Ireland – Sumita Chakraborty, Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz

I’ve been to Ireland not once, not twice — but thrice! And truth be told, I’ve cherished every single magical minute of it. From the cinematic charm of Belfast, where history whispers through cobbled streets and the Titanic legacy still sails strong, to the soulful warmth of Dublin, where every smile feels like home …and every pub tells a story — I should know, I went on the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl where pints flowed as freely as poetry, and I swear even the walls were quoting Wilde and Yeats!

So naturally, when curating TheGlitz Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Special, I was deeply keen to include the Emerald Isle — a land so full of life, lore, and lush landscapes.

A big thanks to Beautiful Planet’s Beena Menon for making the connection and introducing me to the absolutely delightful Natasha Johnston, Global Partnerships Executive, Tourism Ireland. A gorgeous redhead who instantly puts you at ease, and indeed, Natasha is as warm and affable as the country she so passionately represents.

Here, in an exclusive interview with TheGlitz, Natasha gives us a glimpse into the soulful beauty, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences that make the Emerald Isle one of the most heart-stirring travel destinations in the world.

Over To Natasha Johnston, Global Partnerships Executive, Tourism Ireland

Ireland has long been a popular destination for international tourists. What unique aspects of Irish culture and heritage do you believe most appeal to Indian travelers?

The island of Ireland is renowned for its incredible scenery, and the richness of the writers, musicians and creators, it has inspired. Ireland offers time and space to revel in all things cultural. In Ireland, it feels like our story is woven into every inch of the landscape.

Whether you’re walking along the crumbling stonewalls in a country field, or exploring an ancient castle hidden in the depths of a forest, our sense of heritage and legacy is part of the fabric of life. Indian holidaymakers enjoy experiences that they can’t get anywhere else, and Ireland has these in abundance, offering a heady mix of escape, vibrant cities, adventure, luxury accommodation, and the opportunity to properly recharge.

What trends have you observed in the preferences and behaviors of Indian tourists visiting the Emerald Isle, especially in the past few years?

Indian holidaymakers are staying for longer in Ireland, exploring the entire island, and immersing themselves in its rich culture and heritage. Whilst Ireland’s rugged landscapes, castles and golf are famous and appeal to Indian holidaymakers, many Indian holidaymakers also enjoy cruising, equestrian activities, Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, key tourist attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Titanic Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Moher and exploring the island of Ireland’s deep connection to whiskey distilling and brewing.

How does Tourism Ireland cater specifically to the needs of Indian travellers in terms of experiences, hospitality, and even cuisine?

With over 45,000 Indians, an increase of 296% from 2016, now calling the island of Ireland ‘home’, local cuisine has developed to satisfy the needs of Indian holidaymakers and residents alike. Many Irish chefs have spent time travelling abroad to hone their skills and have brought some of the vibrant flavours of India and the world home to Ireland in a fusion of cultures and tastes.

Many Indians’ follow a vegetarian diet and Ireland’s vegan, and vegetarian options have seen growth in recent years. Experience providers, hotels and attractions across the island are accommodating to Indian holidaymakers, who will leave feeling like they have spent time with family.

*Source: What Indians here think of Ireland: ‘It’s very merit based. If you work hard enough, you will get the job’ – The Irish Times

Ireland has beautiful landscapes and a rich history. What lesser-known destinations in Ireland do you recommend to Indian travelers who might be seeking something off the beaten path?

Despite its size, the island of Ireland is packed with many hidden gems off the beaten path. We recommend exploring each of the regions of Ireland which are broken down into the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Dublin, Belfast and Northern Ireland.

The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal touring route in the world showcasing some of the Irish coastline’s most scenic locations. Stretching 2,500km from the windswept Malin Head in Donegal to the calm beauty of Kinsale in Cork, these unique land and seascapes, criss-crossed with drystone walls and peppered with soaring sea cliffs, deserted beaches and awe-inspiring mountains have for decades inspired poets, painters and playwrights.

