Meitheal is the biggest tourism trade event in Ireland and Meet the Buyer is Northern Ireland’s flagship event. Two of our team were delighted to be among the buyers attending from all over the world. 

Our Managing Director Janet Redler and Director of Operations Neil Redler took part in the three-day Meitheal, which was held this year in the Gleneagle INEC Arena in Killarney, before heading up to ICC Belfast in Northern Ireland for the one-day Meet the Buyer event.

Hosting over 200 buyers from 17 countries, the global Meitheal travel trade fair took place from 20 to 22 March. Organised by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Tourism Ireland, Meitheal provides Irish tourism business with a platform to sell to international buyers and tour operators. Over 10,000 appointments are conducted during the event, with many new and important contracts signed. 

The Meitheal experience kicked off with a pre-conference visit to Muckross Traditional Farms. There are three separate working farms at Muckross House and Gardens in Killarney National Park, showcasing traditional farming techniques and livelihoods from the time when the horse reigned supreme.

Just some of the farm animals at Muckross Traditional Farms

After Meitheal, Janet and Neil set off to Belfast for the Meet the Buyer event on 23 March. Delivered by Tourism Northern Ireland in partnership with Tourism Ireland, Meet the Buyer offered an intensive and rewarding day of one-to-one meetings, giving Janet Redler Travel an excellent opportunity to meet Northern Irish tourism and hospitality businesses.

Meet the Buyer hosted more than 150 international tour operators, bringing them together with over 160 Northern Ireland businesses and facilitating over 3,000 meetings.

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “Meitheal and Meet the Buyer are incomparable trade events as they offer us such a good opportunity to meet so many Irish tourism businesses. Both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are very popular with our international clients and we are running more and more tours there, so we’re always looking for new attractions for clients to enjoy, as well as the best hotels and accommodation.”

In the week before Meitheal, international buyers were taken on several fact-finding tours designed to give them a first-hand experience of what travellers can expect to see and do in Ireland.

Janet taking part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Sligo

Janet enjoyed a four-day tour which included the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade in Sligo, in Northwest Ireland, as well as the International Band Parade Championship in Limerick (read Jan’s blog here), while Neil headed to Cork, taking in the magnificent Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle with its famous Blarney Stone, and a food tour of Kinsale.

After Meet the Buyer, Neil joined an ‘Iconic Northern Ireland’ tour, visiting many of the most famous landmarks including the Giant’s Causeway, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour and Belfast’s world-famous Titanic Quarter.

Neil and tour group at the Rock of Cashel

All in all, Janet and Neil had a very busy ten days, but they both said it was a very productive trip for them, meeting many Irish tourism and hospitality businesses, and visiting top hotels, restaurants and attractions – adding to our team's expertise and helping us to create even more extra-special luxury and tailor-made tours.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Ireland or Northern Ireland, please do contact our friendly team today.