Welcome to the February Edition of Ireland News

Abbey Tours Launches New Website

We have just launched our new web site www.abbeytours.ie, please visit it to learn more about Abbey Tours! The site contains comprehensive information on Abbey Tours, our products and services as well an introduction to our management team and staff.

New President of the Irish Tour Operators Association

At the recent annual meeting of the Irish Tour Operators Association, Jane Magnier, Director of Abbey Tours, was elected as President of the Association for a 2 year term.

Pictured at the event in the Killarney Park Hotel are (L to R) Richard Bourke, Chairman ITIC, Jane Magnier, President ITOA, Janet Treacy, Killarney Park Hotel

Abbey Tours New Online Booking Service

In March 2008 Abbey Tours will launch a new online booking service for the Travel Trade. We will have over 250 hotels throughout Ireland to choose from, from basic well priced budget accommodation to 2, 3,4 and 5 star hotels. In addition to our hotel services we will also be offering a wide range of Fly-Drive Package Tours, Escorted Coach Tours, Rail Tours, Transfers & a host of sightseeing option. Abbey Tours online site will be strictly Travel Trade only and will enable our partners to book their FIT clients with us, with immediate confirmation of all services and the best prices available in Ireland.

For further information contact individualtravel@abbey.ie.

Capella, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork

Capella Castlemartyr is now one of Ireland's very finest hotels and resorts. This new complex consists of a 17th century manor house situated beside the ruins of 1,000 year old castle, with 109 luxury guest rooms. Fine dining is available in the Bell Tower while guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the beautiful Garden Room.  Capella Castlemartyr is aimed at the very top market, the resort's extensive facilities include state of the art Health & Leisure services and a championship quality inland links golf course.  Guests are encouraged to take a carriage tour of the 220 acre estate. Ideal spot for Incentive Parties, Business Meetings, small Conferences and non price conscious leisure travelers.

Jurys & The Berkeley Court in Dublin - Reopen

Good news on these two famous Dublin Hotels. They have now reopened, under the management of John Brennan GM Park Hotel. This surprise announcement is very welcome and will make an extra 600 bedrooms available in the Dublin Market. The former Jurys Hotel, Jurys Towers and Berkley Court Hotels will now trade under the names of The Ballsbridge Inn, The Ballsbridge Towers and the Ballsbridge Court respectively.

The Group will be collectively known as D4 Hotels. 

Comfort Inn, Dublin

The latest Comfort Inn at Granby Row in Dublin opened in 2007. The hotel is in the 3 star category and centrally located just a short walk from O' Connell Street, and maximum 15 minutes from Temple Bar. With 101 bedrooms the Comfort Inn is a very suitable property for touring groups and individual travelers.

Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Dublin

The latest addition to the Dublin Hotel scene is the new Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, located at Newlands Cross on the Naas Road. This is quite a large development with 190 rooms and  20 meeting rooms catering for 2 to 250 people. It's a modern contemporary style property with design and facilities at a 4 star level.

Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

One of Dublin's oldest and best known hotels, the Royal Marine has undergone extensive redevelopment and is now reopened for business. The Royal Marine is now one of Dublin's largest 4 star hotels, with a total of 228 rooms, a choice of 14 different meeting rooms, and a selection of leisure facilities. Overlooking Dublin Bay, this historic hotel is suitable for Conferences, Business Meetings, and Leisure Group business.

Lisloughrey Lodge, Cong, Co. Mayo

Situated close to Galway and Connemara Lisloughrey Lodge is a fine Country House Hotel, with a touch of modern luxury. The hotel is set in a beautiful location, overlooking Lough Corrib and surrounded by mature woodlands. The Lodge has 50 bedrooms, a fine dining restaurant Salt, and Pampering, which offers a choice of health and leisure facilities. Approximately an hours drive from Galway, this is an ideal location for a based stay and for touring Connemara. A perfect base for touring Connemara.

Fels Point Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Fels Point is a major hotel development in Tralee Co. Kerry, new and modern in style, this is a 4 Star property with 166 bedrooms. Located within a short walk of Tralee town the hotel has excellent facilities for guests including Spirit, a Health & Leisure Complex, a choice of meeting rooms, Morels Restaurant and for more informal dining Clarets Bar. Tralee is an ideal base for touring Dingle, Killarney and the Ring of Kerry.

Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Co. Leitrim

Once the home of Lord Leitrim this is a small deluxe castle property set in a beautiful location on the shores of Lough Rynn, and surrounded by 300 acres of beautiful countryside. The atmosphere in the castle is that of old world elegance and luxury, the property is small to medium in size with just 52 bedrooms. Facilities include top class Spa and Leisure Facilities, and a Nick Faldo designed Golf Course. Ideal for Business Meetings, smaller Incentives Groups and the Individual Traveler.

Planning Programmes for 2008 ?

Discover an exciting range of visitor attractions, activities and hotels in the counties of Armagh & Down. As well as offering spectacular scenery and activity options, these counties are rich in heritage and culture with world famous gardens and a host of castles, abbeys and monastic settlements. Contact info@abbey.ie for sample programmes

New Appointments in Abbey Tours

Mark Browne - Group Operations Manager

Mark, who is from Tipperary, has joined Abbey Tours after 11 years with CIE Tours International. He will head our Group Operations Department, providing all essential service for our group programmes.

Miriam Roche- Sales & Marketing Manager

Miriam has joined Abbey Tours from Heritage Island, where she was Marketing Executive. She is taking up the position of Sales & Marketing Manager, with responsibility for our promotional activities and trade relations.