AGP Executive Report

Galway Getaways: The Galway Comedy Festival returns October 20–26 with 60 shows across 14 venues. The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, which opened this summer, has also been named Newcomer of the Year at the Georgina Campbell Awards. Hotel Honors: Ashford Castle placed seventh among European resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s US awards, while The Lodge at Ashford Castle ranked seventh among Irish hotels. Dark-Sky Tourism: West Cork’s Wild Hideaways has become Europe’s first DarkSky Approved Lodging, adding a distinctive draw for visitors. More Ways In: Dublin Airport is adding capacity as air travel grows faster than expected, and Shannon Airport welcomed more than one million passengers this summer. Kinsale is also set to receive at least six cruise ships next year. Tourism Policy: The Government has published a Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill, while Dublin councillors have backed a tourist tax. Coastal Access: West Cork councillors have asked the council to examine safer access to Simon’s Cove, a secluded spot near Clonakilty that is attracting more visitors.

Airport Growth: Air travel in Ireland is growing faster than expected, with extra capacity at Dublin Airport and Shannon reporting more than one million passengers over the summer. Halloween Tourism: Derry is preparing for the 40th anniversary of its Halloween festival, with a new parade and an immersive Irish wake show. Drogheda’s Lú Festival of Light runs October 23–26, bringing myth-inspired projections and street entertainment to the town. West Cork Escape: Wild Hideaways has become Europe’s first DarkSky Approved Lodging, adding a distinctive draw for visitors to the Mealagh Valley. Irish Hospitality: Ballyfin Demesne has been named Ireland’s top hotel in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 readers’ awards; five Irish resorts also ranked among Europe’s top 20.

Halloween in Ireland: Oíche Shamhna returns with a distinctly Irish twist—bonfires, the Aos Sí, and fortune-telling foods like colcannon, apples and hazelnuts. Cork Jazz Festival: Guinness Cork Jazz Festival (Oct 22–26) spotlights a strong women-led line-up including Annie Mac, Jasmine Myra, Margaret Glaspy and KOKOROKO. Mayo football & travel: Mayo’s All-Ireland defence is framed as harder than winning—while fans plan 2027 trips and school/club visits around the campaign. Budget 2027 for tourism & rural life: Westmeath gets €1.34bn in Enterprise/Tourism/Employment supports, including €15m for rural pubs, plus extra funding for Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Transport costs: More than €1bn next year for bus and rail PSO services, but passengers may face another fare review in 2028. Student travel & stays: Budget 2027 cuts the third-level student contribution fee by €150 (to €2,350 max) and boosts rent-a-room tax relief to encourage student accommodation. Air travel disruption: British Airways BA295 (London–Chicago) returned to Heathrow after a technical issue following a steep mid-air descent over Ireland.

Tourism Regulation: Government publishes the Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill, with Fáilte Ireland set to run a national register for short stays up to 21 nights from Dec 1. Transport & Planning: Galway councillors back reversing a greenway plan on the Western Rail Corridor, with MEPs also backing completion of the rail line to Sligo. Dublin Transport Safety: Dublin rickshaw operators face renewed calls for legal clarity after the death of Danielle O’Keane, with councillors calling the system “wild west”. Air Travel Disruption: Multiple reports follow a British Airways BA295 emergency after a rapid 28,000ft descent over Ireland, with oxygen masks deployed and the flight returning to Heathrow. Jobs & Tech: Stripe plans 200 new jobs at its Dublin HQ, adding engineering and go-to-market roles. Travel Deals & Trade: JTA Holidays launches in Ireland with dedicated trade support and incentives. Accommodation & Glamping: Plans submitted for a glamping tourism hub in a disused Cork quarry near Coachford. Homelessness & Travel Impact: Focus Ireland urges Dubliners to sleep out under the stars as 5,830 children are reported homeless nationwide. Awards & Escapes: Condé Nast names Irish resorts including Ashford Castle, Dromoland and Adare Manor among Europe’s top resorts; Ballyheigue is named Ireland’s best beach for 2026. Culture & Events: Primordial announces a Dublin headline show at 3Olympia on Nov 6, 2027.

