Ireland by car

ONE of the industry’s first global car rental companies Auto Europe, reveals the top 5 destinations in #Ireland for North American tourists exploring by car.

Killarney - A storied stop along the scenic Ring of Kerry Tour, Killarney offers travelers a chance to experience authentic Ireland. The city and surrounding country are the complete embodiment of mythical Ireland: a Celtic kingdom of misty mountains and snowcapped summits complete with a vibrant nightlife scene and customary Irish flair.

Nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is the perfect destination to start a tour of Ireland’s west coast and see world-famous natural attractions as well as the country’s most significant historic sites. While in town, be sure to walk the Salmon Weir Bridge to watch the fishermen haul in their daily catch.

Referred to as the ‘real capital of Ireland’ by the locals, Cork is home to some of the best seafood restaurants, pubs, and breweries. Of course, no trip to Cork would be complete without a quick trip to the famous Blarney Stone, just one of the 7 best historic places in Ireland within driving distance.

Shannon’s close proximity to many of Ireland’s most significant attractions makes the city a hot spot for travelers. Visitors can easily visit the stunning Cliff’s of Moher which are only an hour’s drive from the city and King John’s Castle, just a quick jaunt from Shannon, all in one day.

The Historic City of Dublin is a UNESCO world heritage site – meaning that in addition to the fantastic pubs, restaurants, and museums available in the city, the city itself is a landmark of historic interest. It’s also home to the Guinness Storehouse making it the perfect place to start a beer tour of Ireland.


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Celebrate Ireland's Viking past this Easter

FROM the ancient Viking traces of Waterford city in Ireland’s Ancient East, to the foundations of medieval Dublin, #Ireland invites the world to celebrate its Viking past this Easter, with two wonderful events: the Viking Festival 2018, Waterford (31 March-April 2nd) and Dublin city’s Dublinia VikingFest 2018 (30 March-April 2nd).

Not sure how the #Vikings came to be part of this island’s legacy? Well, far from being just rampaging warriors, the Vikings also brought civilisation, founding many of Ireland’s towns and cities as time went on. It all started for Ireland in the late 8th Century, when the Vikings realised there were lands not far away that were richer in land, stock and provisions than their own. And so their journey overseas – and to Ireland – began.

These mighty Nordic warriors battled chieftains, forged alliances and settled into the history of Ireland’s rich heritage. And despite their terrifying arrival in Ireland, the Norsemen were settlers by inclination. The result, Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Wexford, Youghal, Arklow, Wicklow and Dublin all have Viking origins. Even place names give notice to their Nordic roots (Waterford ends with a variant of fjord).

The key event will be in both cities. Follow the Vikings, a live outdoor spectacle involving film, dance, live animation and battle reenactment takes place at both events. Save the dates for live action on Saturday 31 March at the historic Wood Quay amphitheatre in Dublin, and in Waterford’s Apple Market on Easter Monday 2 April.



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An Irish connection with Delta and Norwegian Airlines

DELTA Air Lines is now offering daily nonstop service to Boston’s Logan Airport from Dublin. The daily flight to Boston, which will operate throughout the summer, joins Delta’s existing services from the Irish capital — a year-round operation to New York-JFK, plus a summer offering to Atlanta. 

NORWEGIAN Airlines has begun new nonstop service to Providence, Rhode Island, from Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh and Shannon beginning in June. They are also now offering flights from Hartford Bradley International Airport in Connecticut to Edinburgh, Scotland.

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On the runway . . .

THE launch of a new service to Shannon this summer will take the number of flights between Bristol Airport and #Ireland to an all-time high. Ryanair’s twice-weekly service to Ireland’s third busiest airport takes the total number of flights per week to more than 100, including routes to Dublin, Cork and Knock.

#Dublin remains the most popular destination served from Bristol Airport, with more than 418,000 passengers using the route in the last 12 months. Up to seven departures a day are operated by Ryanair and Aer Lingus, providing flexible flight options for business and leisure passengers. Aer Lingus also serves Cork daily, while Ryanair operates three flights a week to Knock, in the west of Ireland.

