Name: Brendan Griffin
Title: Minister of State for Tourism & Sport
Company, city: Government of Ireland Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport; Dublin, Ireland
Recent project: Tourism Ireland recently launched a new brand advertising campaign, “Fill Your Heart with Ireland,” aimed at inspiring Americans to add Ireland to their travel plans.
First job: At 15 I worked as a porter during the summer at a five-star hotel in Killarney.
Little-known fact about you: I write fiction. I have self-published two children’s books and am planning a novel for adults.
Your Business
What innovations or initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next few years? Our focus is to encourage visits outside the peak season and to showcase all corners of the island. That means promoting a wider range of experiences — rural and urban, cultural and active — and finding smart ways to appeal to different kinds of travelers so tourism is more evenly spread through the year.
Best career advice you’ve received: Work hard and make yourself available — that combination creates opportunities and, ultimately, luck.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Don’t give up. I lost my first election; the important thing was to get back up, learn from it and keep going.
Brendan Griffin as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: A short family holiday in West Cork stands out. It’s only a two-mile drive from home but feels like a true escape — relaxing and a great chance to unplug. Another memorable trip was to Inishbofin Island off Galway, where my wife encouraged me to take up writing again.
One travel tip you cannot live without: Pack light. When I worked as a porter I often saw people arrive with three suitcases for a week-long trip — it’s unnecessary and can make travel harder.
About Ireland
What do you think draws visitors to Ireland now?
In 2018 more than 2 million North Americans visited Ireland, a 14 percent increase on the previous year. Visitors come for our scenic landscapes, the warmth of the people, the vibrant culture and the deep historic and literary heritage. Those elements combine to create an experience that many describe as both beautiful and welcoming.
Tell our readers about visiting movie and television filming locations in Ireland.
Ireland’s film and television locations are a major draw. Sites like Skellig Michael, known to many as the place where Luke Skywalker sought solitude, and the dramatic locations around the Giant’s Causeway used in Game of Thrones, offer unforgettable settings. Filmmaking has long been part of our story — my own family has connections to film crews and location work — and visitors enjoy exploring the landscapes that appear on screen.
What does Ireland offer luxury travelers?
Ireland provides a wide selection of luxury hotels and world-class attractions. Properties such as Ashford Castle and Adare Manor are internationally recognized. For golfers, Ireland boasts a significant share of the world’s links courses and temperate conditions that allow play through much of the year. Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush, for example, hosts major events like The Open, underscoring the quality of our courses.
What would you say to people considering Ireland for a vacation?
There has never been a better time to visit. With direct flights from many gateways, access is easier than ever. Visitors today seek authentic and unique experiences, and Ireland has something to offer every kind of traveler — from dramatic coastlines and historic sites to lively towns and intimate, off-the-beaten-path discoveries.