While the initiative was primarily directed at the Irish diaspora, and those with other links to the country, the organisers hoped the experience for the general tourist would also be enhanced.
[citation needed] The concept for The Gathering Ireland 2013 first emerged at the 2009 Global Irish Economic Forum held in Farmleigh, Dublin.
The forum had two broad objectives: to examine ways in which Ireland could develop more strategic relationships with its diaspora; and to provide a platform for those living overseas who claim Irish ancestry to contribute to the country's economic recovery.
The Gathering Ireland 2013 was seen as an opportunity to address both of these objectives, the latter achieved through additional overseas visitors and tourism revenue, which in turn may stimulate job creation.
[4] Byrne, who previously served as a cultural ambassador for Ireland, said many Irish emigrants in the US felt abandoned by the government and described the initiative as "a scam".