An association of special events organisers tweeted their way around Ireland.

The International Special Events Society UK Chapter (ISES) and Tourism Ireland embarked on a unique familiarisation trip – or TweeTour - around the Emerald Isle.

Three tours took place over consecutive weekends with groups taking in Belfast, Cork and Dublin - and with tweets between delegates and local businesses forming the content as it progressed.

More than 300 tweets were sent to an audience of 9,000, as delegates uncovered various Irish delights including the country’s largest outdoor arts celebration, the Land of Giants, in Belfast and a tour of the city’s new visitor attraction and events venue, the Titanic Belfast.

The tour also took in Cork’s most recognised historical sites, including Cork Gaol, the English Market and Blarney Castle. In Dublin, delegates visited the capital’s purpose-built convention centre, the CCD, as well as the Guinness Storehouse and the new Etihad Skyline Tour in Croke Park Stadium.

Philip Atkins, president of ISES UK Chapter, said: “This was a classic hybrid event, we had hundreds of people following the tour outside of the six people that were on the trip. Everyone got a taste of Ireland’s affinity with the special event sector and were able to dictate content and activity in real time.”

“The TweeTour was a real success, showing what happens when creative people get in touch with a destination that embraces innovation ideas and initiative,” added David Boyce, head of business tourism & events.

Pic: Land of Giants (courtesy Michael Bradley)