Ireland’s Ancient East is a unique tourism region taking in an amazing 5,000 years of history. From passage tombs like Newgrange (which is older than the Egyptian pyramids) to Palladian mansions like Powerscourt and Castletown; from monastic sites to medieval castles and high crosses harking back to Early Christian Ireland, nowhere in Europe offers such a wealth of heritage in such an intimate geographical space.

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands encompasses nine counties that hug the majestic River Shannon and the Beara Breifne Way, stretching from Leitrim to Lough Derg. As a destination, the Heartlands have long been a much-loved secret among many local Irish people, who enjoy the natural beauty and expansive panoramic views of the calm lake waters, inland waterways, rolling hills, vibrant green pastures and vast woodlands.

Dublin, Ireland’s capital, is a city that truly captures your imagination. Cobbled alleys, Viking remains, Georgian squares. Dublin’s history goes back over a thousand years. Step back in this city full of literacy landmarks from the James Joyce Centre to Trinity College, alma mater of many of Ireland’s greatest writers.

Northern Ireland surprises people. It changes them. We’d say that it’s the giant spirit that brings them to life. It awakens their senses, fires their imaginations, stretches their muscles and maybe touches their soul. It’s not just what you do in Northern Ireland, it’s the people you meet and the way in which they make you feel. Its stunning scenery is dotted with stately homes and castles, with waterways and landscapes providing a stunning backdrop for diverse experiences and historical landmarks.

How important is the role of social media and influencers in attracting Indian tourists to Ireland, and how does Tourism Ireland leverage this to engage with potential visitors?

Tourism Ireland recognise the importance of social media and influencers in attracting visitors to Ireland. Social media is at the heart of Tourism Ireland’s strategy for 2025 and through our Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest accounts, we use these channels to inspire potential visitors through breath-taking imagery, itinerary ideas and engaging content.

We take an agile partnerships approach when working with Indian content creators.

For Indian travellers, long-haul flights to Ireland can be quite a journey. How does Tourism Ireland make the trip more appealing or convenient for this market?

There are many one-stop flights from India to Dublin and Belfast with International air carriers including British Airways, Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airlines and Qatar Airways. In advance of taking their trip, Tourism Ireland have lotsof resources, itineraries and even have a community forum where Indian holidaymakers can ask questions to assist with planning their trip, so that when they land on the island of Ireland, everything is seamless.

In Ireland there is a famous proverb; ‘good things come to those who wait’ and Ireland is certainly worth waiting for!

India’s burgeoning middle class and growing interest in international travel are contributing to a rise in outbound tourism. How is Tourism Ireland planning to tap into this growth in the Indian market?

Ireland has a multitude of attractions, experiences and accommodation that appeals to the wants and needs of India’s middle class. To paraphrase the late, great Maya Angelou “People may forget what you said or did, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel”. This is, at essence what a luxury visit to Ireland delivers and more.

After all, a true travel connoisseur knows there’s more to luxury escapes than fluffy pillows and Michelin stars. Beautiful hotels and fine dining can be found anywhere in the world, and Ireland boasts plenty of both, but what sets this invigorating county apart is the depth of authentic and enriching experiences that you simply can’t find anywhere else. Tourism Ireland work closely with our partners in India, Beautiful Planet, to ensure that travel trade are aware of the vast range of luxury experiences and accommodation across the island of Ireland.

With a strong cultural connection between Ireland and India through historical and familial ties, how does Tourism Ireland promote cultural exchange and strengthen these bonds for Indian visitors?

There are many similarities between Ireland and India such as their famous welcomes and strong family focus.‘Céad mile fáilte’ or ‘a hundred thousand welcomes’ goes to the heart of the country’s efforts to bring people into their world. There’s an authenticity to it, it’s pure, subtle, and rare. Tourism Ireland work to promote the culture across the island of Ireland through our campaigns, particularly, ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ promotes the deep authenticity of Irish culture and what fills the hearts of visitors to the island of Ireland.