The annual conference of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) will take place this year on October 1st 2025 in the 5 star Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny in Ireland’s Ancient East.

The flagship tourism conference of the year has the theme “Resilience in an uncertain world” and will look at how tourism can prosper in these challenging times. The conference will once again be moderated by award-winning broadcaster Dearbhail McDonald and speakers include Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD, tech entrepreneur Mark Little, Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh, Fáilte Ireland Chair Ruth Andrews, AIB CEO Colin Hunt, former Ambassador to the US Dan Mulhall, economist Jim Power and ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh with more speakers to be added.

Early bird tickets are €190 + Vat and can be bought here.

Terms & conditions apply

CONFERENCE AGENDA*

10:00
Welcome by MC Dearbhail McDonald

Award-winning broadcaster Dearbhail McDonald welcomes delegates and outlines the exciting agenda ahead.

10:05
Opening video: “State of the Nation – how is Irish tourism faring in these uncertain times”

10:10
Opening address by ITIC Chair Niall MacCarthy

Niall MacCarthy, MD of Cork Airport and Chair of ITIC, outlines how Irish tourism can be responsibly ambitious as he outlines industry opportunities and challenges.

10:15
Fireside chat with Minister for Tourism Peter Burke TD

A week before Budget 2026, Minister Burke discusses his tourism policies and priorities.

10:45
Mark Little – “Media, Technology and Democracy”

Renowned tech entrepreneur and former broadcaster Mark Little discusses a volatile geopolitical landscape.

11:25
Video: “Growth opportunity – Ireland’s Ancient East”

11:30
Coffee break

12:00
Fireside chat with AIB CEO and Ibec President Colin Hunt

Dearbhail in discussion with AIB’s CEO about the Irish economy, challenges for business sector and finances for SMEs.

12:45
ITIC Deputy Chair Anne O’Donoghue unveils the ‘Special Recognition Award’ winner for an Irish tourism hero.

13:00
Lunch

14:00
Industry Leaders Panel

Alice Mansergh (Tourism Ireland), Ruth Andrews (Fáilte Ireland) and Catherine Flanagan (AVEA) discuss Irish tourism’s outlook.

14.50
Keynote speaker to be announced.

15:25
Panel discussion: Can tourism prosper in uncertain times?

Jim Power (economist), Dan Mulhall (former Ambassador), plus additional panelists to be announced, in conversation.

15:55
Wrap up chat with ITIC CEO Eoghan O’Mara Walsh

Dearbhail concludes the conference with a discussion with ITIC’s CEO.

16:00
Conference ends with networking wine reception until 17:00.

*Subject to change

SPEAKERS

Dearbhail McDonald

Moderator

Niall MacCarthy

ITIC Chairperson

Peter Burke TD

Tourism Minister

Mark Little

Journalist and Entrepreneur

Alice Mansergh

CEO, Tourism Ireland

Ruth Andrews

Chairperson, Fáilte Ireland

Catherine Flanagan

CEO, AVEA

Colin Hunt

CEO, AIB

Jim Power

Economist

Dan Mulhall

Former Ambassador

Anne O’Donoghue

Irish Heritage Trust

Eoghan O’Mara Walsh

CEO, ITIC

VENUE

Lyrath Estate Convention Centre

Set in the heart of Kilkenny, just one hour and thirty minutes from Dublin International Airport, Lyrath Estate Convention Centre is home to a stunning ballroom and boardrooms. The Convention Centre has its own private entrance with 420 complimentary car parking spaces.

Lyrath Estate Convention Centre offers a unique and luxurious destination for conferences, meetings, and events of all kinds. This magnificent venue seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary elegance, making it an exceptional choice for both corporate gatherings and social occasions.

Lyrath Estate can accommodate up to 1,500 delegates theatre style and up to 850 guests for gala dinners. Choose from one of our twelve flexible meeting suites, to provide the appropriate setting for your meetings and social events.

At Lyrath Estate, you’ll find not only outstanding facilities but also a dedicated events team committed to delivering seamless service and exceptional experiences.

ACCOMMODATION

Lyrath Estate Hotel

You can reserve accommodation at the conference hotel, Lyrath Estate Hotel, at preferential rates by calling +353 (0) 56776 0088 and quoting ‘ITIC25‘.

This special rate of €210.00 includes breakfast and Wi-Fi and are available for the nights of Tuesday 30th September and Wednesday 1st October 2025.

Delegates can also avail of this special rate by booking online directly with the hotel on their official website https://www.lyrath.com/ . There is a discount code box available at the end of the booking process to insert the code ITIC25 to avail of the conference discount.

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