Visiting Ireland, the land of the ancestors, is a lifelong dream for millions of people across the world. It’s not just the beauty of the country that appeals or the friendliness of the people…it’s that sense of ancestry, of finding your roots in a country that was home to your family for thousands of years.
During the current coronavirus outbreak, of course, it’s just not possible to travel…but that doesn’t mean we have to stop dreaming…or preparing.
Now Tourism Ireland is encouraging potential visitors to keep on dreaming, even if the dreams have to be put on hold for a while.
To help keep us going during the current restrictions they’ve created a video showcasing our unspoilt landscape and reminding prospective visitors around the world that, while we may not be able to travel right now, people can still dream of future holidays and adventures on the island of Ireland. It’s being promoted on social media under the apt hashtag, #DreamNowTravelLater.
The short film features a specially written poem, titled “I will return”, and reminds viewers that “the wandering lanes, and rugged cliffs, her fields laced with streams, will still be there after I awake, but for now they’re in my dreams”.
The poem also reminds us that “we’ve weathered bigger storms than this”. Well, that’s definitely true given Ireland’s troubled history.
Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Our online film ‘I will return’ allows us to keep the beauty of the island of Ireland to the fore. While we may not be able to travel just now, this film will inspire people for their future visit – reminding viewers that the island of Ireland will be waiting to ‘fill their hearts’ with its beauty and warmth and until then, they can dream of future adventures.”
The film is being promoted through Tourism Ireland’s social platforms and includes highlights a variety of landscapes – from the hills of the west to the manicured gardens of our grand estates, including the magnificent Powerscourt in Co Wicklow. Other locations featured include the 5,000-year-old Hill of Tara, the monastic site of Glendalough and beautiful Kylemore Abbey.
In 2019, Ireland welcomed almost 11.2 million overseas visitors delivering revenue of almost €5.8 billion. The 2020 figures will inevitably be way down on that but it’s hoped the tourism industry will be able to bounce back stronger than ever next year.
Watch the video here.
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