ITTN’s Louise Ducrocq was delighted to attend the launch of WestJet’s direct route from Dublin to St John’s, Newfoundland, with Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation of Newfoundland and Labrador, and representatives from the Embassy of Canada to Ireland.
Other attendees included members of Tourism Ireland, Dublin Airport, St John’s International Airport, Global Affairs Canada, and Destination St John’s.
Adeline Leung Grenier, Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Canada to Ireland, introduced us to the Newfoundland destination.
She was followed by Minister Steve Crocker, who delivered what can only be described as a love letter to Newfoundland and Labrador. Highlighting how wonderful and unique the destination is, the Minister detailed how closely connected Ireland and Newfoundland truly are.
It is, indeed, the most Irish place outside of the Emerald Isle. With breathtaking landscapes, Gaelic roots, lively pubs in St John’s, and an extensive Irish background in most families, Newfoundland is truly a “Little Ireland.”
The Minister proudly showcased Iceberg beer, brewed by a local Newfoundland brewery using water from 25,000-year-old icebergs. Some claim this is the purest water on Earth. This was a fitting moment for the Minister to remind us that Newfoundland is the only easily accessible place on our planet where you can witness majestic icebergs floating into the Atlantic Ocean. Good beer and breathtaking views – what could be more Irish than that?
Minister Crocker said: “Experiencing Labrador is certainly extraordinary. For those of you who haven’t visited or had the opportunity, trust me when I say this is a place like no other. Our landscapes, reminiscent of Ireland’s beauty, with rolling hills, stunning coastlines, and cliffs that stretch to the horizon.
“The connection between our two lands is unmistakable, and it’s not just about scenery. Our unique blend of Irish heritage and natural wonders creates an experience that feels both familiar and wonderfully new.
“There’s something magical about our province, whether you’re drawn to outdoor exploration or the rich, colourful traditions that define us. But the best way to understand what makes this place so special is to come and experience it yourself.”
Tara Jago, Senior Manager of Internal Affairs at WestJet, thanked all attendees for making the connection between these two regions possible. From 28 April to 25 October 2025, flights to St John’s will operate twice weekly from Dublin, four times weekly from London, and once weekly from Paris.
We also met Cllr Jason Murphy, Mayor of Waterford, to discuss the deep and meaningful connections between Waterford and St John’s, which are sister cities.
Finally, a sincere thank you to WestJet, the Embassy of Canada to Ireland, and the Government of Canada for organising such a lovely event. We were thrilled to have discovered such a wonderful destination and look forward to stepping foot onto that magical land someday.
