TORONTO — There’s a lot of buzz about sports tourism these days – and that has Ireland very much on-trend.
On a cold January day in Toronto, Tourism Ireland showcased its warm hospitality and plentiful sports tourism product, as well as the upcoming 2027 Ryder Cup, at an industry and media luncheon.
Special guests included Ireland’s Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, and Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, John Concannon.
The event celebrated the upcoming 2027 Ryder Cup set to take place at Adare Manor in County Limerick. The much-anticipated event will mark the centenary of the tournament.
Returning to Ireland for the first time since 2006, when Team Europe delivered a dominant performance at The K Club, the milestone event reinforces Ireland’s reputation as a world-class golf destination for Canadian visitors, says Tourism Ireland.
Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim, Northern Ireland
The Minister emphasized the importance of sports tourism to Ireland as preparations continue for the highly anticipated biennial event in 2027. He highlighted the picturesque village of Adare, famed for its charming, thatched cottages and vibrant local culture, together with Adare Manor’s championship Tom Fazio-designed golf course.
The Irish delegation was joined by MP James Maloney, a proud Canadian with Irish roots. In 2021, Maloney played a key role in formally recognizing the significant contributions of the Irish community to Canada’s society, culture, and infrastructure. In March 2021, the House of Commons unanimously passed a motion designating March as Irish Heritage Month, acknowledging the nearly 4.5 million Canadians who claim Irish ancestry and highlighting the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations.
“Ireland’s reputation as a premier destination for championship golf events is well established, and with over a third of the world’s natural links courses and renowned Irish hospitality, the island offers an unrivalled experience for visitors both on and off the course,” said Sandra Moffatt, Tourism Ireland’s Country Director for Canada.
She added: “Golf travellers rarely travel for sport alone; they extend their stays, explore regions, and invest in premium experiences, making Ireland an ideal destination for travel trade looking to deliver high-value, immersive itineraries that resonate well beyond the fairway.”
Ireland is recognized as one of the world’s premier golf destinations, having been named International Golf Destination of the Year multiple times by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
The island is home to an much-respected and extremely popular collection of world-class courses, many open year-round, and welcomes more than 240,000 golfers annually from around the globe.
Iconic venues such as Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim, host of the 153rd Open Championship in 2025, Royal County Down Golf Club in County Down, and Old Head Golf Links in County Cork sit alongside outstanding modern additions, including St Patrick’s Links at Rosapenna Golf Resort in County Donegal and Curracloe Links, set to open in 2027.
Moffatt notes that Tourism Ireland offers a full range of information and resources for travel advisors and industry partners looking to book Irish golf experiences for their clients. Click here for more details.
LEAD IMAGE CAPTION: Bob Weeks, Golf Talk Canada; Claire Fitzgibbon, Consul General of Ireland; Ian Duffy, Royal Irish Tours; Ron Judge, Golf Away Tours; Chris Tabbitt, Travel Impresarios; Sandra Moffatt, Tourism Ireland; MP James Maloney; Minister Patrick O’Donovan; Adam Scully, Golf Talk Canada; Conor Duffy, Royal Irish Tours; Ambassador John Concannon; Brett Walker, Collette Vacations; Brian Kendall, Canadian Golf Traveller; Lauren Lamonday, Tourism Ireland
