Enda Kenny warns Irish businesses ‘don't rip off’ The Gathering visitors

Enda Kenny gets accolades from me, and many others I am sure. He has sound business judgment coupled with insight.

dermotryan: good post, and good gig... a walking tour with a good interpreter is always the best investment of minutes when in a new and worthwhile place... I usually have visited Ireland in the way off season, and have not easily or often found walk leaders. a boost to your industry would be more consistent listings for off season, custon scheduled tours in the lcoal guides...this grassroots, low tech experience could become a new,internationally known hallmark of Irish hospitality, eh?

For Silling, Exactly how much contact do you have with donkeys? I bet none. They are extemely intelligent animals and know when something is not good for them. They are hardworking, gentle, and trusting unless you mess with them. I can tell you from experience. We have 54 of them right now in our sanctuary. Write about something you know, not something you don't!

Enda Kenny is unfortunately articulating an opinion that I have held since I heard about 'the gathering'. People in the hospitality business in Ireland have, for the most part, the business acumen of goats. The concept of repeat business does not enter into the equation. A major event is seen as the opportunity to make an entire years budget in one weekend by hiking prices. No thought is given to providing Joe and mary sixpack value for money during their visit encouraging them to come back next year or relate stories of their experience to neighbors and friends, who in turn might visit. I have attended several festivals in Ireland where the price of everything is inflated. I recall one situation where the price of alcohol had been increased by say 25c for a pint, this being justifed by the owner pointing out that he had to hire extra staff. The fact that he had substantially increased custom didn't seem to occur to him. I truly believe that the concept of 'The Gathering 2013' is a brilliant idea, but like Mr Kenny, I have concerns about how it might be hijacked by greasy pawed hoteliers, bar and restaurant owners, car rental companies etc. I hope myself and Mr Kenny are proven wrong.

jbradley12 i could say the same about America. I was ripped off lots of times in the states. I rented a car at JFK airport for 6 days, it cost me $858. Those views you say the Irish have on Americans, many people across Europe and the world would think the same, Or alot worse.

Mr. Kenny is absolutely correct. I speak for myself and others in my family --- we are all Paddys who left Ireland over 50 years ago and made out great in America. When I visited Ireland in 2009, the "Screw-the-YANK' attitude started at Shannon Airport where I was attempting to rent a car, that I had pre-booked months in advance. To say the least, the salesman was unfriendly and unethical.(Lest I fail to mention it,comprehensive auto insurance at Irish airports is a stick-up.) And that was only the beginning. We have other stories that most officials don't want to hear. It was sad for my wife and I. We thought we were among friends. Then there were the 'intelectuals' who were anxious to impose their opinions on us about America and how bad we all are. One, in particular, vented joyously at how glad he was to see "that America was going broke" (in recession). He said, "look around here and see the Irish are now much better off than the Americans --- thank God we don't need the YANKS anymore," Another went out of her way to tell me she was going to Cuba because she wanted to see its purity "BEFORE the Americans had a chance to ruin it." Sorry, but mo-daoine-fein misstakenly thought we were fools. Needless-to-say, we will not be attending any Gathering anytime in the foreseable future. We will continue our travels in other countries. God Bless America.

put the checks and balances in place,you are the government,will they get ripped,unfortunately,more than likely.bad reflection on ireland.

Be a a good lad now Enda,admit you are just an honest overpaid country boy from Mayo who happens to be paid more than Barack Obama (note not O'Bama)for a population of 4.5 million,when those at the top show some leadership and not lip service maybe people will then take them serious.

This clown Kenny doesn't want businesses to rip off visitors--he wants the useless Irish government to have a monopoly on the ripping-off.

What A Cheek from a leader who is paid a higher salary than many world leaders and presides over a system where members of the Dail ( Parliament ) earn more in salary and expenses than most of our population. Visitors can be sure to get good value in Ireland. Far from being ripped off you will enjoy your visit to Kinsale where my own small business, Kinsale Heritage Town Walks costs just five euros for a top class experience. If Mr Kenny comes to town we will give him a "freebie" and show him how the tourist industry really works !

I live in Washington DC and don't hear too many irish around here so when americans deck the accent they always tell me they want to go. I keep promoting that next year is a great year for people to go but seriously, there needs to be some really serious effort on the part of Ireland to drop the price of flights and hotels and not screw everyone who comes to Ireland - already its 3 times more expensive to go home so the only way you're going to get people to go is to make it WORTH THEIR WHILE! They should be doing discounted flights and special deals. I know at least 5 families will go if they can get good deals - get smart and make it worth their while and they will spend when there - screw them they might go but they wont spend much!

desperate people can't be told - its like telling those travellers to stop mitt with their conning.

2013 will be an unlucky time to go to Ireland. This is what I am telling everyone. The Irish en masse suffer from " OPPOSITY " and like donkeys, do the exact inverse of what they are told. So, Mr Kenny, you have just given the Paddy's CARTE BLANCHE to pillage and plunder everyone that arrives for " THE GLEANING ".

Here we go again,another attempt by the Freestaters to pull the wool over peoples eyes.Mr Kenny you are not dealing with fools. Let me suggest that this would be the perfect opportunity too announce to the world that ALL IRISH BORN people are being treated with the respect they deserve and will be welcome to VOTE in all Irish elections going forward from here,reglardless of where they reside in the World.Otherwise present your welcome mat to Angela.No doubt she will tell you where to stick it.

I am sure that next year's American tourists will not be wearing rose tinted glasse. The wheel has turned on both sides of the Atlantic and Ireland must NOT make the mistake of the UK and its dealings with Olympic visitors. The Irish/ Americans will be looking for value for money. Furthermore, they're entitled to it.