Newlyweds’ trip ‘to boost visitors from UK’ – despite Brexit effect

TODAY’S royal visit will help boost the number of UK visitors to Irish shores, according to Fáilte Ireland.

Enticing British tourists to holiday in Ireland has become an increasing challenge in light of Brexit, Fáilte Ireland chief executive Paul Kelly said.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are extremely popular, with 18 million people tuning in to watch the royal nuptials at Windsor Castle in May.

As a result, Mr Kelly believes the “coverage from this royal visit will provide a boost to the UK market”.

The newlyweds will meet Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today before attending a summer garden party at the British ambassador’s residence, where Prince Harry will deliver a speech.

Tomorrow, they are scheduled to visit Croke Park, Trinity College, The Famine Memorial and the Irish Emigration Museum.

The couple visited Belfast earlier this year, but this will be their first trip abroad as a married couple.

“We are delighted that Meghan and Harry have chosen Ireland for their first trip abroad as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and that they are visiting some of Dublin’s brilliant visitor attractions,” said Mr Kelly.

“With so much media attention on the trip, all eyes will be on Ireland this week, giving us amazing exposure abroad and highlighting our rich and diverse tourism industry and excellent visitor experiences to an international audience.”