Irish Ferries has pledged its support for the Irish Government’s ‘The Gathering’ initiative by rolling out its own ‘green carpet’ to attract overseas visitors from Britain to Ireland this year. The total package is valued at €60,000 and is the first of a number of initiatives to be rolled out by the ferry company.
First of the support packages being launched is the announcement that 100 free return coach spaces are being set aside on its cruise ferry services from Holyhead to Dublin and Pembroke to Rosslare, all for the purpose of supporting groups wishing to attend ‘The Gathering’ events.
The offer promises free return carriage to Ireland for groups travelling with coaches – from small mini buses to vehicles with seating for up to 30 passengers. With free coach spaces on offer for travel every week, spread across the full 12 months, this could mean free transport to Ireland for up to 3,000 extra tourists.
Groups wishing to apply for the free transport should visit www.irishferries.com/thegathering for more details and make an application by email to [email protected].
Dermot Merrigan, Head of Passenger Sales, said: “This allocation of 100 free return coach spaces is the first shot in what we intend will be a number of ‘green carpet’ offers that we will roll out between now and year end.
“As Ireland’s national sea carrier, we plan to play our part in attracting groups from our biggest overseas tourism market – Britain – and ensure that tourism providers around the country benefit to the greatest extent possible from the Government’s plan.”
