| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 03/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 37 |
| Copyright: Other |
Beyond Dublin
Ireland retains popularity for short breaks
Report by LINSEYMCNEILL
Report by LINSEYMCNEILL
OPERATORS are reporting a jump in business to Ireland over the past two years but the biggest increase in traffic is to areas outside the capital Dublin.Travelscene said Ireland’s rise to sixth position in its table of top short-break country destinations last year was due to a strong performance by Cork, the country’s second biggest city.
The operator’s business to Cork rose by 56% last year, while its traffic to Dublin increased by just 8%, although the capital had experienced three-figure growth in earlier years.
Travelscene commercial manager Paul Stanley said the growth in business to Ireland meant that it now attracted more city-break business than established favourites like Austria, Scandinavia and the USA.
“Five years ago, Ireland was scarcely a player in the city-breaks market, but thanks to cheap flights and plenty of departure points from the UK, it is one of the most popular centres in Europe.”
Thomas Cook Holidays and Country Cottages in Ireland said there had also been an increase in longer stay business, particularly to areas outside Dublin.
Country Cottages said its most popular regions this year have been Cork and Kerry, and the counties of Wicklow and Waterford have also done well.
Country Cottages trade contact Joe Hamilton said: “Business has been helped in particular by the favourable exchange rate between the UK and the Irish pound.”
To meet the extra demand for holidays outside Dublin, Thomas Cook is planning to expand its Irish beaches programme next year.
Product manager Eilish O’Malley said: “We plan to introduce more coastal resorts in next year’s Signature Ireland brochure in response to the number of people who are now exploring areas outside Dublin.
“The coastal resorts already featured, ranging from seaside towns like Tranmore in County Waterford to areas like Inch Beach on the Dingle Peninsula, are selling very well.”
County Kerry: one of the most popular regions
County Kerry: one of the most popular regions