Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance launched to jointly promote the best golfing in Ireland’s Dublin East Coast Region
Press Release - Monday 25th July

Five of Ireland’s leading Golf Clubs and Resorts have joined forces to form The Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance, established to promote Ireland’s East Coast region as a destination of choice for the discerning golf traveller. The founding members Carton House, Druids Glen, Powerscourt Golf Club, The Island Golf Club and The K Club are launching this alliance as a platform that jointly promotes some of the finest links and parkland courses in the World. The courses have hosted the esteemed Irish and European Opens, The Seve Trophy as well as the Ryder Cup in 2006.

World leading golfer and Irish Golf Ambassador Padraig Harrington was on hand in Carton House at the launch of The Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance. Coming off the back of 3 Major triumphs for Irish golfing greats, Darren Clarke, Rory McIIrory and Graeme McDowell, Ireland is now considered one of the top golfing destinations in the world with Dublin’s East Coast offering premium courses and a unique experience both on and off the course. It is incredible that so many fantastic courses and another 100 are just a short car journey from each other; golfers will be truly spoilt for choice.

Ireland is considered to be one of the world’s leading golf destinations and The Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance are hoping that by participating in this group it will enable the resorts and clubs to explore international markets, giving a stronger impact internationally. Golfers visiting Ireland want to play more than one course, all courses are located just a stone’s throw away from Dublin City Centre and only 30 minutes’ drive from Dublin International Airport. Emerging markets such as China, India and the Emirates Nations are very interested in our golfing product and with direct flights now with Emirates and Ethiad Airways to Dublin, Dublin’s East Coast region is more accessible than ever before.

DECGA marketing activity will compliment Tourism Ireland’s and Failte Ireland’s promotion of the region and growth strategy for 2011. Tourism Ireland has forecast a growth of up to 4% visitors to Ireland in 2011 generating revenues up to €3.3 billion in 2011, a massive opportunity that the Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance hope to capitalise on.

Participation in the alliance will give member clubs direct representation at the major international golf trade shows and promotions and will prioritise the region for familiarisation trips from international buyers and media.

Aine Mangan, Marketing Representative for DECGA speaking about the launch said, “We are excited to be involved in this alliance and proud to represent such quality clubs. This alliance makes sense when promoting our golf courses, it also gives us an unrivalled opportunity to promote Ireland and the region internationally. Dublin is a main destination hub with an international airport and vibrant city. It is an area that has so much to offer both on and off the course.”

She continued, “We have had a very positive response to the launch and are delighted to work alongside other marketing groups such as North West Links and SWING who represent the South West of Ireland and are looking forward to driving Ireland as the world’s leading golf destination.”

The Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance has been represented at Golf Live, BMW Wentworth, The Open in the UK and next week at The Failte Ireland Irish Open in Killarney. To launch the Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance, a special introductory golf pass for the domestic market has been developed which offers the chance to play all 9 courses for e499 which represents great value for money.

Participating Golf Resorts & Representatives:
Carton House, David Webster, General Manager.
Druids Glen, Richard Collins, Chief Executive Officer.
Powerscourt Golf Club, Bernard Gibbon, General Manager.
The Island Golf Club, Louise McAuley, Secretary Manager.
The K Club, Michael Davern, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager.

Image: Pictured in Carton House at the launch of the Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance (DECGA) were (l-r) Michael Davern CEO and General Manager of The K Club, Bernard Gibbons General Manager of the Powerscourt Golf Club, David Webster General Manager of Carton House, Padraig Harrington, Louise McAuley Secretary Manager of The Island Golf Club, Aine Mangan Marketing Representative for DECGA, and John O’ Sullivan representing Druids Glen.