Ireland
By Bob Enzel

Tourism Ireland is promoting a 2013 year-long series of festivals and events that will take place. Direct flights are already in place from the U.S. to Belfast, Dublin and Shannon. 'Jump into Ireland' is the theme and they have lined up a stellar selection of partners. Here's a few that recently visited the U.S. to promote Ireland in 2013:

Isle Inn Tours... They will do customized FIT packages...from luxury chauffeur-driven tours to escorted packages to B&B arrangements. "A boutique company specializing in unique and memorable vacations". www.isleinntours.com/

B&B Ireland... They market 900 Irish Tourist Board properties throughout Ireland's villages and major cities and the Irish Countryside. Knowledgeable hosts offer comfortable hospitality. www.bandbireland.com/

Causeway Coast & Glens Tourism... A Regional Tourism Partnership for Northern Ireland. "The Causeway Coast and Glens' features the Bushmills Distillery; the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge and the UNESCO World Heritage site at the Giant's Causeway. Walks, and the Irish Open Royal Portrush course. www.causewaycoastandglens.com/

The Lodge at Doonbeg... This eminent lodge sits on "a sheltered corner of Ireland's south west coast" in scenic Clare county. Greg Norman designed the links course that spans the beach and dunes of Doughmore Bay. Many attractions dot the coastline and the grand Cliffs of Moher and Baltard. Fine dining and lots of activates. www.doonbeglodge.com/

Manor House Hotels & Irish Country Hotels... Historic hotels and castle hotels are independently owned and offer a variety of activities depending on the location. Manor House Hotels and Irish Country Hotels dot the entire country giving the visitor lots of choices, such as, Lough Rynn Castle in central Ireland or Dunraven Arms Hotel in Limerick. www.manorhousehotels.com/ and www.Irishcountryhotels.com/

Lough Eske Castle... This Solis Hotel & Spa is located in Northern Ireland a short drive from Derry. It is a 17th century castle situated in the woodlands of County Donegal. A wonderful location for weddings and family celebrations. Fish, sightsee" Europe's tallest cliff face or maybe learn how to "pour the perfect pint of
Guinness". www.solishotels.com/lougheskecastle

Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau... "The Walled city of Derry-Londonderry was recently named as the first ever UK City of Culture". A varied range of attractions, spectacular landscapes, golden beaches and "some of the best links golf courses in Ireland". The city wall--over a mile in circumference, 26 feet high and 50 feet wide in places--was constructed in 1618. www.derryvisitor.com/

Brewer's House... This is the place to have a pint or glass of wine in the picturesque village of Donaghmore, near the town of Dungannon and not that far from Belfast. A family Sunday lunch or a romantic meal for two in one of the oldest pubs in Ulster will help you relax after a day of sightseeing. www.thebrewershouse.com/

Park Hotel Kenmare... "A premier five star hotel situated on the Ring of Kerry overlooking the Atlantic Ocean". Only 47 rooms and suites gives you almost personal privacy to enjoy the acclaimed SAMAS Spa and pool and/or enjoy the 18 hole Kenmare Golf Club that adjoins the property. www.parkkenmare.com/

CIE Tours... A good way to see Ireland is to take a "coach tour' which offers 40 itineraries to chose from. You may also do a self-drive tour or be driven by a chauffeur on your vacation. In business for 80 years this company can do it all. www.cietours.com/

Lynott Tours... This company does chauffeur-driven-tours, customized tours and small group tours. They'll assist you find your own path "with go-as-you-please vouchers from "hidden off-the-beaten path" places. They offer a choice escorted tours 7 to 13 days in length. www.lynottours.com/

Ireland's West Coast... Fly into Shannon Airport on a variety of carriers, plus two new routes from Philadelphia via US Airways and United Airlines between May and September and from Chicago, June to August. Visit Killarney National Park, The Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher or play on a variety of golf courses. www.Ireland.com/


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