In response to the end of duty free the four ferry companies have reduced their prices on Irish Sea crossings. Irish Ferries's Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Pembroke, five-day return fares are reduced to £159 plus tax on the cruise ferry and £199 on the new Dublin Swift. Fares for the Stena Line from Dublin Port to Holyhead £199, Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead on the HSS £199 and Rosslare to Fishguard are also £199 plus tax. All above include car and four passengers.
Merchant Ferries have reduced their Dublin to Liverpool fare to £190 on the morning sailing and £250 plus tax on the evening sailing, for a car and up to four passengers. Superseacat fast service to Liverpool have reduced their prices to £145 one-way for a car and four passengers. The Superseacat now departs from the south side of the river close to the East Link Bridge.
American Holidays and Aer Lingus have combined to introduce to the Irish market terrific holidays to Los Angeles and southern California, thanks to Aer Lingus's new Los Angeles direct service. Over the winter period we will be able to boast of having weekended in LA. A three-night stay in LA will cost from £485 in October and from £445 from November to March. Travelling on to San Francisco will cost you from £635.
A stay in Los Vegas at the Circus Circus Hotel will cost £545. San Diego with its unique atmosphere of history will cost £639 for a three-night stay. Family package holidays to Disneyland, Anaheim are an alternative to Florida. Also available are 15-day coach tours of the Golden West, from £1159 and fly-drive holidays with well-planned itineraries. While you are in California you can also take a cruise with Royal Caribbean down to Ensenada or to Catalina Island. Brochures available from your local travel agent or (01) 6798800.
An equestrian holiday is one that you can take all year round, and we are lucky in Ireland to have such a selection of establishments. If you are interested in taking this type of holiday then you should get a copy of the Equestrian Holidays booklet from Bord Failte offices or from Whispering Pines, Crosshaven, Co Cork, (021) 831950. The range of holidays includes, beginners, novice, post to post trail riding, children's instruction, showjumping, dressage, hunting and polocrosse.
Here's one way to see London with a difference. The Skyline Millennium, a tethered balloon ride, takes people for a 15- minute flight 400 ft above the capital. It is situated near the southern end of Tower Bridge. Bookings can be made by telephonin g (00 44 20) 7378 8252.
It's never too late to visit Jersey according to Jersey Tourism. There is some availability to travel to this unusual island for the Autumn. Jersey with its milder climate, activities, attractions and distinctive French influence is reassuringly familiar. On Jersey there is always a wide range of things to do and see. Details can be got from Jersey Tourism on callsave 1850 537 739.
Did you go camping this year for your holidays? How did the tent survive? If you need any repairs to tents, or sleeping bags, O'Meara Camping Centres can help out. You can contact them in Dublin on (01) 6708639 or in Limerick (061) 326233.