By Lisa Jennings World events may have slowed travel to Europe, but
Ireland’s tourism officials are optimistic that their U.S. visitors
will increase this summer. About 20 percent of U.S. travelers to
Ireland come from the Western states, said Tom Heneghan, Tourism
Ireland’s West Coast marketing manager. This year’s major events
include the Special Olympics, which opens in June in Dublin. More
than 7,000 athletes will compete in Croke Park Stadium. Ireland is
also gearing up to be host of the 2006 Ryder Cup golf tournament at
the K Club, a five-star resort in Dublin, where a new golf course
is being added to the playing options. US Airways this month is
expected to launch daily air service from Philadelphia to Dublin
and Shannon. Brendan Worldwide Vacations has two new specials: The
“Distinctly Dublin” package includes four nights at Burlington
Hotel, breakfast, a city tour, round-trip airport transfers and two
Irish crystal glasses, starting at $498 including air on Aer Lingus
from New York, Baltimore or Boston. “Country Roads of Ireland” is a
seven-day fly/drive package including stays at bed-and-breakfast
accommodations, car rental, tours of the Waterford Crystal Factory
and Ring of Kerry, two crystal glasses and a discount card at
Blarney Woolen Mills; from $558, with air from New York, Boston or
Baltimore to Shannon, returning from Dublin. www.brendantours. com.
CIE Tours is offering a nine-day “Irish Pub & Folk Tour” from
New York, Boston, or Baltimore. The itinerary begins in Dublin and
hits pub-friendly villages throughout the country, including stops
at the “singing pub” in Killarney, and Kathleen’s Irish Ceili at
Bunratty. The tour includes visits to the Guinness Storehouse and
Old Jamison Distillery. From $978, including air. www.cietours.com.
Far&Wide is offering a spring sale for Europe bookings through
May 31, including two Ireland itineraries: “Ireland’s Friendly Bed
& Breakfasts” offers a choice of more than 2,800 B & Bs.
From $299, with a rental car, land only, for travel through June
20. “Ireland City Stay” hits Dublin, Killarney and Galway, and
includes accommodations, car rental, and guided tours of the Ring
of Kerry and Trinity College. From $449, land only. www.far
andwide.com. Tourism Ireland (800-669-9967; www.tourismire
land.com.) has an education program for travel agents, called the
Shamrock Club, with nearly 7,000 members. The club brings access to
special promotions. Agents must complete a free online course.
www.shamrock.o
