Flanagan assumes a two-year term as Chair, the first Northern Ireland-based and first female to hold the role.
Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism (IAAT) is the representative body for over 200 adventure activity tourism operators on the island of Ireland, in a sector that employs over 8,000 people across every county.
Belfast-Based Adventure Tourism Leader
Ms Flanagan is the owner of Away A Week Walk, a Belfast-based hiking tourism business, which primarily showcases Ireland`s Causeway coast to an international market. She joined the IAAT Board of Directors in 2019 and has previously served as Treasurer and Secretary. She now assumes the role of Chair for a two-year term, becoming the first Northern Ireland-based director to lead the Association.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Flanagan said:
“I am honoured to be appointed as Chair of IAAT and proud to be the first non-founder, first Northern-based, and first female Chair of the Association. I joined IAAT to support its work in positioning Ireland as a world-class destination for outdoor activities, and I am also delighted to contribute to the continued development of outdoor and adventure tourism in the North”
New Appointments Strengthen IAAT Leadership Team
Joining Ms Flanagan in officer roles are Mr Derek Binchy of Fota Adventure Centre, who takes up the position of Secretary, and Mr David O’Donnell of Cool Runnings Events & Zipit Forest Adventures, who assumes the role of Treasurer.
Ms Edel O’Regan of EI Travel Group also joins as a Director, completing the IAAT Board for 2026. Ms. O’Regan brings a wealth of experience and passion for adventure tourism, having run her own company Ériu Tours for many years as well as working with a huge number of key stakeholders in the sector for the past 15 years.
Further information on the Board of Directors: About Us – IAAT
Photo credit: Rob Durston