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Retreat to Ireland and run wild

RUN Wild Retreats + Wellness, a travel company providing premier women’s trail running and wellness retreats in five countries, has added #Ireland to its roster of 2018 #retreats. Taking place September 16-22, 2018 founder Elinor Fish will be teaching #trailrunning skills and wellness workshops throughout the itinerary.

Modeled after its popular international retreats in Iceland, Spain, Italy and the U.S., the Ireland Trail Running + Wellness Retreat offers women a week-long immersion in healthy running techniques while exploring the Emerald Isle’s forests, national parks, famous cliffs and moors.

Starting in Dublin, the retreat begins in the trail-running hub of County Wicklow, where they will experience the famous “Wicklow Way” and scenic trails surrounding the town of Glendalough. From there, they head to west to run along the iconic Cliffs of Moher before heading south to County Clare to run trails through the many wonders of Killarney National Park, such as Torc Waterfall and Esknamucky Glen.


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Ireland on track in Spain

MILLIONS of Spaniards are seeing eye-catching ads for Dublin and Belfast in metro stations in Madrid and Barcelona right now. Tourism Ireland’s latest promotion, in partnership with Atrapalo, a major online travel agent in Spain, is under way.

The campaign aims to boost late season travel from Spain to the island of Ireland and to kick-start business for 2018. Spain is an important market for tourism to the island of Ireland; travel by Spaniards to Ireland has grown significantly over the past 15 years – going from just 90,000 Spanish visitors in 2000 to a record 391,000 visitors in 2016.

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Up in the air . . .

ETIHAD Airways offers Early bird travel deals for 2018 , the offers are available for departures out of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, meaning there is no better time to book a 2018 European holiday and to enjoy Etihad Airways’ acclaimed service and hospitality. With connections via Abu Dhabi, travellers have a host of European destinations to choose from, including London, Paris, Rome, Dublin and Athens. The promotion is available for bookings until 6 October, for travel from 1 February – 26 September 2018.

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Up in the air . . . Dublin bound

RYANAIR has new flights from Munich and Stuttgart to Dublin this winter, as well as the extension of its winter service from Naples into summer 2018.

CATHAY PACIFIC has announced new flights from Hong Kong to Dublin, commencing in June 2018. These new flights will help to boost leisure and business travel from Hong Kong, as well offering excellent connections on Cathay Pacific services from tourism markets like Australia, New Zealand and China and countries in South East Asia – making it easier for prospective holidaymakers to get to Ireland.

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Tourism Ireland film highlights Ireland’s biggest traditional music festival

PLANNING ahead for next year? Have a look at this . . . four days, 17 unique venues, one great traditional music festival … Tourism Ireland has unveiled a new film called “Temple Bar TradFest 2017”. 

Every January, Ireland’s largest traditional music festival takes place in Dublin’s Temple Bar, with four great days of music and dance. 

The film is being promoted through Tourism Ireland’s social platforms, including Facebook (3.8 million fans worldwide), Twitter (379,000 followers) and YouTube.

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On the runway . . .

DUBLIN Airport welcomed Lufthnasa's recent announcement that it is to almost double services on its Dublin-Munich route next summer.

The airline, which currently operates a year-round, daily service to Munich will fly 13 times per week from the end of March, 2017.

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Spabreaks.com is 'dublin' its size in Ireland

Royal Marine Hotel

Spabreaks.com, Europe's leading spa bookings agency, reports it will be significantly increasing its presence in #Ireland citing its premier spa offering, proximity to UK and exceptional value as its rationale and are celebrating their expansion with some exclusive offers.

Co-founder Abi Wright says: 'I've been stunned by the quality and diversity of the product in Ireland, which is why we've decided to concentrate our efforts on significantly enhancing this territory'.

