Tourism industry leaders came together on 1st December for Ring of Cork’s AGM, Annual Tourism Seminar, and Networking event at The Walter Raleigh Hotel in Youghal. The gathering drew more than 40 tourism providers from across East Cork and Cork Harbour.
The event also created a platform for industry to network, aimed at strengthening connections and creating new opportunities between accommodation providers and visitor experiences (including activity providers and visitor attractions) and other tourism & hospitality related businesses in East Cork & Harbour region.
Attendees included representatives from Ballycotton Sea Adventures, Camden Fort Meagher, Carrigaline Court Hotel, Castlemartyr Resort, CastleFarm B&B, Cork Harbour Cruises, Cronins Coaches, Curraheen Park, Fota House Arboretum & Gardens, Fota Wildlife Park, Living Youghal, Mackey’s Coaches, Munster Chauffeurs, Midleton Distillery Experience, Passage West Maritime Museum, Red Store Bar & Restaurant Youghal, Rostellan Farm Aghada, SeaChurch Ballycotton, St. Mary’s Collegiate Church Youghal, Spike Island Tours, Summerfield Lodge B&B, Sunville House B&B Ballycotton, Talbot Hotel Midleton, The Walter Raleigh Hotel, Youghal Clock Gate Tower, along with Cobh Tourism, Youghal Chamber of Commerce, Cork County Council, SECAD Partnership, The Choice Hotel Group and Fáilte Ireland.
From the moment people arrived, there was a strong sense of connection & engagement with productive networking both before and after the seminar. The event also offered a chance for Ring of Cork to highlight the work carried out during the year, celebrating shared achievements and collaboration across the region.
Elga Ryan, Manager of Ring of Cork and SECAD Partnership, delivered an overview of 2025’s business supports, recent tourism collaborations, and new promotional opportunities available to members. Attendees also heard from Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East, and Marie Richardson, Sales & Marketing Director at The Choice Hotel Group. Both speakers shared thoughtful insights on how strategic partnerships, investment and community involvement can drive sustainable tourism and open new economic opportunities for Cork.
Ryan Howard, Chairman of Ring of Cork and SECAD Partnership, closed the seminar by thanking attendees and contributors, noting: “We were delighted to have such excellent speakers and to hear about future investments and exciting plans for Cork. Continued partnership is the key.”
If you would like to find out more about Ring of Cork, please email info@ringofcork.ie