Aviation & Safety: British Airways BA295 (Heathrow–Chicago) declared an emergency after a rapid 27,000–28,000ft descent over Ireland, with oxygen masks deployed and a 7700 alert, then returned to London Heathrow safely after hours of circling to burn fuel. Airline Product: British Airways also unveiled major A380 cabin upgrades, including refreshed Club Suites, new premium economy recliners and a redesigned first class. Tourism & Culture: Oíche Shamhna coverage spotlights Ireland’s Samhain traditions and food—especially colcannon and old fortune-telling customs. Local Travel & Visitor Experience: Dublin is set to tighten rules on horse-drawn carriage “jarveys” after complaints about a “wild west” situation and animal welfare concerns. Nature & Family Trips: Cork’s Asian hornet nest in Ringaskiddy has been removed by NPWS, with public urged to report sightings quickly. Sports & Travel Planning: Republic of Ireland U21s host England U21s at Turners Cross (6pm) in Euro 2027 qualifiers, with free viewing via the England app.

Halloween in Ireland: Oíche Shamhna is being celebrated with traditional Samhain customs and food, from colcannon and apples to old fortune-telling rituals. Travel Trade Push: Visit Orlando is ramping up UK and Ireland travel trade events, with destination updates and networking at Emirates Stadium (Oct 26) and Guinness Storehouse in Dublin (Oct 27). Dublin Disruption: A Cork-to-Dublin train was halted for hours after striking deer on the line, leaving passengers delayed into the evening. Air Travel Disruption: A United Airlines Boeing 757 flight from Dublin to Newark returned to Dublin after reports of a strong fuel smell, with passengers needing medical assistance on arrival. Airline Jobs: airBaltic says it may cut 500–700 roles across Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn as it restructures after Chapter 11 protection. Holiday Safety Abroad: An Irish family described a traumatic escape from a major fire at a Lake Garda campsite, a popular stop for Irish travellers. Road Rules: Dublin’s new ban on e-scooters for under-18s has come into effect, aimed at improving safety. Tourism & Leisure: VIVA Cruises has launched a first travel agent selling guide to support river cruise sales in the UK and Ireland.

Halloween in Ireland: Oíche Shamhna stories and food traditions are back in focus, from Samhain’s “veil between worlds” to colcannon with charms for luck. Cancer & costs: New Irish Cancer Society research says a cancer diagnosis can cut household income by €16,200 a year, pushing many into savings, loans, or missed bills. Budget 2027 childcare: A “significant” package for under-6s is expected to save parents at least €1,000 annually, with changes starting next September. Cruise tourism boost: Kinsale is set for at least six cruise ship calls next year, adding to a strong 2026 season. EU Presidency spend: The bill for Ireland’s six-month EU Presidency is now €75.2m to end of August, with Garda overtime a major cost. Road safety: A Bandon driver fined €1,000 after a dangerous overtake led to a head-on crash. Sport & travel tie-in: Ireland’s Nations League draw with Israel in Serbia came behind closed doors, with another no-handshakes protest.

Travel Safety: Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after Danielle O’Keane (37) died in hospital days after a rickshaw crash on Dublin’s North Wall Quay following a Westlife gig at the 3Arena; anyone with dash-cam or footage between 10:30pm and 11:15pm on 26 September is asked to contact Store Street Garda Station. Weather & Disruption: Ireland is set for a “rollercoaster” early-week forecast, but conditions should settle from the weekend with drier spells and warmer temperatures. Tourism Risk Abroad: Spain’s Costa del Sol and parts of Catalonia face severe storms and a “danger to life” warning, with flooding and extreme winds prompting travel restrictions. Events & Culture: Glastonbury 2027 tickets sold out in under 45 minutes, with a spring resale planned; and Ensemble Galilei brings “The Twelve Wild Geese” to Camden Opera House in October. Irish Travel Context: A new report flags housing affordability as a driver of emigration among young adults—an issue that could shape who can afford to stay, work, and travel in Ireland.

