Tourism Ireland has switched on the green button to lure Aussie tourists back to the Emerald Isle

While other countries are rolling out the red carpet for visitors, Tourism Ireland is rolling out the green carpet in a bid to woo visitors back to the Emerald Isle.

Tourism Ireland recently launched its Green Button campaign in Australia with green being the universal colour of 'Go' and instinctively connected with Ireland.

Tourism Ireland's acting chief executive Siobhan McManamy was in Australia late last month to spearhead the campaign, which offers a range of special deals for visitors.

"Since the spring of 2020, Tourism Ireland has been working hard to keep the lights on for the island of Ireland in Australia and New Zealand, keeping people inspired about future travel and sharing news about the great experiences we have here", she said.

The campaign dials up Ireland's strengths and iconic locations, including the Cliffs of Moher, Titanic Belfast, the Giant's Causeway, the Ha'penny Bridge, Lough Tay and Trinity College.

Ms McManamy told The Senior Australia was a great friend to Ireland and shared a special affinity with the Irish.

In 2019, before COVID-19 hit, more than a quarter of a million Australian and New Zealanders travelled to Ireland, boosting the economy by 245 million Euros.

"The secret is not to rush your visit," she said.

"Just take your time and you will really get under the skin of Ireland. One way is to book a self-catering cottage in a town or village. That way you will really feel part of the community. The chances are high you will make a friend."

Ms McManamy said older Australians particularly loved Ireland's friendly local pubs with their live music, the great golf courses and the beautiful walks, including some along old railway tracks which have been converted into easy walking and cycling trails.

These walking and cycling trails lend themselves to multi-generational holidays, like the one Ms McManamy recently enjoyed with her own large extended family.

And for golfers, the 19th hole is the inevitable end point to a day's golfing in Ireland where golfers pull up a chair at the clubhouse or in a great local pub.

As for getting around, travelling throughout the country by train and bus was a good and easy option for those who prefer not to hire a car.

You will find lots of great holiday offers stemming from the Green Button campaign on Tourism Ireland's website, www.ireland.com