By Business & Finance 
Minister Martin Ring, Sally Anne Clarke, president, Ireland’s Blue Book and Niall Gibbons, CEO, Tourism Ireland
Minister Ring launches Ireland’s Blue Book 2016 edition at a prestigious event in the Merrion Hotel last night.
This year, Ireland’s Blue Book has added some new additions to its 2016 listing of hotels and restaurants. Browns Restaurant in Derry, the Killarney Royal, No.1 Pery Square in Limerick, Viewmount House in Longford and private rentals including Coolmore Manor in Co. Donegal and the Shannon Princess in Westmeath have now joined the illustrious collection.
Minster of State for Tourism and Sport Minister Michael Ring TD, launched the 2016 Edition of Ireland’s Blue Book at The Merrion Hotel last night, with MC, Marty Whelan entertaining guests throughout the evening.
The celebrations drew a host of well-known names with over 100 guests gathered and those in attendance included, Minister Michael Ring, Senator Catherine Noon, Niall Gibbons, CEO Tourism Ireland, and Sallyanne Clarke the new president of Ireland’s Blue Book.
Speaking at the launch Minister Ring said: ‘I commend Ireland’s Blue Book on this wonderful publication of luxury accommodation and fine-dining establishments across the island of Ireland. A warm welcome and great customer service are an essential part of the Irish tourism industry and the members of the Blue Book exude these qualities. Tourism is a key sector in Ireland’s economic recovery and the Blue Book establishments are playing their part by offering a very appealing and distinctive product that is attractive to overseas and domestic tourists alike. We have made great strides in tourism and I believe that by working together, Government and industry, we have succeeded in restoring Ireland’s reputation as a great place for a holiday.”
Sallyanne Clarke added: “I am thrilled and honoured to take on the role of president of Ireland’s Blue Book. It is such an exciting time, with 2016 being Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink, and with positive tourism initiatives such as Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way our hotels and restaurants are looking forward to a busy year ahead.”
Founded by Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House and 11 other country houses in 1974, Ireland’s Blue Book is a collection of Irish country and manor houses, historic hotels and restaurants located throughout the island of Ireland. There are 49 gorgeous properties in the 2016 collection.
