Emerald Isle gets 10 million new fans in India

A major Indian TV channel this week visited Ireland to film some of the top tourist spots around the country, including the Phoenix Park, Howth and the Chester Beatty Library.

Travelxp, which is India's first ever HD travel channel, were guests of Tourism Ireland.

"We are delighted that Travelxp HD agreed to come and film in Ireland, showcasing some of the unique experiences Indian holidaymakers can enjoy here," said Jim Paul of Tourism Ireland.

exposure

Mr Paul, who is head of developing markets, believes the programme will generate lots of "positive exposure" in India.

The film crew, after wrapping up in Dublin and taking in Malahide Castle and St Patrick's Cathedral, headed south.

In Limerick they shot in the Hunt Museum and King John's Castle. The crew then went on to Clare and Galway.

The action at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park was caught on camera as was a surf lesson in Lahinch and a night out in Doolin. And in Galway, Connemara and the city were some of the areas that made it into the final cut.

Ireland is already on the tips of tongues in India with Rachel Allen being one of the country's favourite TV chefs.

Currently 21,000 tourists come to Ireland from India every year.

jfegan@herald.ie