A Tourism Ireland spokesperson said: ‘We have a superb #spa and wellness product to rival the best on offer around the world. Ireland is the perfect destination for people looking for a unique spa experience combined with exceptional levels of service.’

Seven of the best deals for September 2016 . . . 

Regency Hotel Dublin

1. Regency Hotel Dublin - spa break

Prices start at £71.10pp (inc 10% off).
https://www.spabreaks.com/venues/regency-hotel-dublin?package_id=5285

2. Regency Hotel Dublin - spa day

Prices start at £46.80 (inc 10% off).
https://www.spabreaks.com/venues/regency-hotel-dublin?package_id=5284

3. Slieve Donard Resort

Prices start at £80pp.
https://www.spabreaks.com/venues/slieve-donard-resort-and-spa?package_id=5281

4. Culloden Estate & Spa

Prices start at £80pp.
https://www.spabreaks.com/venues/culloden-estate-and-spa?package_id=5280

5. Macdonald Kinsale Hotel & Spa

Prices start at £79pp.
https://www.spabreaks.com/venues/macdonald-kinsale-hotel-and-spa

Sheen Falls Lodge

6. Sheen Falls Lodge

Prices start at £189pp.
https://www.spabreaks.com/venues/sheen-falls-lodge?package_id=5279

7. Royal Marine Hotel

Prices start at £225pp.
https://www.spabreaks.com/venues/royal-marine-hotel?package_id=1874

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Picture Credit: Spabreaks.com

Ireland-New England flights

AER LINGUS will launch its first direct flight from Dublin to Hartford Bradley International Airport in #Connecticut on September 28. 

This new four times weekly service will position Hartford as New England’s second international gateway, alongside Boston Airport.

Not only does Aer Lingus open up a direct route to New England for Irish travellers, but Brits can also reap the benefits of flying this route by clearing US customs in Ireland before arriving in the US.

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Picture Credit: 10159247@N04/10302198553">Fall Folliage in New England</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com

New flights to Italy from Britain and Ireland

ALITALIA has introduced a fifth daily flight from London City to Milan Linate. www.alitalia.com 

RYANAIR is to increase frequencies to Bologna with two weekly flights from Dublin and Edinburgh for the 2016 winter season. www.ryanair.com

EASYJET will introduce new flights for the 2016 winter season from Bristol, London Luton, and Manchester to Turin to facilitate winter sport tourism in Piedmont. www.easyjet.com

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Picture Credit : 96802003@N07/28851048495">Digital Pen and Ink Drawing of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence by Charles W. Bailey, Jr.</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com

Up in the air …

AER LINGUS has launched an express bag drop service designed to make travel as seamless as possible. It enables travellers to self-tag and check-in their bags once they have their boarding card printed or downloaded to their mobile device. In a matter of minutes or even seconds, Aer Lingus passengers can complete the check-in process, deposit their bag, and proceed towards departures. The Aer Lingus check-in area at Dublin airport has more than 40 self-service express bag drop kiosks.

THE ANNUAL ACI EUROPE Best Airport Awards have been announced. London City Airport was highly commended in the ‘under 5 million passenger’ category, while the winner of the ‘5-10 million passenger’ category was Glasgow Airport.

The highly commended airport in the ’10-25 million passenger’ category was Edinburgh. In the ‘over 25 million passengers’ category, London Heathrow was the winner, and the Accessible Airport Award was won by Dublin.

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Up in the air . . .

KLM and Aer Lingus are to launch direct daily flights between Dublin and Amsterdam.

CANADIAN airline Air Transat will increase the number of flights from the UK to Toronto next winter by offering a daily service from November to April. London Gatwick to Vancouver also gets a second weekly flight commencing in December.

LOW-COST Cyprus airline Cobalt – funded by local and Chinese investors – is preparing for its first take-off in July. The company’s CEO, Andrew Pyne, says he want to turn Larnaca Airport into a regional hub serving Europe and Middle East. The airline will start with five planes – for flights to Britain, Greece, and Ireland – with plans to have ten by the end of 2017.

