to Aughagower near Westport. Travel & Safety: Dublin bathing bans are extended after poor water quality following heavy rain, with Blackrock Baths Shore, Corbawn Strand and The Forty Foot closed until at least June 11; some other spots have reopened after earlier warnings. Sports Tourism: Cricket’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 15, has been called up for India’s T20 tours of Ireland (June 26 and 28 in Belfast) and England, with the BCCI arranging travel and support so his parents can accompany him on the UK leg. Local Community: Dublin’s Teen Buddy Programme continues to tackle social isolation by pairing teens with older adults through shared interests, with the initiative running since 2020. Policy Watch: Ireland has imposed travel bans on two Israeli ministers, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, with immigration officers instructed to refuse entry if they attempt to travel to Ireland.

EU Tourism: Eurostat reports EU tourist accommodation overnight stays rose 3.4% in Q1 2026, with Ireland leading the increase at +35.3% year-on-year—good news for Irish hotels and visitor services. Cricket & Travel to Ireland: India’s BCCI has allowed 15-year-old batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s parents to travel with him, with the board covering their expenses for the Ireland and England tours—India play Ireland in Belfast on June 26 and 28. Ryanair Passenger Tip: Ryanair’s seat 11A/11F has a “windowless” catch due to cabin equipment, after a passenger complained online—worth checking before you book. Family-Friendly Coast: Green-Schools SeaKeepers Project brought Carrigans pupils to Rathmullan beach for marine biodiversity activities, including BioBlitz and marine litter games. Royal Travel Buzz: Peter Phillips’ wedding drew royals and well-wishers, with some travelling from Ireland to Gloucestershire for the ceremony.

Island Tourism & Connectivity: Minister Dara Calleary TD visited Inishturk to see how government island programmes are boosting local infrastructure, recreation and tourism, with the National Broadband Ireland rollout also launched there. Travel Demand Boost: Halifax Stanfield International is set for a big summer surge, with European departures up 40.2% year-on-year in Q3 as new routes and higher capacity lift transatlantic travel. Cricket & Irish Matchweek: India’s T20 captaincy reshuffle is set for Ireland and England tours, with Shreyas Iyer named skipper and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earning a historic call-up; BCCI says Jasprit Bumrah is rested for workload management. Sport in Ireland: Armagh kicked off their TG4 All-Ireland SFC campaign with a 4-10 to 1-9 win over Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn, setting up a must-win next step for Cork against Waterford. Local Culture: Milford pianist Gerard O’Donnell returns to Donegal for a Letterkenny performance on June 13 with the Balor Piano Trio. Outdoor Living: Porch and outdoor-space tips are in focus as summer weather arrives, with advice on decluttering, painting and refreshing curb appeal.

Travel Policy: Ireland has imposed an entry ban on Israeli far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan instructing officials to prohibit travel into Ireland; Taoiseach Micheál Martin said their comments amount to a desire to eliminate Palestinians and that EU-level sanctions will be raised. Nature & Tourism Planning: A public consultation is now underway on the Glenveagh National Park Visitor Experience Development and Management Plan, aiming to shape how the park’s visitor experience grows (with around 200,000 visitors a year) and building on Fáilte Ireland’s wider national park tourism interpretation work. Family Travel Safety: TyreSafe highlights that child car-seat protection is only part of the job—properly fitted restraints and well-maintained tyres both matter for braking, grip and vehicle control. Local Visitor Experience: The Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award programme is set to return in October, with the 12th annual ceremony planned for Killarney’s final weekend. Road-trip & Weather Interest: Irish storm chaser Noel Fitzpatrick is preparing for another US “tornado alley” trip, with his work set to feature in a Sligo arts event in July.

Family & Courts: A Lithuanian boy, 14, can stay in Ireland after a High Court ruling found his father’s removal was wrongful under the Hague Convention, but the child’s “compelling” account and “considerable maturity” meant return to Lithuania wasn’t ordered. Travel & Tourism (Ireland): Film Mayo and a Mayo County Council Film Bursary are set to launch in Westport on June 22, with details and criteria to follow. Things to Do: Emerald Park in Ashbourne, Co Meath, has unveiled its new dinosaur land, “Lost Valley: Land of Dinosaurs,” including the SwingoSaurus swing ride and Dino Meet & Greets for summer. Environment & Water: The Irish Wildlife Trust is calling for action after a fish kill in the River Glyde, Co Louth, blamed on an agricultural discharge that left more than 20,000 fish dead. Politics & Travel: Ireland has barred Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, citing statements linked to the displacement of Palestinians. Local Life: Donegal Travellers Project marks its 30-year anniversary with a community-focused celebration.

