Flavor of Ireland comes to New York

Fun and spontanaiety was one of the key messages delivered to the US travel trade and Media at Tourism Ireland Flavours event, pictured here are Minister Dara Calleary, Niall Gibbons, CEO Tourism Ireland and Ruth Moran with Tourism Ireland in New York enjoying the Irish Character Molly Malone's performance.

Fiona Walsh, George Heslin and Aine Sheridan of Irish Radio.com

Joe Byrne, Executive Director Tourism Ireland North America with Maire Brennan.

Karen Coyle (center) Director of The Irish Food Board in New York with Colman Andrews, author of "The Country Cooking of Ireland" and Consul General Niall Burgess.

Maire Brennan of Clannad entertains the large gathering at the NYAC.

Michael and Anne Donahue with Sean Fleming and Maura Nolan of Irish Links Golf.

Minister Dara Calleary with Mary Gleeson of Gleeson's Townhouse Restaurant in Roscommon with a sample of their home made brown bread.

Tourism Ireland's Alison Metcalfe with Niall Gibbons, Tourism Ireland's CEO, Minister Dara Calleary, Minister of State at the Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Joe Byrne, Executive Director Tourism Ireland North America.

Clannad’s Maire Brennan wowed the crowd last night at the New York Athletic Club as Tourism Ireland launched it’s ‘Flavor of Ireland’ US tour. Attended by over 200 travel agents and representatives of the New York media, the event was an experiential journey depicting the characters and character of the island of Ireland. The event now moves to Chicago for a repeat performance on Thursday Feb 25 as Tourism Ireland and 20 Irish trade partners attempt to highlight the great value offers that exist in Ireland in 2010. The event was attended by Dara Calleary TD - Minister of State at the Dept of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Niall Gibbons - Tourism Ireland CEO and Joe Byrne - Executive Vice President, Tourism Ireland North America. Also in attendance were reps from Irish Hotels such as Ashford Castle, Adare Manor, Park Ave Hotel Belfast and the Park Hotel, Kenmare. Further events will take place in Dallas and Atlanta in March and in the Southern States in the Fall.

The ‘Flavor of Ireland’ event also saw the launch of a Tourism Ireland sponsored documentary which is about to debut on US Public Television. “The Music of Ireland – Welcome Home” will be carried nationwide from March, and will bring viewers on a wonderful journey through the history of Irish music. It profiles the many characters and stunning places that bring our great music to life. The show is hosted by Maire Brennan.