Rory is an exceptional golfer and a fantastic ambassador for Ireland globally.
However, we would respectfully disagree with his comments regarding Irish food.
Irish food is among the very best in the world, built on exceptional local produce, world-class chefs and a strong farm-to-fork tradition.
As Gordon Ramsay has said, Ireland is “the sleeping beauty of European cuisine” and that reputation is now being realised every day across our restaurant sector.
When Rory returns to Ireland for the Irish Open in Doonbeg later this year, we would strongly encourage him to experience some of the very best Irish produce on offer and we would be more than happy to show him a few spots ourselves.
Ireland’s food offering is a central part of our tourism and cultural identity. We look forward to working with Government on a new food tourism strategy that fully showcases our strengths, from farm to fork, and supports the continued growth of our world-class hospitality sector.
I will be sending Rory an invitation to launch this new strategy when it is completed.
We wish Rory and Shane Lowry the very best in Augusta this weekend.