Irish Travel & Tourism Round-Up: Crime & Safety: RTÉ reports criminal gangs targeting children as young as seven across parts of Ireland, using them to carry drugs and act as lookouts. Health & Travel: Social Justice Ireland says Ireland’s youth mental health system is underfunded, pushing more families to consider private treatment abroad. Air & Visitor Demand: Newcastle Airport is named the UK’s fastest-growing major airport, citing strong May half-term passenger numbers and new routes. Irish Language Education: Campaigners urge the Department of Education to buy a former Christian Brothers monastery to secure the future of Dublin Gaelcholáiste Synge. Sports Tourism (Ireland): Leinster coach Leo Cullen publicly backs Jacques Nienaber ahead of the URC semi-final vs the Stormers at the Aviva. World Cup Travel (Ireland): Canada hosts a final warm-up friendly vs Ireland in Montreal as both sides fine-tune ahead of the tournament. Travel Deals: A roundup highlights late-booking discounts on villas, Iceland cruises and Greek sailing holidays.

Golf & Tourism: Terras da Comporta’s Dunas Course has topped a new Portugal golf ranking, putting the Alentejo coast and the wider Comporta luxury scene in the spotlight for Irish and UK golfers. Travel Planning & Borders: The EU says it will soon publish its report on Cyprus’ Schengen bid, while separate coverage highlights how border rules like EES can trigger long queues and extra checks for travellers. Air Travel Comfort: United is taking delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR, promising a “wide-body experience” on a narrow-body jet with sliding doors and premium cabin upgrades. Summer Travel Tips: A July travel guide notes people are choosing less extreme, more comfortable options, mixing classic sunshine with cooler, quieter alternatives. Ireland Visitor Practicalities: A piece on visiting Ireland in 2026 urges travellers to plan beyond Dublin and pack for all four seasons in a day. Local Planning Watch: Athlone’s Monksland Lidl decision is due next month, with submissions open until June 30. Family & Community Events: A Donegal hotel feature spotlights Inishowen tourism, while Athlone’s Irishtown journal celebrates local footfall and shopping culture.

Tourism & Travel in Ireland: Ireland’s services sector growth stayed “muted” in May, with transport, tourism and leisure hit hardest by fuel-price spikes, according to the latest AIB Services PMI. Outdoor & Family Activities: A new RTÉ KIDS outdoor guide urges families to “start small” with local loop walks and woodland trails, plus tips on letting kids lead adventures. Nature & Conservation: Skerries in north Co Dublin is backing the large carder bee with meadow management, while Galway researchers launch the Great Big All-Ireland Hedgehog Count from June 8, asking the public to report sightings online. Events & Culture: Roddy Doyle and Sarah Moore Fitzgerald are set for a live conversation at Tullamore Park, Nenagh on June 26, and Galway International Arts Festival has completed its first full carbon footprint assessment to guide a multi-year sustainability plan. Safety & Travel Advisories: Gardaí issued warnings and updates around bank-holiday roads policing and checkpoint activity, as Ireland prepares for busy summer travel.

River Glyde fish kill: Inland Fisheries Ireland is investigating a locally significant fish kill on the River Glyde near Tallanstown, Co Louth, with dead salmon, eel, trout, pike and coarse fish found; samples are headed for lab analysis and the public is urged to report sightings via IFI’s 24/7 number. Ebola travel rules: The WHO is urging countries to lift Ebola-related travel restrictions, days after Canada tightened measures for people from Ebola-affected areas. Bank holiday road policing: Gardaí say almost 4,650 drivers were caught speeding and 209 were arrested for drink/drug driving over the June bank holiday weekend, including a Dublin driver clocked at 84km/h in a 50km/h zone. Irish tourism spotlight: Five Irish hotels land on Condé Nast Traveller’s inaugural Triple Crown list—Ballyfin Demesne, Adare Manor, Powerscourt, The Merrion and Cashel Palace—while Athenry’s Arts & Heritage Centre marks 25 years with a free Family Medieval Experience on June 7. Student visa update: Ireland’s immigration service has issued new long-term study visa guidance for non-EEA students taking courses over 90 days, with applications to be made before travel.

