Walshe returns

THIS week there was a welcome back into the mainstream of the Irish travel trade for former Budget Holidays executive Clem Walshe, appointed to head up LowCostHolidays.ie.

The new holiday site, a branch of the Low Cost Travel Group (UK) is open for business to Irish customers, and is powered by a website that features state-of-the-art technology which has thrived on quick responses.

Crucially, the company is fully bonded and licensed by the Commission for Aviation in Ireland. The operation features a huge range of low cost, flexible holiday options, and for those without access to the internet there is a dedicated call centre number for Irish customers.

Mr Walshe, Budget’s former highly respected head of marketing, has been appointed Irish managing director, a significant coup for the company.

Search and book facilities deliver up to 700 results in seconds, the fastest in the travel industry, according to the new boss, and over 120,000 highly competitive properties throughout the world are featured on the website.

LowCostHolidays.ie claims to have secured the very best of competitive flight seat rates with many of the major airlines and tour operators flying from Ireland. Call 01- 4853835

* CELEBRITY Cruises’ offer significant savings on 2011 bookings made before February 28 next.

On selected sailings, the company has slashed up to €550 per stateroom and further offers include free upgrades on Solstice class ships based in Europe — the Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse and the new Celebrity Silhouette.

For instance, a six night Mediterranean fly/cruise on Celebrity Solstice starts from €1,216 per person based on interior stateroom accommodation. The cruise departs from Barcelona on August 6 and calls at Tunis, Tunisia, Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), before finishing in Cannes and Monte Carlo. Fly/cruise price includes meals and entertainment onboard, return flights from Dublin, transfers and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk or consult any local travel agent.

* THE Castlemartyr Resort in East Cork has announced special packages for January and February, with prices cut significantly.

The five-star luxury hotel offers a two night deluxe suite accommodation deal with full Irish breakfast each morning and one dinner from €245 per person.

Included is an afternoon tea package and a €100 voucher for future stays. The deal is valid up to February 27, but not Valentine’s weekend.

A similar type deal is available for a one night stay (from €150 per person). Log on to www.dromolandcollection.ie or by telephone at 021 4219000.