Sail away to France

BRITTANY Ferries commence the 2009 holiday season with departures from Ringaskiddy in Cork on April 4, running up to October 31.

The company continues to offer the fastest direct ferry crossing from Ireland to France, taking just 14 hours and operating on a weekend schedule with the ultra-modern ship, Pont-Aven.

Those booking Brittany Ferries own package holidays (ferry and accommodation) before March 31 can save up to 15% on travel and 10% on all cottages, gites, villas, apartments and chalet camping rentals, including during school holidays.

For further information, customers should call Cork: 021 427 7801 or visit www.brittanyferries.com

* SELFCATERING.IE has just released its Easter list of villas and self catering accommodation for home and abroad.

Apart from the impressive list of available properties overseas, the company has special offers on a weekly stay at Waterford Castle Lodges for €550, down from €720.

The lodges have three bedrooms, each with their own balcony and patio area, and although the gardens are open plan they have been landscaped to maximise privacy.

Guests at the Waterford Castle Golf Lodges can enjoy free access to the leisure facilities in the Woodlands Hotel situated on the Dunmore Road.

SelfCatering.ie also offer a discount on the Clifden Cottages in Connemara, down from €420 to €350 per week.

Visit www.SelfCatering.ie for information on these and other breaks available.

* THE French Holiday Centre (a division of Cork-based Shandon Travel) has teamed up with camping specialist Vacansoleil to offer new products for 2009.

The 452-page brochure offers a huge range of choice with campsites in over 319 parks across 15 European countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Belgium, Croatia, and Germany.

Clients can save up to 40% on 2008 prices and special offers outside of the July 4 to August 22 period are also available.

Visit www.vacansoleil.ie or call 021 427 2527 for more details.

* IRISH Ferries will throw in a free return trip to Britain for two passengers with car for those making a return trip to France on the new Oscar Wilde ferry between June 1 and August 31 next.

Details from www.irishferries.ie