Halloween in Ireland: Oíche Shamhna stories and food traditions are back in focus, from Samhain’s “veil between worlds” lore to colcannon with charms for luck and love. Budget 2027 energy relief: Taoiseach Micheál Martin signals carbon tax increases on home heating oil/kerosene are likely to be removed for the rest of the Government’s term, alongside a Christmas bonus for welfare recipients and pensioners. Fuel allowance reality check: Fuel allowance payments begin for 465,000+ households, but questions remain over whether the €5 weekly bump goes far enough in the energy crisis. Tourism & travel business: VOYA, an Irish seaweed-bathing skincare brand from Sligo, wins Spa Skincare Brand of the Year—another win for Irish wellness exports. Road safety: Gardaí appeal for witnesses after a woman in her 30s died following a collision at North Wall Quay, Dublin, on Sept 26. Travel/transport disruption: US Air Force jets made an emergency diversion to Shannon after a reported fuel issue. Sports with local pull: Munster beat the Bulls 26-22 in the URC; Leinster’s URC trip to Durban ends in a bonus-point defeat to the Sharks. Outdoor inspiration: A guide to the Bluestack Mountains and Lough Eske highlights an autumn-friendly Donegal escape.

Halloween in Ireland: Oíche Shamhna traditions are getting a spotlight, from Samhain’s “veil between worlds” beliefs to classic fortune-telling foods like colcannon, plus the meanings behind apples, hazelnuts and hidden charms. Local Sports & Community: Westmeath’s Ronan Wallace praises “mental resilience” after Leinster glory, while Carlow’s Autumn Walking Festival returns 2–4 October and Castlebar’s 60th anniversary walk festival gets a Netherlands ambassador boost. Ireland Football Update: Dara O’Shea is a doubt for the Nations League rematch with Israel as his wife is due to give birth; the week also saw a fractious press conference after racism and a plane-incident question. Travel Safety & Alerts: Gardaí renew a missing-person appeal for Ian Webb, believed to be in Dublin; and there’s fresh attention on border hassle for travellers as EES rules roll out unevenly across Europe. Tourism Jobs & Nature: Meath’s Farming for Water role seeks a community animator, while Boyne Rivers Trust and other agri posts highlight ongoing work tied to water quality and biodiversity.

Halloween in Ireland: Oíche Shamhna stories and food take centre stage again, from Samhain’s “veil between worlds” folklore to colcannon with charms for luck. Dublin & Cork travel culture: A dog-friendly five-star stay at The Conrad Dublin spotlights pet travel in the capital, while Cork’s English Market bakery ABC sells after nearly 40 years—good news for foodies planning a weekend. Family-friendly breaks: Hayfield Manor in Cork launches a limited 30th anniversary menu, and a new five-star Italian mid-term resort pitch targets October escapes. Cruise ideas: Jane McDonald confirms a final 2027 seven-night cruise from London to Cobh, Belfast and Cherbourg. Tourism inspiration: Kinsale is again branded “one of the world’s most beautiful towns,” with its colourful streets and seafood draw. Weather watch: Met Éireann warnings for heavy rain and wind are in the mix as autumn hits hard—plan routes and check conditions before you head out. Local spotlight: A documentary screening in Belfast celebrates a mixed-ability rugby squad’s journey to the World Cup.

Tourism & Transport: The NTA is boosting the NX bus link between Navan and Dublin from 11 October, adding peak departures (including 05:00 and 05:20) and moving the Dublin terminus to Moss Street to cut congestion delays. Regional Tourism Growth: Ireland West Airport targets two million passengers a year over the next decade, with partners from Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Galway and Donegal backing connectivity and tourism plans. Mayo Visitor Management: A call is growing for a ranger for Keel (Mayo) to manage wild camping, traffic and visitor pressure ahead of next summer. Wild Atlantic Way Spotlight: Kinsale is being pitched as a “Disneyland for adults” break, with easy access via flights to Cork and a short drive. Local Community & Environment: Cork volunteers removed 8.8+ tonnes of beach litter during the Big Beach Clean, part of a wider nationwide effort. Cost of Travel: Diesel in the UK has hit £2 a litre for the first time, adding pressure for drivers and businesses. Travel Tech: Lyft is rolling out its app across Europe for North American users, expanding ride-hailing options for visitors. On the Ground (Travel-Adjacent): A Portlaoise teacher is set to run the Dublin Marathon in memory of her mother-in-law, raising funds for kidney disease.

