US Travel Writers at Ashford Castle

Over 60 top US travel writers and editors are visiting Ireland for the Travel Classics International writers’ conference, which is taking place over four days at Ashford Castle.

Tourism Ireland, as the Grand Sponsor of the event, hosted a welcome dinner in the George V Dining Room in association with Brendan Vacations and Ashford Castle. The keynote speaker was Jesse Ashlock, the Deputy Global Editorial Director and US Editor of Condé Nast Traveler.

The Travel Classics International writers’ conference brings together celebrated editors from a wide range of high-profile publications, including titles like Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure and AFAR magazines, which collectively reach hundreds of thousands of readers across North America, as well as globally.

Freelance American travel writers will have the opportunity to meet with assigning editors from the leading travel, food and lifestyle publications in the US. The travel writers and editors will also have the chance to meet with a number of Irish tourism industry leaders, as well as to take part in various pre and post familiarisation visits.

Siobhan McManamy, Interim Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: 

“We are delighted that the Travel Classics International writers’ conference has returned to Ireland this year and really pleased to be the Grand Sponsor of this important event. With some of the most influential and prominent American travel and lifestyle editors and writers in attendance, it will bring huge exposure about what Ireland has to offer American holidaymakers, through the media in this important tourism market. It is a fantastic opportunity to show these travel writers and editors at first-hand what makes Ireland such a unique destination.”

Paul Kelly, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland, said: “This year’s Travel Classics Conference marks the seventh time this event has been hosted in Ireland, and Fáilte Ireland is very proud to help organise with our colleagues in Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.”

The Travel Classics International writers’ conference has taken place here previously – at the Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny (2017), Ballymaloe House in Co Cork (2013), Conrad Dublin (2011), Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast (2009), the g Hotel in Galway (2007) and the Park Hotel Kenmare (2005).