Tralee to Host Irish Golf Conference & Awards

Tralee is set to welcome Ireland's leading golf tourism professionals for the 29th Annual Irish Golf Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) Conference & Gala Irish Golf Awards, taking place on Sunday 18th and Monday 19th October 2026.

Tralee & Kerry: World Class Golf Destination

Organised by the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association in association with The Rose Hotel, Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, Discover Kerry and Tralee Golf Links, this prestigious two-day event will showcase Tralee and Kerry as a world-class golf tourism destination.

Barry Maye, Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Golf Tour Operators Association, says "This flagship event is more than a gathering—it is a vital meeting point for golf tour operators, hoteliers, golf courses, and transport providers who together drive Ireland’s world-renowned golf tourism economy. The IGTOA is part of the strategic backbone of our critically important golf tourism sector and where better than Tralee to showcase Ireland's natural golf assets and celebrate the extraordinary standards of hospitality that keep us at the very pinnacle of global golf travel”

Leading Golf Tour Networking

Proceedings begin on Sunday, 18th October at The Rose Hotel with the IGTOA Business Networking Seminar, providing suppliers an opportunity to meet and engage with Ireland's leading golf tour operators. This will be followed by the National Golf Conference, featuring an impressive line-up of influential industry figures discussing developments, opportunities and trends within the golf tourism sector. The day concludes with a networking buffet dinner.

Pictured to launch the event: Padraig Mcgillycuddy, Ballygarry Estate, Mark Sullivan, The Rose Hotel, Triona Browne Of Kerry County Council, Marie Galvin, Ballygarry Estate, Michele King, The Rose Hotel & Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Thys Vogels, Ballygarry Estate, Maurice O’meara, Tralee Golf Club

Golf Classic

On Monday, 19th October, Tralee Golf Links will host the Annual IGTOA Golf Classic, while non-golfing delegates enjoy a specially curated itinerary showcasing Kerry's outstanding attractions. Activities include cycling the scenic Tralee–Fenit Greenway, a boat tour of Fenit Bay to Brandon Point, lunch and a fun putting competition at Tralee Golf Links.

Gala Irish Golf Awards

Following the Golf Classic prizegiving, delegates will gather at Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa for the highlight of the conference, the 2026 Gala Irish Golf Awards. This prestigious black-tie celebration will commence with a drinks reception, followed by a gala dinner and awards ceremony recognising excellence across Ireland's golf tourism industry.

A Timely Opportunity for Kerry

Pat O'Leary, Chair of Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, added: "We are delighted to see Kerry take centre stage for the IGTOA conference 2026, with Tralee providing the perfect setting to showcase the Kingdom’s outstanding golf offering. Kerry is blessed with some of the most spectacular golf courses in the world, set against a backdrop of dramatic coastline, mountains, lakes and breathtaking scenery. The Ryder Cup 2027 represents a significant opportunity for the entire region, and The Kerry Tourism Federation is committed to working with our industry stakeholders to ensure that the global spotlight on Irish golf translates into lasting benefits for tourism and the local economy.”