In rural Ireland, a 'meitheal' was a band of reapers or a working party. Neighbours would gather together to support one another and work collectively to bring in crops. 

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The Irish Family History Centre joined more than 360 Irish businesses from across the island of Ireland in the CityWest conference centre to meet tourism buyers from every corner of the globe at this year's Meitheal event which is held annually each spring.

Meitheal is organised by Fáilte Ireland, in association with Tourism Ireland and this year involved:

• 302 top overseas tour operators from 23 countries;
• 360 Irish businesses selling the best of the best of the country’s tourism offer over two days;
• 12,000 face to face meetings programmed;
• Familiarisation tours for international operators - visiting Dublin, Ireland’s Ancient East and the Wild Atlantic Way.

The overseas buyers were also brought on several fact-finding tours across the country by Fáilte Ireland ahead of attending the two days in Citywest.

Donna Middleton (EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum) and Fiona O’Mahony (Head of Irish Family History Centre)

It was a wonderful opportunity to renew old contacts and establish new relationships.  There was great interest in all the services the Irish Family History Centre provides from commissioned research to our private consultations and visiting our centre in the CHQ centre in Dublin.  Roll on Meitheal 2019.

By Fiona O'Mahony