Enhancing the visitor experience in the region
Destination Lough Derg Networking Meeting Report
The recently refurbished Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh provided the perfect setting for a vibrant and well-attended Destination Lough Derg Networking Meeting. With strong representation from businesses across the Lough Derg region, the event showcased the growing momentum for regional collaboration and cross-county partnership.
The meeting brought together a dynamic mix of stakeholders—from hospitality providers and outdoor adventure companies to heritage sites and local enterprise offices—united by a shared vision: to enhance the visitor experience, promote sustainable tourism, and drive economic growth for the entire Lough Derg area. The atmosphere was one of connection, collaboration, and commitment to shared success.
Tourism Officer Carmel Ormond opened the event by underlining the transformative power of networking in building a strong, unified tourism offering. She referenced a powerful insight from entrepreneur Denis O’Brien, who credited his early success to the strategic use of his networks. Carmel also highlighted a milestone achievement: in 2024, tourism surpassed agriculture as Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, generating €13.477 billion (Eurostat), compared to €13.357 billion for agri-food (CSO). This, she emphasized, is a pivotal moment for Lough Derg, presenting a prime opportunity to capture a larger share of national tourism revenue and create a robust, sustainable business model for the region.
Fáilte Ireland Presentation
Marie Healy of Fáilte Ireland delivered an insightful update on current initiatives, encouraging all businesses to leverage the supports, services, available to business through membership of Fáilte Ireland. Her presentation emphasised the importance of aligning local efforts with national strategies to maximize impact.
A high-energy speed networking session followed, allowing each attendee to present and promote their business in a fast-paced, engaging format. This session sparked meaningful conversations, new partnerships, and greater awareness of what’s on offer throughout the region—laying the groundwork for impactful cross-promotion and deeper inter-business cooperation.
Guest Speaker – Pádraic O Máille (The Smacht Guy)
Renowned speaker and strategist Pádraic Ó Máille delivered an inspirational keynote focused on the power of relationships, collaboration, and clarity of purpose. Drawing on lessons from influential books like Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and Seasons of Life by Jim Rohn, he energized the room with practical tools for growth. When we look at the economic impact of the Wild Atlantic Way could we mirror this type of growth of Lough Derg. What must we do to create compelling propositions to establish a proposition Pádraic facilitated three interactive breakout exercises:
1. Identifying the region’s top tourism assets and offerings.
Pinpointing what’s currently missing.
Developing strategic responses to maximize strengths and opportunities while addressing threats and weaknesses.
These sessions sparked lively discussion, creativity, and a strong sense of shared mission. A final exercise illustrated the value of diverse perspectives and group consensus in creating stronger, more balanced decisions.
Launch of the Discover Lough Derg Website
A major milestone of the event was the official launch of the new Discover Lough Derg website, developed by One Little Studio, a local marketing company. The website boasts over 400 pages of content, offering each business its own dedicated page—a powerful, free marketing tool to increase online visibility. The team emphasized that the internet knows no borders, and this platform has the potential to dramatically expand the reach of businesses in the region. However, they reminded attendees that active participation is essential—each business must submit their own content to take full advantage.
They also introduced a comprehensive events calendar, designed to be a go-to resource for visitors planning their trips. Festival organisers and event planners were encouraged to regularly submit updates to ensure the platform remains vibrant and up to date. The same applies to social media, where Destination Lough Derg will actively promote all received content across its digital channels.
Closing Remarks
The event concluded with a powerful message: collaboration is the cornerstone of growth.
By working together, sharing resources, and thinking strategically, the businesses of Lough Derg are poised to elevate the region into a premier tourism destination.
Attendees wrapped up the day with a delicious lunch, generously provided by the Abbey Court Hotel—offering one last opportunity to connect, collaborate, and continue building momentum for the future.
If you would like further information on the network please contact Carmel Ormond on tel no 087 3819780 or email: carmel.ormond@tipperarycoco.ie.