A group of international media personnel are visiting Cong and Sligo this week – as both towns were runners-up in the EDEN European gastronomy competition.

The trip has been organised by Failte Ireland in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, and will allow the journalists – including reporters with the National Geographic and magazines based in the Netherlands and Germany – to enjoy a showcase of the selection of seasonal and local produce in Cong and Sligo, to see first-hand why Ireland is becoming increasingly popular as a food destination.

With a combined circulation of 6 million readers, Failte Ireland says it has prepared a bespoke itinerary for the journalists, who visited Ashford Castle in Cong at the weekend.

They’re currently enjoying a few days in Sligo, where they’re meeting with local food producers.