American television and movie star, Chris O’Donnell is visiting Ireland this week to celebrate Irish heritage at Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo, for CBS Watch magazine.

Chris has played Robin in two Batman & Robin movies, and starred in blockbuster Scent of a Woman. His most recent role has been as a regular in NCIS: Los Angeles.

CBS Watch magazine is the official magazine of the TV network. The popular magazine features interviews with stars of CBS, along with some amazing pictures and destinations.

Tourism Ireland, Aer Lingus and Ashford Castle have supported O’Donnell, whose ancestors came from Donegal, on his trip to Ireland. The photo shoot at Ashford Castle, Co.Mayo will appear in a 16 page feature in the Spring 2013 edition of Watch magazine.

The Irish American actor was presented with a Certificate of Irish Heritage by Mayo TD and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring. He said, “It’s a pleasure to be able to present Chris O’Donnell with a Certificate of Irish Heritage. I’m delighted that he has chosen to visit Ireland for his photo shoot, as his visit will generate significant coverage in the US. Events like this help to maintain Ireland’s profile as a tourism destination.”

The hot actor’s visit is appreciated for many reasons from an Irish perspective. Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland said, “We’re absolutely delighted that Chris O’Donnell and Watch Magazine have chosen Mayo for their Spring 2013 photoshoot. It is a tremendous opportunity to highlight and showcase this part of Ireland to a huge American audience.”

The magazine will be available at newsstands across the US as of March next year, just at the same time when promotions for “The Gathering 2013” will be under way.

“Tourism Ireland will promote ‘The Gathering Ireland’ to the 70 million people across the world who feel linked by family, friends, or otherwise, to Ireland. The Gathering will be our biggest ever tourism initiative and will be an invitation to the world to connect with the people of Ireland in business, the arts, sports, communities and public life”, says Gibbons.