The Gathering Ireland 2013

The Gathering Ireland 2013, referred to as The Gathering ^[1] was a tourism-led initiative in Ireland. It aimed to mobilise the Irish diaspora to return to Ireland during 2013 to be part of specially organised local gatherings and events during the year. It was a government supported initiative driven primarily by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, and Tourism Ireland. The concept relied on grassroots initiatives of private individuals, and non-governmental organisations.^[2] The Gathering was not a single event but provided an umbrella framework for varying activities throughout 2013, from family reunions and clan gatherings to sports fixtures. While the initiative was primarily directed at the Irish diaspora, and those with other links to the country, the organisers hoped the experience for the general tourist would also be enhanced.

It began on 1 January 2013 and ended on 31 December 2013.^{[citation needed]}