January flight sales now on

IT’S a good time of the year to pick up on what the airlines are offering in the January sales – many of them have sale offers for bookings made by January 18.

Amongst them are Aer Lingus on flights from Dublin, Shannon and Cork and bmi from Dublin.

Aer Lingus, for instance, is offering European one way flights from €29.99 including taxes and charges and from €189 one way to New York and Boston, if you are willing to be flexible on which days you travel.

An online check revealed that there are still a number of available dates for the low fares on virtually all routes advertised by the Irish airline for travel up to and including March 24. Check them out at www.aerlingus.com.

Meanwhile, customers can take advantage of bmi low fares to a number of destinations valid for travel until June 15.

Bmi offers flights from Dublin to London from €34 one way, and return fares (via London) to Moscow from €259, Amman from €369, Delhi from €455 and Sao Paulo from €549.

Bookings can be made at flybmi.com.

- THE Christmas holidays are only just over, but eagle eyed hoteliers are on the prowl for more business and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Powerscourt, Co Wicklow, are fast out of the blocks in trying to drum up business for Valentines Day.

The hotel offers three packages geared to entice romantics to the hotel; there is a choice of one or two night stays at the hotel and of a dinner or lunch on Valentine’s Day. The three packages are individually priced at €325, €365 and €690 per couple. Details from www.ritzcarlton.com; or 01-2748888; or [e-mail].

- IRISH Ferries has introduced what it describes as a “cut-to-the-bone” €47 charge on a specific holiday this year. The company says the low tariff is being charged per adult, per night, based on two adults and up to four children sharing a superior six berth caravan on a seven-night, self-catering stay at the Haven Holiday resort of Hafan Y Mor in North Wales.

Departing June 26, the price includes return Irish Ferries crossings for car and passengers. Other Haven Holiday offers include an extra-low booking deposit of just €50 for those who book before February 27. For information and reservations, call 0818-300400.

- CELTIC Link Ferries have introduced the MV Norman Voyager on its new Rosslare to Cherbourg route. The ship will act as both a passenger and freight link between Ireland and the north of France and boasts modern facilities such as a 35-seat cinema, a bar and restaurant on the ship. The service runs from Rosslare every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and from Cherbourg every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Current fares run at €89 (single) for a car and driver. Details from celticlinkferries.com.