About Us

Into Kildare is a not-for-profit membership association, supported by Kildare County Council and is the voice of tourism representing the interests of the industry at national and international level.

Tourism is an important contributor to job creation and makes a positive impact to the economic and social wellbeing of the County. Into Kildare contributes to and influences the long-term strategic development of County Kildare and engages with stakeholders in order to drive tourism growth.

As the official tourist board, Into Kildare has a remit to

“build an exciting, sustainable tourism industry in County Kildare where stakeholders work together to design and deliver quality experiences for domestic and international visitors, create jobs, boost local economies and protect the natural environment.”

The Strategic Plan for Tourism in Kildare 2022-2027, was launched by Minister Catherine Martin TD on 17 November 2021. The strategy seeks to maximise the tourism potential of County Kildare to achieve the vision by building on strengths and opportunities using a framework guided by six goals and six strategic priorities.

Vision for Kildare Tourism
“Kildare, a rural escape close to the city, is recognised worldwide for exceptional thoroughbred experiences, a place to engage with rich culture, picturesque landscapes, and a warm welcome. A sustainable ethos based around low impact regenerative tourism is at the heart of what we do. Our county is a place apart, with a blend of fascinating history and modern vibrancy; a place to reconnect and indulge with friends and family; where reviving and recharging is a racing certainty.”

Framework for Kildare Tourism
There are six strategic priorities with clear objectives for Kildare tourism to enable compelling and high-quality visitor experiences, with an increasingly resilient, competitive and innovate industry that provides local economic benefit to the communities of Kildare. One that is based on principles of sustainable and regenerative tourism, leaving places better than they were before.

1. Demonstrate leadership and collaboration. Together the tourism stakeholders in Kildare will work collaboratively with a common vision, striving for a united and competitive destination, with a stronger and more effective governance model, and appropriate resourcing.
2. Enable industry resilience. The Kildare tourism industry will become increasingly resilient through digitisation support to support a smart tourism approach, support for a low carbon transition, enabling of networking opportunities and by targeted capacity building.
3. Creating captivating experiences. Innovative world class visitor experiences will be created that provide an immersive, compelling reason to visit Kildare and motivate more overnight stays with an emphasis on regenerative tourism.
4. Reinforce destination connectivity and accessibility. A reimagining of the way in which visitors can access County kildare will focus on new transport links, signage, universal design, and a wider range of visitor accommodation.
5. Build visitor awareness. Key market segments among domestic and international visitor will be targeted to raise awareness of Kildare as a rural escape with exceptional experiences through a range of digital and print media, events, packaged offers and itineraries.
6. Measure strategy impact. A smart destination approach will drive collation and analysis of a range of tourism data to inform decision-making and to benefit Kildare communities.

Chairperson

David Mongey (Mongey Communications)

Directors

Brian Fallon, Hon Treasurer (Fallon’s of Kilcullen)
Brian Flanagan, Ass Hon Treasurer (Silken Thomas)
Marian Higgins (Kildare County Council)
Anne O’Keeffe, Hon Secretary
Paula O’Brien (Kildare County Council)
Cllr. Suzanne Doyle (Kildare County Council)
Michael Davern (Hotelier)
Kevin Kenny (Shackleton Museum)
Evan Arkwright (Curragh Racecourse)
Ted Robinson (Barberstown Castle)