A Chara, - As a frequent commuter on Ryanair's efficient Dublin/Beauvais service I cannot help but notice the increasing number of French accents among my fellow passengers. These passengers seem to be a mix of both sexes and to span many age groups. Could it be that Dublin is now becoming a fashionable and affordable weekend destination for Parisians, or are these passengers simply being poached from other airlines?
The popular perception among French people is that, although Ireland is a very attractive destination, it is expensive, both to get there and to holiday there. I am happy to have exploded this myth with at least eight of my work friends who have taken advantage of Ryanair's competitive prices and have spent time in Ireland.
As someone who works in sales/ marketing, I appreciate the importance of the concept of brand image and applaud Bord Failte for their continuing hard work in spite of political difficulties, but they may thank their lucky stars that low cost airlines are giving a significant helping hand through a concrete value for money proposition, which will, I hope, be taken advantage of by many more French travellers in the future.
I have no connections whatsoever with the tourist or aviation industries. - Le meas, Conor Dillon,
Rue Lauriston, 75116 Paris, France.