The Galway International Arts Festival and Galway 2020 were highlighted to leading British cultural and lifestyle journalists in London recently. Tourism Ireland arranged for journalists from media outlets like The Daily Telegraph and The Independent to attend the opening night of Rooms – an interactive stage performance written by Enda Walsh – at the Barbican. After the performance, the journalists had the opportunity to meet playwright Enda Walsh, as well as John Crumlish and Paul Fahy of the Galway International Arts Festival. This is part of Tourism Ireland’s programme of promotions to highlight the island of Ireland to its ‘culturally curious’ audience in Great Britain.

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said: “We were delighted to support the opening night of Rooms in the Barbican. Tourism Ireland’s message for our ‘culturally curious’ audience in Britain is that Ireland is a cultural hub, with world-class events, festivals and talent. The ‘culturally curious’ travellers are typically independent, active sightseers, looking to visit new places and expand their experience by exploring culture, history and landscapes. Our aim is to encourage this important demographic to travel to Galway and Ireland this year.”

PIC SHOWS: Sinéad McPhilips, Galway International Arts Festival; John O’Ceallaigh, The Daily Telegraph; Paul Fahy, Galway International Arts Festival; playwright Enda Walsh; Coman Kenny, Tourism Ireland; Ben Kelly and Lucy McInerney, both The Independent; and John Crumlish, Galway International Arts Festival, after the performance of Rooms at the Barbican in London.