Latest news with #IndependentLeitrim
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Asia over Leitrim? Report shows Irish travellers opt for abroad over certain counties
The new research comes on the heels of Airbnb's announcement of the Rural Tourism Fund, committing €100,000 in grants to support innovative tourism projects in the rural communities of Ireland where local families and businesses rely heavily on tourism. The study revealed that while 74% of Irish people holiday abroad at least once a year, half (48%) say they want to travel more on home soil with the beauty of the Irish scenery being their main inspiration. Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook However, Airbnb have revealed new data which shows that a quarter of the Irish population have explored Asia, but 82% have never visited Leitrim and 76% have never visited Westmeath. Three in four Irish holidaymakers go abroad at least once a year, and over a third (39%) have crossed the Atlantic to North America, however, fewer of us have been to Sligo (37%), Tipperary (37%) and Meath (36%). Additionally, 81% of Irish people who have been as far as Africa have never set foot in Monaghan. Despite almost half (48%) of people in Ireland saying they want to see more of their own country, only one in three actually take regular holidays in the form of staycations. Ahead of summer 2025, Airbnb has launched the Rural Tourism Fund to give a vital injection to rural areas across Ireland that rely on the benefits of tourism to support local families, businesses and culture. The vacation rental company says it is committing €100,000 in grants to preserve and enhance innovative tourism projects across the country. According to Airbnb, 71% of bookings in Ireland are made in predominantly rural areas and the majority of listings are outside of Dublin which the company says shows they are already playing a pivotal role in bringing visitors to the heart of the Irish countryside. Furthermore, Airbnb have said that through the Rural Tourism Fund, grants ranging from €1,000 to €10,000 will be available to local organisations and community groups to help bring their local projects to life and boost rural tourism - from launching or expanding a local festival, to upgrading community facilities. ADVERTISEMENT Despite the frequency of international travel for a large portion of the Irish population, many Irish counties are still getting recognition as ideal rural escapes with 60% of people in Ireland saying they would recommend a domestic holiday with the country's stunning scenery cited as one of many reasons to stay close to home. Locals love sampling food, mingling with the community and attending festivals and when it comes to rural escapes, Donegal, Kerry and Wicklow were revealed as the top choices for those seeking a holiday at home. Derek Nolan, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Airbnb, said: 'We're fortunate to have some of the world's most stunning places right here in Ireland, and it's exciting to see nearly half of Irish people eager to explore more of our own country. "Airbnb plays a key role in spreading tourism across Ireland, and the Rural Tourism Fund will boost and preserve the best of rural Ireland, allowing more people to experience our culture and beauty while benefiting local communities economically.' Host Shelagh Nangle in County Westmeath said: 'It's brilliant that there's a growing desire for Irish people to explore more on our own shores. I've welcomed guests from America and all over Europe that are eager to experience the scenery and lively festivals local to us, and I would love to see more Irish families coming to embrace the beautiful countryside in their own backyard. "With Airbnb boosting local tourism offerings through the new Rural Tourism Fund, I hope surrounding communities will be able to share even more in the benefits of welcoming visitors from Ireland and beyond.' The Rural Tourism Fund is designed to help local organisations and communities bring their ideas to life. If you have a project that promotes or supports rural tourism in your community, you can apply by 11.59pm on June 16, 2025.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Leitrim Priest in Rome describes sense of ‘mixed emotions' following ‘bittersweet' death of Pope Francis
Father Gerry Comiskey, who a priest in the Diocese of Kilmore and a native of County Leitrim, has been in Rome since January on a study programme at the Pontifical North American College. Fr Comiskey participated in the Easter ceremonies at St Peter's Basilica over the weekend and was in the city when the news emerged that Pope Francis had passed away. Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook The death of Pope Francis was announced on Easter Monday morning and The pontiff's funeral will take place at the Vatican on Saturday morning. The Vatican said he died following a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure at 7.35am on Monday. Fr Comiskey is staying in Rome until Tuesday and will attend the Pope Lying in State on Thursday and Friday, while he will also attend the funeral on Saturday. The Pope will lie in state inside the church until his burial at St Mary Major in Rome, also on Saturday. Speaking of Pope Francis' last appearance on Sunday, Fr Comiskey said there was great excitement but also a sense of sympathy as he appeared to be in a frail state. 'He did attend Easter Sunday Mass – the most important day in the Church's calendar and there was a crowd of around 35,000-40,000 people in St Peter's Square. 'There was great jubilation when he appeared, the moment he spoke the few words, we all recognised that his voice was very weak and he himself was frail. 'There was actually sympathy for the man. 'I think there is a profound message for us – he was there for the great Alleluia– he wanted to hear the resurrection becoming proclaimed again for one last time. 'Then quietly God called him to the Father's house on Monday morning. 'I think that is profound and mysterious. It teaches us a lesson. The Pope wanted us to believe more definitely in Jesus Christ. He wanted us to be enthusiastic and committed. 'His passing on Easter Monday is just a mystery that we should ponder,' said Fr Comiskey. Fr Comiskey said due to the Pope's ill health, there is mixed emotions in Rome following his passing. 'I think there is very mixed emotions. 'There is great sadness because he was a much loved Pope and much loved Holy Father. But, there is a quiet acceptance that death had to come to him at some stage. 'The Catholic Church is like a great big family and when there is a death in the family, there is of course great sadness but if a grandparent or great grandparent is very elderly or feeble, finding it hard to breath, there is certain relief that their sufferings are over and in the case of the Pope that he does not have to suffer anymore. 'It is bittersweet. 'It is the most beautiful season – these 50 days of Easter. 'At home in the Northwest of Ireland, my ancestors loved to hear of someone dying in the days of Easter Week - they felt that paradise was surely a place of welcomes,' said Fr Comiskey. Fr Comiskey met Pope Francis in 2017 and seen him earlier this year when he first arrived in Rome. Fr Comiskey said the Pope was known for his humble and kind nature, which he displayed right until the end of his life. Reflecting on Holy Thursday, Fr Comiskey said, 'On Holy Thursday, there was 1,800 priests concelebrating the Chrism Mass and we quietly were hoping that the Pope would come and see us that day, but instead he went to the prison to visit the prisoners and that was an amazing gesture for an old sick man. 'It really was the measure of the man,' said Fr Comiskey. Fr Comiskey has heard many stories of Pope Francis and said he was 'a wonderful example of humility.' 'Even when he came into St Peter's Square, he came in on a small car, he never wanted to be driven in a Merc. 'One day during my studies here, I went to visit a Contemplative Order of Nuns – an enclosed order – there is 27 of them in the community. 'They told us that the Pope had visited them three times – once he came announced, but the other two times he came back unannounced. 'His secretary and himself just arrived and said we have come to pray, say Mass and to have a meal with you. 'He did not stand on ceremony or sending messengers out saying prepare the way, he would just drop in like any parish priest,' said Fr Comiskey.
