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Displaying items by tag: UK Travel Awards

Irish Ferries has been awarded the title of ‘Best Ferry or Fixed Linked Operator’  for the third consecutive year at the UK Group Leisure and Travel Awards 2021 – a momentous achievement following a challenging year for global travel.

The annual awards ceremony recognises the very best providers, attractions and destinations for groups, as voted for by readers of Group Leisure & Travel. This year’s event took place virtually, and was hosted by British presenter and actress, Julie Peasgood.

Whilst traditionally known for its Irish Sea routes between Holyhead – Dublin Port and Pembroke – Rosslare Europort, Irish Ferries recently extended their network to include Dover – Calais.

In June, Irish Ferries launched their Dover – Calais route, serviced by the trusted ‘Isle of Inishmore’, brings even more choice for customers travelling across the channel. Frequency on this route is soon to be increased with the introduction of a second vessel in the coming months.

Irish Ferries encourages customers and group partners to “Sea Travel Differently” – whether for group tours, business trips, or planning the holiday of a lifetime. The company prides itself on providing high quality hospitality and service, exceptional on-board amenities, first-class facilities for coach drivers, great value sailings, and has a dedicated groups support team and manager to oversee enquiries via email and phone.

Commenting on the award, Marie McCarthy, Passenger Sales Manager UK & Ireland, said “Irish Ferries is proud to have been awarded this title for the third year running, particularly as this succeeds the launch of our new Dover – Calais route, connecting this critical market now to both Europe as well as Ireland.

“Group travel is a very important market for us, for which, over the years, we have built our reputation as a specialist. This award formally recognises our continued efforts to provide our groups customers with a wonderful experience on a first-class fleet, with Irish hospitality at the centre of our offering.

“Group Leisure & Travel has a loyal readership which values the publication’s preferred providers and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure our standard of service remains high. Thank you to all readers who voted for us – we cannot thank you enough!”

Published in Irish Ferries

Irish Sailing

The Irish Sailing Association, also known as Irish Sailing, is the national governing body for sailing, powerboating and windsurfing in Ireland.

Founded in 1945 as the Irish Dinghy Racing Association, it became the Irish Yachting Association in 1964 and the Irish Sailing Association in 1992.

Irish Sailing is a Member National Authority (MNA) of World Sailing and a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland.

The Association is governed by a volunteer board, elected by the member clubs. Policy Groups provide the link with members and stakeholders while advising the Board on specialist areas. There is a professional administration and performance staff, based at the headquarters in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Core functions include the regulation of sailing education, administering racing and selection of Irish sailors for international competition. It is the body recognised by the Olympic Federation of Ireland for nominating Irish qualified sailors to be considered for selection to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games. Irish sailors have medalled twice at the Olympics – David Wilkins and Jamie Wikinson at the 1980 games, and Annalise Murphy at the 2016 games.

The Association, through its network of clubs and centres, offers curriculum-based training in the various sailing, windsurfing and powerboating disciplines. Irish Sailing qualifications are recognised by Irish and European Authorities. Most prominent of these are the Yachtmaster and the International Certificate of Competency.

It runs the annual All-Ireland Championships (formerly the Helmsman’s Championship) for senior and junior sailors.

The Association has been led by leading lights in the sailing and business communities. These include Douglas Heard, Clayton Love Junior, John Burke and Robert Dix.

Close to 100 sailors have represented Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Membership of Irish Sailing is either by direct application or through membership of an affiliated organisation. The annual membership fee ranges from €75 for families, down to €20 for Seniors and Juniors.