Visit New Hampshire host Media partners to a special Whiskey Tasting Workshop

The event took place in Teelings Whiskey Distillery in the heart of the Dublin Liberties where the very knowledgeable and entertaining Gary took us on a tour of the Distillery. This was followed by a Whiskey Tasting after which Aaron taught us how to make some delicious cocktails – whiskey-based of course! We then had a very tasty New Hampshire themed dinner of lobster rolls, clam chowder and turkey.

Guests were welcomed by New Hampshire Governor, Chris Sununu. The Governor told us that New Hampshire exports over $400m worth of goods to Ireland each year. This Trade Mission is focused on continuing to grow economic partnership and co-operation in trade, education and tourism.They are looking for opportunities and potential to enhance cooperation and trade between Ireland and New Hampshire. The State of New Hampshire places a premium on tourism, it being the number two industry after high tech manufacturing. The Governor’s background in tourism (he ran a ski resort for 6 years) gives him a unique insight into this area. He mentioned the wide variety of travel options in New Hampshire – with four solid seasons they have skiing in the winter, beautiful beaches in the summer and, of course, New England in the Fall, all very different experiences. They have noticed an increase in people coming for new experiences e.g food, antiques and a new political tourism sub-culture of people wishing to attend the Presidential primaries, the first of which is held in New Hampshire and provides an opportunity to meet the candidates. He described this as their ‘fifth professional sport’!

Taylor Caswell, Head of Business, Economic Affairs and Overseas Tourism endorsed what the Governor said and added that New Hampshire is only 30 minutes north of Boston and much more affordable due to not having a sales tax. They are heavily focused on the outdoor recreation market.

Tony Lane told us that New Hampshire is the same size as Munster with a population of 1.3m. As a State it is driveable, manageable, walkable and enjoyable. Cities are small (approx. 100,000 people) and Portsmouth, for example, a city the same size as Galway, has 250 restaurants. Getting to New Hampshire is easy – Jenny Rafter reminded us of the Aer Lingus double daily nonstop to Boston – and there are miles of scenic road routes and some amazing scenic rail journeys.

It was a most interesting and informative evening and the Governor, Chris Sununu and his team of Taylor Caswell, Head of Business, Economic Affairs and Overseas Tourism, Chase Hagaman, Director, Division of Economic Development and James Gerry, Budget Director were happy to chat and answer questions throughout the evening.

Many thanks to Tony Lane, Visit New Hampshire, for a beautifully organised and most enjoyable evening.