Grand UK gears up for The Gathering
3rd January 2013
Grand UK Holidays has added four new holidays to Ireland for summer 2013, as it expects a boost to Irish tourism with ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’.
The Gathering will be the biggest and most ambitious Irish tourism-led event ever held, and sees the country welcome Connemara, Ireland of Dreams the world to celebrate all that is great about Ireland.
Harold Burke, sales director at over-55s specialist Grand UK Holidays, said: “Ireland is always a popular destination for our customers, as it offers great scenery, warm hospitality and a wealth of attractions steeped in history and culture that ensure visitors return time and time again.
“We feature ten tours to Ireland, with four new escorted holidays included for 2013, to cater for those customers who are always on the lookout for fresh itineraries.
“Our ever-popular tours to destinations such as Cork and Kerry also continue to sell well.”
He added: “A major aspect of the Gathering is the invitation to everyone with Irish ancestry – an estimated 70m people worldwide – to visit during 2013.
“We’re finding the Gathering is popular with groups too, such as family history societies, which might want to travel on group tours in 2013, or indeed any group that likes a good time!
“The Gathering also means there will be even more of the ‘craic’ that Ireland is famous for, with festivals and events in every village, town and city.”
Harold also highlighted Derry-Londonderry's UK City of Culture year, which sees the city offering music, dance and sporting events throughout 2013.
“We’re experiencing a boost in interest for Irish holidays in 2013 so we’ve been doing our homework on the top touring routes and key destinations in Ireland,” he added.
“If anyone needs any help or advice about booking tours, we’re able to help with a range of suggestions, activities and tips – for example, there is a dedicated section on The Gathering website about family history which might be useful.”
New Ireland tours from Grand UK Holidays for Summer 2013:
Connemara, Ireland of Dreams (pictured)
8-day escorted tours by coach
Tour Highlights: Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, Cong, the ‘Quiet Man’ village, Galway, Optional Excursion to the Aran Islands
Based in Clifden Station House, a hotel which used to be railway buildings and still houses old railway memorabilia.
Departure dates June-September, cost is £499pp for half-board accommodation and travel.
Irish Spectacular & Coastlines of County Cork
8-day escorted tours by coach
Tour Highlights: Bantry Bay, West Cork coast, Gardens of Glengarriff, Kinsale, Beara Peninsula, Baltimore, Roaringwater Bay, Bantry Bay, Skibbereen
Based in Celtic Ross Hotel in the town of Rosscarbery, overlooking the inlet waters of Rosscarbery Bay and Galley Head
Departure dates June-September. Cost is £499pp for half-board accommodation and travel.
The Kerry Cracker!
7 & 8-day escorted tours by coach
Tour Highlights: Tralee, Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Ballybunion.
Based in the Earl of Desmond Hotel, set in 22 acres of grounds.
Departures April-Oct. From £369pp.
Ireland’s Northern Treasures
8-day escorted tours by coach
Tour Highlights: Belfast and the Titanic Experience, the Mountains of Mourne, Newcastle, Downpatrick, Lakelands of Fermanagh, Enniskillen, Lough Erne
Based at the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan
Departures June-Sept. £499pp.
Also, 2013 sees the return of popular tours to Ireland including: Wexford Riverdance, Killarney and the Ring of Kerry, Irish Jig, Donegal Discovery, A Gaelic Jaunt, and the Grand Irish Rover.
To see the range of holidays in Ireland on our website, click here.
For bookings, call 01603 619933 or see www.grandukholidays.com
