Rita O'Connor

Tourism Ireland kicks off 2012 with the pull of a new global advertising campaign-'Jump into Ireland’ to promote the country overseas during the next three years.

Tourism organisations from across Ireland took part in a tourism trade mission to China last week with the goal of tapping into the lucrative Asian market.

After school clubs, arts programmes and parent and toddler groups are proving to be critical initiatives in helping to ease pressures on families as the recession deepens.

With only days to go before the voting closes for the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the Cliffs of Moher got the thumbs up from the Republic of Ireland Senior Team Manager.

A group of influential tour operators from the Middle East visited Donegal this week as part of a fact finding mission to Ireland.

The International Puppet Festival will run in Ireland from October 23rd to October 30th. The puppets have grown in sophistication over the years, and some of the shows are directed at adults.

The eleventh World Ghost Convention will be opened at Cork City Gaol by the Lord Mayor of Cork on October 28th. The convention provides an opportunity for people who are fascinated by the supernatural to hear a colourful assortment of ghostly topics explored by speakers from different backgrounds and professions.

The Stop Food Waste Programme launched this week is advising that a little planning goes a long way to making the shopping trip a reduced waste, cost-saving and a more enjoyable experience.

Mr James Madden from Electra Weather, who has predicted another harsh winter for Ireland for 2011, has also predicted unusual wind strengths for this autumn.

The Irish restaurant sector has created new jobs in 2 months since the Joint Labour Committee Regulation Order (JLC/ERO) was abolished on July 7 this year.