No one loves a good party better than the Irish. Tourism Ireland had two reasons to celebrate, hosting an evening of music, Irish nibblies and many thirst-quenching delights last week: perfect for getting into the St. Patrick’s Day mood this week.
The country has also just announced that all Covid-19 entry protocols for international visitors have been dropped. Travellers no longer need to have proof of vaccination or recovery nor need to fill out Ireland’s Passenger Locater form prior to departure.
The venue for the celebration was Noonan’s on the Danforth, alit with Irish pubby authenticity and complete with a snug, or separate wee room for a dozen folks to enjoy a dram or two. The folks at Tourism Ireland also recruited musicians and dancers to transport us to Ireland - if only for a couple of hours.
There’s also great news about this summer’s lift to the Emerald Isle: as many as 4 non-stops to DUB from YYZ as well as service from YYC and YHZ (WS) and YUL plus – back this year – YVR (AC).
As the group of media and influencers noshed on oysters and Irish cheese plates, tasted Irish whiskey and gin, and a pint or two of Guinness mysteriously disappeared, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Canada Sandra Moffatt told the group that “It’s never been easier to get to Ireland from Canada.”
She also highlighted the Green Button Festival, virtual events allowing people of any nationality to celebrate Ireland’s traditions and music through performances in stellar venues including Dublin Castle. People can participate in the event, which runs through to St. Patrick’s Day, virtually at www.ireland.com or via QR codes (“scan for music”) on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
No doubt Ireland, especially with the easy access, will again be popular with Canadians, some 4.5 million of whom boast Irish ancestry and who traditionally visit in significant numbers (230,000 annually, pre-pandemic).
And Moffatt told Open Jaw that Canadian visitors are warmly welcomed, especially because we “Get off the beaten path and under the skin of the country. Canadians really get out there and see what other people don’t see!”
