Ferry happy rugby fans

WITH interest in Irish rugby now running at an all-time high, Irish Ferries is encouraging supporters to book early for travel to Ireland’s rugby world cup clash against France to be played in Paris on Friday, September 21, 2007.

The ferry operators are offering a short break fare with up to six nights in France beginning from €238 return for a car plus two adults.

Additional adults will cost €20 each return.

In a further move to facilitate supporters, the company has altered their sailing schedule so it will depart from Rosslare on Wednesday, September 19, and arrive back on Sunday, September 23.

The company also geared up to the festive season with the announcement of an €89 each way Christmas fare for a car plus driver on their Rosslare to Pembroke route, which is valid for travel every Monday to Thursday inclusive, between December 20 and January 19.

A €20 supplement applies at weekends.

A similar fare is available on their Dublin to Holyhead cruise ferry for an additional €10 supplement. Additional adults pay €25 each way and children travel free.

More details and bookings can be made at www.irishferries.com or by calling 0818 300 400.

AUSTRAVEL offer clients 10 nights in Perth, Western Australia, from €1,655 per person; a deal that includes return flights from Dublin to Perth with Emirates, seven nights in Perth and three days on the South-West Explorer tour of Pemberton and the Margaret River with accommodation and most meals.

At €1,575, the company offers a cheaper package which takes in the north island of New Zealand.

For further details and reservations contact Austravel in Dublin on 01 642 7006. Flights, hotels and visas are available to book online at www.austravel.ie.

IN THE 2007 summer brochure, Airtours claims it is Ireland’s favourite family-tour operator and with free child and infant places and insurance, families can save up to €400 by booking early.

The company cites Fuertaventura, Cyprus and Ibiza as being particularly family friendly.

For information or to book, contact

Airtours on 0818 20 20 20 or log onto www.airtours.ie.

CHRISTMAS should be special this year in Carlow, as Hilton Mount Wolseley Hotel unveils its first ice-rink, in coordination with the lighting of the Christmas lights.

The 250 sq m rink will cost €10 for adults and €7.50 for children for an hour of skating. Advance booking is essential. There are also party nights in the hotel and special events on ice starting from €59.

The rink will run for four weeks until January 7, 2007.

For more information call (059) 91 80 151 or email: [e-mail]