01st February 2012

Holidaymakers could be booking ferries to Ireland in order to experience some of the winter blues-busting events that the Emerald Isle has to offer.

A report from Mintel recently found that festivals and celebrations are still being held in Irish towns and cities despite the economic climate, and this is leading to a rise in domestic tourism.

Some 18 per cent of Republic of Ireland and 15 per cent of Northern Ireland residents are planning to go on short breaks in Ireland this year, although the research found that the proportion of overseas visitors to both parts of the country fell by 11 per cent and eight per cent respectively between 2009 and 2010.

Brian O'Connor, research manager at Mintel Ireland, commented: "The Irish events and festivals market is still going strong, which may come as a surprise as tourism has been hit badly by the recession. However, this has forced the tourism industry to adopt lower prices and become more competitive during this period of economic downturn."

He noted that festivals and events are what attract domestic and overseas tourists to Ireland because of the varied nature of these celebrations, especially when the events are aimed at families with small children.

"Family friendly festivals are vital for the tourism market and linking food festivals with shopping is a key way to combine these core activities as more relaxed types of events to be more appealing to visitors," Mr O'Connor added.

The report showed that a third of RoI and 26 per cent of NI consumers believe spending time with their nearest and dearest is a priority, while shopping is enjoyed as a holiday activity by 27 per cent and 18 per cent of RoI and NI tourists respectively.

Ferry crossings to Ireland operate between Holyhead and Dublin, Stranraer and Belfast, Troon and Larne and a number of other ports.

Posted by Helen Baxter 

16th May 2012

British holidaymakers are being urged to take ferry crossings to Ireland and see what the Emerald Isle has to offer those on a camping or caravanning break.

According to Vanessa Markey, Tourism Ireland's head of Great Britain, camping and caravan holidays are a great way to explore the...