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Get racing for Rotary

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL in Britain and Ireland continues its established partnership with #Ironman2016, with charity fundraising sports events in Dublin, Staffordshire, Bolton, South Pembrokeshire in Wales, and Wimbleball on Exmoor. 

The events are triathlons comprising swimming, cycling, and running, and are timed to run through the summer from June to September.

The partnership enables athletes and individuals to raise funds for good causes while taking part in a variety of activities. Competitors benefit from 'free entry' to the event or race, and they get a package comprising training and kit by pledging to raise a specific amount for charity.

#Rotarycharityfundraisers support local, regional, and national charities that come within five areas: 

• Children's hospices 
• Life education centres 
• Cancer charities 
• Air Ambulance 
• Services charities 

Fundraisers have the opportunity to nominate their own charity to receive a portion of the money they raise.

For full details, go to www.rotarycharityfundraisers.org/ironman_2016

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/51520012@N05/7629399144">Ironman UK 5343</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)

Chinese travel writers say ‘nǐ hǎo’ to Ireland

A GROUP of Chinese travel writers – with a combined audience of more than 4.5 million readers – has been visiting Dublin and Ireland’s Ancient East as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. 

Their itinerary took in Dublin and County Meath.

James Kenny, Tourism Ireland’s manager China, said: ‘We are delighted that these influential Chinese journalists and bloggers have had the opportunity to experience some of the many things to see and do in Ireland for Chinese visitors. The aim of their fact-finding visit is to increase awareness of the island of Ireland to help secure a greater share of the four million Chinese visitors to Europe each year. Tourism Ireland aims to grow the number of Chinese visitors to the island of Ireland to 50,000 per year, by 2017.’

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La Manga Club set for 2016 take-off with Dublin flights

FROM MARCH 27, Aer Lingus will operate four flights a week from Dublin to Murcia-San Javier airport, which is a 20-minute drive away from the multi award-winning #LaMangaClub sports resort. 

In an area three times the size of Monaco, the resort's facilities include: 

• Three 18-hole #golf courses and a nine-hole academy course, 
• A Leadbetter golf academy – the only one of its kind in mainland Spain 
• A 28-court #tennis centre 
• Eight full-size football pitches

Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey was among the thousands of golfers to enjoy a golf holiday at the resort last summer. ‘I played the north and south courses again and they strike a really good balance between providing a challenge and being fair. The climate is perfect, the facilities are top-class and it all makes for a great golfing experience for those who want to get away from the unpredictable British and Irish weather.’

The resort's other facilities include a high performance sports centre, a spa and fitness complex, a five-star hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses, and more than 20 bars and restaurants.

www.lamangaclub.com

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Jamaica welcomes record number of UK & Irish visitors

THE number of British and Irish holidaymakers visiting #Jamaica in 2015 passed the 200,000 mark for the very first time, the island’s tourist board reports.

There were a total of 201,364 UK and Irish arrivals (excluding cruise visitors) on the island, a 12.2 percent increase on the previous year.

With the start of a direct flight route from Dublin to Montego Bay this summer, visitor numbers from the region look set to increase again.

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Record visitor numbers for Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse

THE GUINNESS STOREHOUSE in #Dublin is celebrating a record number of visitors for 2015. It welcomed 1,498,124 people passed through its doors, compared with 1,267,807 in 2014. 

Mirroring current trends in Irish tourism, visitors from the UK and the US made up half of all visitors, followed by those from mainland Europe and Ireland.

Paul Carty, managing director of Guinness Storehouse commented: ‘2015 was an incredibly successful year for us at the Guinness Storehouse. In September we were named ‘Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the World Travel Awards, winning more votes than the likes of the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum.

‘Over the coming year, we will be announcing innovations and developments that will further enhance our offering.’

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