This report updates the 2011 DIGI report which outlined the contribution of the drinks industry to tourism. The drinks industry makes a substantial contribution to domestic and international tourism in Ireland through:
• the extensive and geographically spread network of over 7,500 public houses and almost 1,000 hotel and other bars in 2011
• an additional 1,773 restaurants with wine licences and 380 with full licences
• financial and other support for festivals and cultural tourism
• support for sports events
• direct provision of major tourism attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse and the Old Jameson Distillery, and other attractions such as the Midleton Jameson Experience, Kilbeggan Distillery and Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre
• the generation of a positive international awareness of Ireland through global brands such as Guinness, Baileys and Jameson