Irish tourism in the 60s had a fantastic slogan
The tourism industry can sometimes feel a little aspirational, with its over-the-top descriptions and Celtic mysticism, but here's proof that once upon a time, Ireland advertised itself with the direct approach.
Take a closer look at that banner: the slogan for Irish tourism was, for a time, "Ireland: For a Number of Money Saving Reasons."
Quaint, isn't it? On the left you can see the logo of the Irish Tourist Board (Bord Fáilte, now Tourism Ireland), while on the right is the Bank of Ireland logo - presumably a sponsor.
This photo comes to us from Lauren Norton, courtesy of her grandfather's 50-plus years in the Irish tourism business. He acquired it on a recent trip home to Ireland - likely his last.
"My grandfather, Jimmy Murphy, recently made his last trip home to Ireland. When he received his cancer diagnosis in December, he immediately enquired about the possibility of travelling home to say goodbye to family and to the friends he has worked with the 50-plus years of selling Ireland as a tourist destination," she said.
"One of his associates gifted him a copy of this photograph, and it amazed all of us to hear my grandfather rattle off not only the names of everyone at the Bord Fáilte conference, but also the names of their spouses and children.
"We loved the innocence of the slogan the group chose to promote Ireland: 'For a number of money saving reasons.'"
Thanks to Lauren, Jimmy and his friend for sharing this little gem with us.