Film & Culture: Tipperary director Anne Williamson has won best first-time female director at the Indie X Film Fest in Los Angeles for Bridget, a drama about the 1895 murder of Bridget Cleary. Family Travel & Summer Camps: Munster Rugby and HelloFresh are teaming up for Summer Camps 2026, with kids getting a HelloFresh voucher trial plus rugby kit across 23 clubs. Island Tourism: Inishturk’s new website, InishturkIsland.com, launches today with support from Fáilte Ireland to promote sustainable tourism and community updates. Community & Nature: Hedgehog Conservation Ireland and researchers at University of Galway and Oxford are inviting the public to take part in the Great Big All-Ireland Hedgehog Count starting June 8. Sports Tourism: Ireland is set to bid to host the Women’s Champions League final in Dublin in 2029, with a Cabinet push for a nationwide emergency text alert system too. Travel Safety & Weather: Water safety advice is being issued ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend as extreme summer conditions loom with El Niño risks.

EU Travel Rules: Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now fully operational, meaning non-EU travellers may need biometric checks (fingerprints and facial scan) at participating borders—plan for possible teething issues. Holiday Disruption: Portugal faces a nationwide strike on Wednesday 3 June, with rail, cabin crew and public transport staff among those walking out; hundreds of flights are at risk. Sustainable Tourism in Ireland: NPWS has launched the Yeats-Gregory Explorer shuttle bus in south Galway, linking Gort with Coole Park and key heritage sites daily until 31 August. Local Travel & Culture: Mullingar Town Band has been funded to represent Ireland in the US Semiquincentennial celebrations, with performances in Philadelphia, Washington DC and New York in early July. Wildlife Watch: Police are investigating the suspicious disappearance of a rare white-tailed eagle in England, a reminder to keep an eye on conservation and safety concerns around reintroductions. Travel Safety: Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and RNLI have issued water safety advice ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend.

El Niño Watch: The UN and WMO warn El Niño is likely to return this summer, raising the risk of record heat and extreme weather for Ireland and beyond. Flight Disruption for Travellers: Virgin Atlantic says a technical issue led Flight VS165 to divert to Shannon after engine trouble over the Atlantic, with passengers offered accommodation and rebooking. Leaving Cert Support: Students with dyslexia face extra hurdles in the Leaving Certificate, including formatting and switching between paper and laptops during exams. Local Tourism & Transport: Dublin Council will decide whether to put a hotel tax hike to voters, while Dublin Airport is preparing for a major World Cup travel surge. Safety & Enforcement: Gardaí dealt with a custody-cell incident after a drunk man resisted arrest in Bandon, and separate reports highlight ongoing road policing and speeding crackdowns. Pets in the Spotlight: RTÉ Kids’ The Big Pet Project returns, seeking unusual pet talents across several counties including Fermanagh. Travel Climate Angle: Ireland’s weather coverage ramps up as Met Éireann forecasts more heat and wet spells ahead of the summer travel rush.

ICE Detention Concern: Dublin students are urging action over claims FCI Dublin could be repurposed as an ICE detention centre, warning it could make local travel and community life feel less safe. Dublin Safety Alert: Gardaí are investigating after a man in his 30s swam across the River Liffey following an alleged assault at War Memorial Gardens; he later died in hospital and witnesses/dashcam footage are being sought. Tourism Boost for Galway: Galway City Museum is set for a €12m redevelopment, expanding the site and expected to draw hundreds of thousands more visitors over the next decade. Work Permits Update: Ireland has expanded its employment permit system with 32 changes to help employers recruit overseas workers in shortage sectors. Aer Lingus Rules: Aer Lingus has tightened passenger guidance on carrying power banks, reminding travellers to follow lithium battery safety requirements. Beach Trading Fee: Cork beach vendors and sauna operators face a new licence fee up to €1,400 a year under a by-law aimed at managing busy summer sites. Travel Disruption: A Virgin Atlantic flight to Jamaica diverted to Shannon after engine trouble over the Atlantic. Sport & Travel: Dublin hosts major events on the calendar, including World Cup fan arrivals and a Dublin doubleheader linked to Super League plans.

Undersea Security: A new warning highlights how threats to critical undersea cables are escalating, with Russia-linked activity and other state actors raising concerns for the data routes that underpin modern travel and tourism. Tourism Numbers: Dubrovnik is still climbing in 2026, with preliminary eVisitor figures showing 850,159 overnight stays so far this year and a 1% rise year-on-year, with Ireland among the key source markets. Irish Language Schools: Coalition tensions are growing after comments that no new Irish-language primary or secondary schools are planned until at least 2032, with knock-on worries for Gaeltacht education timelines. Bank Holiday Travel Tips: Travellers are being advised to plan around EU border rules, with Ireland (outside Schengen) flagged as a way to avoid the new EES biometric queue system. Road Congestion: East Cork’s N25 is described as worsening, with gridlock around Lakeview roundabout and rat-running on rural roads adding pressure for anyone driving in the region.