For More Information Contact:

Amy Stern

Bender Hammerling Group

(973) 744-0707

Amy.Stern@bhgpr.com

ENTER THE “EXPERIENCE GOOD FOOD IRELAND” CONTEST

FOR A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE A 5-DAY/5-STAR

 CULINARY TOUR OF THE EMERALD ISLE

Contest Deadline December 17th, 2012

New York, NY (December 2012) —Good Food Ireland (www.goodfoodireland.ie), the first-ever, all industry network driving food tourism in Ireland, announces the “Experience Good Food Ireland” contest featuring a chance to win a spectacular trip to the “Emerald Isle.” This fabulous travel opportunity offers the lucky winner and a friend, all-inclusive travel accommodations including roundtrip airfare from New York City to Dublin and a five-day/ four-city tour that includes some of Ireland’s finest hotels, restaurants, cookery schools and markets. Enter now through December 17^th.

Entering is easy! Just visit www.goodfoodireland.ie/competition and answer a simple question.  Closing date for entry for this fantastic trip in association with Tourism Ireland, is Monday, December 17^th and the winner will be chosen based on a random drawing.  Travel must be taken before 30^th April 2013.*

Good Food Ireland seeks to promote innovations in contemporary Irish cuisine and the country’s commitment to sustainable, authentic products. In addition, it aims to educate Americans about the bounty the country has to offer with hopes that more travelers will visit Ireland to engage with its citizens and culture. Good Food Ireland also sets strict criteria for “Approved Provider” status which it bestows on only the “best in class” of Ireland’s food products, hotels, restaurants & cafes, cookery schools and markets. Good Food Ireland also seeks to increase awareness for its hub at www.goodfoodireland.ie. Here consumers can book a food journey via “My Food Trip,” a feature that is supported by a host of information including locations and details about hotels, restaurants, cookery schools, producer experiences, markets and festivals as well as an ongoing calendar of events. In addition, there’s the opportunity to meet the people behind the products. Special offers and recipes are also available as well as the opportunity to purchase products from Good Food Ireland’s online shop which will be launching soon.

“We hope the travel experience offered through the “Experience Good Food Ireland” contest allows people to learn about one of Ireland’s greatest secrets -- its locally produced ingredients, great food and great people,” says Margaret Jeffares, founder and managing director of Good Food Ireland. “It is my mission to grow Ireland as a food tourism destination and to establish the Good Food Ireland brand as the brand of choice for good food lovers everywhere. Good Food Ireland aims to set the standard for quality across a variety of industries – agriculture, food, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality,” she adds.

The spectacular itinerary follows, with ”Approved Providers” noted below:

Day 1 – DUBLIN

• Greeted at Dublin Airport by Good Food Ireland official representative and tour guide
• Delivery to the luxurious 5-star Merrion Hotel – a seasonal Irish breakfast will be served
• Remainder of the day at leisure
• Dinner at the Cellar Restaurant at the Merrion
• Overnight accommodation

Day 2 – WICKLOW

• After breakfast, travel South to Wicklow
• Participate in a private, hands-on bread making class at Ballyknocken House & Cookery School, home of TV chef and food writer, Catherine Fulvio
• Leisure time to stroll the Irish countryside
• A delicious dining experience at A. Caviston’s Seafood Restaurant located in the heart of the seaside town of Greystones
• Overnight stay at Ballyknocken House, a 19^th century Victorian guesthouse

Day 3 – WATERFORD

• After breakfast, drive to the spectacular Cliff House Hotel in the historic fishing village of Ardmore, with panoramic ocean views.
• Dinner in the Michelin star House Restaurant at Cliff House; receive a complimentary Cliff House Cookbook
• Overnight accommodation

Day 4 – CORK

• After breakfast, drive to world-famous Ballymaloe Cookery School. This renowned site is the place where the best of Ireland and international chefs and cooks have trained for years under the expert tutelage of Darina Allen, the Irish cooking legend and great champion of Irish produce.
• Enjoy dinner at Ballymaloe Country House with an overnight stay at the property
• After breakfast, visit the famous English Market and meet local food producers
• Enjoy lunch at the market in Farmgate
• Return to Dublin

Day 5 – DUBLIN

• Overnight stay at the world famous Shelbourne Hotel, a five-star landmark in the heart of Dublin
• Escorted return to Dublin Airport for official farewell and return to New York

About Good Food Ireland:

Good Food Ireland is a grassroots industry network aimed at promoting innovations in Irish food, the country's commitment to sustainable, authentic products across food, hospitality and travel industries - incorporating farmers, chefs, hoteliers and outposts of cultural interest. The organization seeks to promote its authentic products in the U.S. and to inspire Americans to travel to Ireland to experience the contemporary cuisine and engage with its citizens and culture. The cross section of agriculture, food & culinary, production/manufacturing and tourism industries seek to grow and sustain the Irish economy.

*Travel dates will be determined by Good Food Ireland.  Visit www.goodfoodireland.ie/competition for full terms and conditions.