THE BRADY family, from Hayes, Middlesex were the lucky winners of the Sealink Prize at the recent London Irish Festival.
Their "prize" was a free return crossing to Ireland for a car and four adults via Sealink's Fishguard to Rosslare, or Holyhead Dun Laoghaire sailings. Son Stephen won the prize for the family.
Pictured left to right are Jim Brady, Miss Sealink Ireland, Michelle Walsh, Stephen, Mrs Teresa Brady and daughter and Jim Kilcoyne, Promotions Assistant, Sealink British Ferries, Irish Ferry Line.
Have you heard of the tumble in prices on the Irish sea routes?
For example there is a new £59 London (Euston) Dublin (Dun Laoghaire) monthly return fare for passengers travelling by rail and sea to Ireland.
Passengers must obtain a free reservation (control) ticket for sailings between Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire. They are issued at time of booking. Children under five travel free; 5-15 years inclusive, travel half price.
This fare is reckoned to be good value for money, and will be particularly attractive to passengers who are unable to make travel arrangements too far in advance.
If you choose to travel on the "St Columba" which has recently returned to service on the Holyhead Dun Laoghaire route you will be travelling on a vessel which has just had a fl million face-lift.
Tony Donegan, the Irish Tourist Board's publicity man in Britain, tells me that the lowest available air fare on offer from Aer Lingus and British Airways is a "Late Saver" return fare of £65.
Aer Lingus, British Airways and Dan Air now offer a "Superapexfare of £69 return London/Dublin and an "Apex" fare of £79 return.
The cheapest high season fare by boat and train from London to Dublin is £59 return by B&I or Sealink.
The coach and boat fare from London/Luton/Birmingham to Dublin is £54 return.
Further details from the Irish Tourist Office, 150, New Bond Street, London WI. Telephone 01-493-3201.