Length of program: 5 nights Attendees: Five, including four incentive travel planners Goal: Hosted by Meet in Ireland, the FAM trip was designed to highlight the destination’s easy access from Canada, curated experiences and hidden gems along the way. “Northern Ireland often flies under the radar. We are confident that it stands up against any top destination for international meetings and events,” says Sandra Moffatt, country manager, Canada, Tourism Ireland. Vibe of program: The FAM trip offered a well-balanced blend of urban and rural experiences. Maeve O’Connor, director of sales, North America, Horizons by Tour Partner Group, shared her extensive knowledge of the destination. “As planners know, the devil is often in the details and our DMC partners at Horizons take care of that. We wanted to create an atmosphere full of warm welcomes, vibrant hos- pitality and surprises!” says Moffatt. Northern Ireland Newry to Belfast to Giant’s Causeway CASE STUDY: The Gems of Northern Ireland BY ANGELA KRYHUL Accommodations: The group spent their first two nights at the Grand Central Hotel Belfast, a 300-room property near down- town venues, restaurants and attractions. Next, two nights at Galgorm Resort, a stunning property 30 minutes from Belfast set on 450 acres along the River Maine, featuring a Thermal Spa. Their final night was at the 125-year-old Slieve Donard Resort in Newcastle, where they enjoyed a hot stones massage, a tasting dinner of local ingredients and stories from champion storyteller Sinead McAleavey. Logistical challenges and solutions: While FAM attendees flew from Toronto to Ireland aboard Aer Lingus without any issues, the return flight was threatened by work-to-rule action by the Aer Lingus' pilots union. FAM organizers quickly found seats for the flight back home aboard Air Canada. Planning Takeaways: FAM guests experienced authentic Irish hospitality in the homes of Jilly Dougan, owner of Jilly Dougan Edible Gardens, sheep farmer Jamese McCloy of Glenshane Country Farm, and Tracey Jeffery of Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, who taught traditional Irish breadmaking. Each host personalized the experience by preparing a meal and sharing their entrepreneurial journeys. In Belfast, Chef Niall McKenna, a culinary ambassador and owner of Waterman House Restau- rant, created a delicious lunch of fresh monkfish. Ideas planners can steal: At the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, planners can host events on the authentic sets from the hit TV series, including the iconic Throne Room. Guests can learn to pull a perfect pint of Guinness at The Dark Horse in Belfast. Embark on a guided hike to the renowned Giant’s Causeway, culminating in a unique Whiskey on the Rocks tasting experi- ence featuring Bushmills 12-Year-Old Distillery Reserve. Change the dynamic by introducing new perspectives: Northern Ireland isn’t shy about discussing its turbulent past. During a tour of Belfast, Mark Rodgers of Dalriada Kingdom Tours explained the city’s evolution since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement ended 30 years of conflict, known as the Troubles. The tour included a stop at the peace walls, first erected in 1969. In the picturesque village of Swatragh, Friels Bar & Restau- rant, a 5th-generation family-run pub, educates visitors about the 1840s Great Famine. Once used as a soup kitchen, Friels displays the original famine pot used to share soup with the community. INCENTIVE TRAVEL REPORT Galgorm Resort Slieve Donard Resort Glenshane Country Farm Giant's Causeway Whiskey on the Rocks experience Watch a video of the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Scan the QR code or visit ignitemag.ca 54 | Ignitemag.ca | Winter 2024
