What is The Gathering?

The Gathering 2013
The Gathering Ireland 2013 is a year-long celebration of Ireland, its people and all that is great about its connections, both at home and abroad. The Gathering Ireland invites anyone who has a link to Ireland or who loves the country, to come to Ireland for a series of events throughout 2013.

The overall event will be the biggest tourism initiative ever staged in the country, and as such it was launched by the Irish Government in May 2012 and is supported by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.

Check out the calendar of events on www.TheGatheringIreland.com to see what’s on.

What kinds of events are happening?

There’s lots going on, but there are two main types of events:

1. Gatherings

These are being hosted by the people of Ireland. A gathering can be as little as you inviting back an old school friend to visit Ireland in 2013, or your local GAA club asking Toronto GAA to come over for a match.

2. Festivals and events

Ireland has always been great for festivals, but 2013 is going to be bigger and better. Existing festivals like St Patrick’s Festival will have a few surprising, international twists, plus The Gathering team is also working to create a number of signature themed event programmes – all based around what Ireland is famous for like literature and music.

I don’t live in Ireland, how can I get involved?

Whether visiting Ireland is on your bucket list or you’ve been before and always wanted to return, why not make 2013 your year to visit?

Maybe you have an Irish name or relative? Or you enjoy taking part in an Irish hobby? Maybe you’ve studied or worked in Ireland or maybe you simply love the music or literature? 2013 is the perfect year to come to Ireland and experience the céad míle fáilte (one hundred thousand welcomes) that the Irish are famous for.

Families and clans are meeting all over the country and Ireland’s favourite festivals have developed exciting new programmes to help visitors truly be part of it. If you’re planning an event for 2013, plan on having it in Ireland. With plenty of Gatherings taking place in and around Cork city and county, why not experience a comfortable and affordable stay at the Ashley Hotel at the same time? See you soon!