Date: 11 Sept 2025
Donegal Rolls Out the Welcome Mat for TBEX
Donegal County Council and Donegal Tourism are celebrating a highly successful start to TBEX, the world’s largest travel blogger conference. The first day of the event, which took place on Tuesday, 9th September and Wednesday, 10th September was met with overwhelming enthusiasm as over 15 tours showcased the best of the county to a global audience of travel writers, bloggers, and industry professionals.
The two days of "PreBex" tours allowed attendees to fully immerse themselves in the unique beauty and culture of Donegal. From the rugged coastline to historic sites and vibrant local communities, participants were given a taste of what makes the county a must-visit destination. A huge thank you to all our incredible tourism businesses for providing such wonderful experiences to our visitors and showcasing the very best of Donegal.
The day’s activities culminated in a spectacular welcome reception for Speakers and Sponsors at Rockhill House Estate, where the warmth of Donegal's hospitality shone brightly. Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening featuring traditional music by Claddagh Rua, a spectacular Irish Dancing show, a captivating display by Birds of Prey Donegal, and a traditional piper. The night was a true celebration of Donegal's spirit, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning, extended a heartfelt Céad Míle Fáilte to the TBEX guests. "We are incredibly proud to be hosting this event and to have the opportunity to show you all the very best of our stunning county," he said. "The world's top travel bloggers and industry professionals are gathered here, and your presence is a testament to the beauty, culture, and spirit of Donegal. We hope that you will be inspired by our rugged coastline, our rich history, and our vibrant community. We also hope that you get to experience the true meaning of a 'céad míle fáilte,' a hundred thousand welcomes."
Rick Calvert, CEO of TBEX, praised the warm reception and the quality of the Donegal experience. "The energy and excitement from our attendees after just the first day here in Donegal have been phenomenal," Calvert said. "The welcome event at Rockhill House was truly special. The combination of the beautiful setting, fantastic food, and unique local entertainment—from the birds of prey to the amazing music and dancing—made our speakers and sponsors feel incredibly welcome and special. Donegal has truly set the bar high."
The conference will continue on Thursday and Friday at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Letterkenny, where attendees will participate in sessions and workshops designed to inspire and educate.