Homelessness & Access: New rules in the Housing and Residential Tenancies Act 2026 will tighten eligibility for homeless accommodation, adding “habitual residence” tests that charities warn could hit vulnerable groups hardest. Tech Jobs in Dublin: Stripe plans to create 200 more jobs at its Dublin HQ, bringing headcount in Ireland to over 1,000 as the company expands its European operations. Airline/Family Travel Costs (UK): The UK moves to stop airlines charging parents extra to sit with children under 14, alongside limits on name-change fees—aimed at cutting “little charges” that add up. Ireland Football & Protests: Ireland’s Nations League clash with Austria ended 2-2 after a 2-0 lead slipped, with earlier protests over Israel fixtures including tennis balls thrown onto the Aviva pitch. Tourism/Business: Etihad announces double-daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Sydney from 15 December, adding more connection options including Dublin. Life Sciences in Cork: TheraDep opens a major Innovation and Surface Coatings Center of Excellence in Youghal, boosting R&D and cleanroom manufacturing capacity.

Tourism & Hospitality: Clashganny House near Borris has won the “Taste of the Waterways” award at the Georgina Campbell Irish Food and Hospitality Awards, with judges praising its food, hospitality and waterside setting. Travel Industry: Ponant Explorations has gone live for UK trade via a packaged partnership with Aviate, letting agents sell cruises with flights, transfers and accommodation bundled. Cruises: Fred. Olsen has announced 17 new Port of Tyne cruises for 2028, including a “mystery holiday” and sailings to Scandinavia, Morocco and Spain. Airports & Retail: Nice Airport is reshaping the passenger experience with renewed retail space and experiential, locally rooted shopping, while Schiphol is pushing a more passenger-first approach to retail and hospitality. Things to do in Ireland: Mayo’s All-Ireland win is being marked at the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park with a rare 19th-century chalice display. Local Travel Disruption: Drivers faced major delays after a diesel spill led to a long closure of the M4 westbound between J16 Swindon and J17 Chippenham.

Dublin Crash Appeal: A fundraiser has been launched for Danielle O’Keane (37), who suffered a “life ending brain injury” in a serious collision on North Wall Quay after a Westlife concert at the 3Arena, with police appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage. FAI Scrutiny: The FAI faced an Oireachtas committee grilling over the Israel Nations League fixtures, including concerns about safeguarding and why goalkeepers weren’t spoken to before selection. Connemara & Europe: Galway County Council is rolling out “Connemara’s Connection to Europe”, linking local communities with EU themes across culture, education, environment and migration, with an Estonia partnership visit planned for Oct 6-7. Travel & Access Tech: Aer Lingus is expanding free Starlink Wi‑Fi across its transatlantic fleet, while UK border rules are tightening for foreign travellers. Outdoor Travel Deal: Choice Hotels has agreed to buy Harvest Hosts, boosting options for RV-style stays across the outdoor travel market.

Active Travel Funding: The National Transport Authority has opened applications for its first-ever Active Travel Community Fund, with €1.5m available to back walking and cycling projects across Ireland, with a six-week window starting today. Weather Disruption: Strong winds and heavy rain left about 18,000 homes and businesses without power, with further showers and thunderstorms expected in parts of Munster. Road Safety Training: Gardaí are working with Devon and Cornwall Police to train pursuit-driving instructors, aiming to have instructors ready by year-end after recent motorway incidents. Tourism & Travel Tech: Aer Lingus is rolling out free Starlink Wi‑Fi across its transatlantic fleet, and Interrail has launched a flash sale with up to 50% off rail passes across 33 countries. Local Tourism Spotlight: A Mayo councillor has criticised neglect at Aasleagh Falls, calling for urgent upkeep and better support from Fáilte Ireland and the council. Heritage & Travel Ideas: Proposals urge Donegal County Council to better promote Wolfe Tone links to boost tourism through shared history. Crime Appeal: Gardaí issued a fresh appeal for information on the 36th anniversary of bookmaker Dessie Fox’s murder in Kildare.