UK Irish centre targets Mayo as holiday destination
By Tom Gillespie
AN Irish centre in the UK that has been spearheading a ‘Home to Mayo’ promotion has been commended by the Minister of State for Small Business and Retail and Circular Economy, Alan Dillon.
Some years ago the Irish Centre in Newcastle-upon-Tyne operated a travel agency for trips back home under the management of Jerry Lynch.
And this year many of the centre’s members have holidayed in the west of Ireland as a result.
One member, Ballynew, Castlebar, native Kevin McAleese explained: “This summer we have been doing a great trade with Mayo - the destination of 2025.
“Recently celebrities including our friend Sam Fender and Lewis Capaldi were seen in the celebrity spot in Tesco in Westport on their way to beautiful Leenane, just over the border in Galway.
“Newcastle centre-back Aoife Mannion’s mother is from Mayo. Centre members Tony Corcoran from Glenisland had a trip to the Wyatt Hotel in Westport, while Vin and Vickie Wynne enjoyed a trip to Claremorris.”
Kevin continued: “I’ll claim the Oasis lads while I’m here - their mother Peggy is from Charlestown and I’m sure she was very proud at Croke Park this summer.
“I’m am just back from our annual trip to Westport Woods Hotel with my wife and kids and grandkids.
“Its a great spot near the Quay with a warm welcome, plentiful food, and if you need a break from grandchild-sitting there is a kids club that runs from dawn 'til dusk - leaving me the opportunity to grapple with a pint in Matt Molloy’s or sit on the beach at Old Head, look out at the sea and reflect. Maybe a place for us to recommend to a certain football agent and anyone else needing to take a moment to see the the wood from the trees.
“We went to Ballinrobe Races too this year, where I failed to make a fortune. I’ll have to go back there or to Galway next year, please God.
“The children tell me that the mentions of Mayo in our Irish Centre newsletter outnumber all the other counties.”
Minister Dillon stated: “I wish to commend the outstanding work of the Irish Centre in Newcastle-upon-Tyne for their passionate and effective promotion of tourism in the west of Ireland, particularly through their ‘Home to Mayo’ initiative.
“The legacy of Jerry Lynch’s travel agency continues to bear fruit, with a growing number of centre members choosing Mayo as their holiday destination.
“This grassroots campaign has not only strengthened the cultural bond between the Irish diaspora and their home county, but has also delivered tangible economic benefits to local businesses and hospitality providers across Castlebar, Westport, Claremorris and beyond.
“I applaud the centre’s dedication and creativity in championing Mayo as the destination of 2025, and I look forward to supporting further efforts that showcase the beauty, hospitality, and heritage of the west of Ireland.”