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Low prices make Emerald Isle a gem of a destination

27th May 2011 Print

The Queen’s visit and lower hotel prices in Ireland have led to a wave of Britons searching for trips to the Emerald Isle, says Hotels.com.
 
So far in May, in the run up to and following the Queen’s visit, searches on the Hotels.com UK site have risen by 69% for Dublin, 74% for Cork, 191% for Kildare and 80% for Tipperary, compared to the same period the year before.
 
The country also boasts the cheapest hotel rooms in western Europe after a 4% fall to a £69 average last year, according to the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index. In addition, the report found Ireland had the sixth cheapest hotels out of 44 countries surveyed,

The average cost of a room in Dublin dropped 7% in 2010 to £68 and the annual survey says the capital is also one of the 15 best value cities for high-end accommodation in the world with four-star hotels at just £73 and five-star at £130, £82 a night cheaper than London.
 
The HPI, compiled from bookings made through Hotels.com at 130,000 hotels around the world, revealed Irish hotel room rates had bucked the global 2% increase and were at the same level as 2004.

Seamus MacCormaic, director of market management UK & Ireland at Hotels.com, said: “There is no doubt about it that Ireland currently offers excellent value to visitors and the high profile visits of the Queen and President Obama have led to a boost in interest for the destination.
 
“Average hotel prices in Ireland are now the cheapest in western Europe and we expect to see them remain at this level for some time. Ireland has so much to offer visitors, especially from Britain. It is easy and good value to get to, has stunning scenery, great food and drink, a fascinating history and a friendly welcome.”
 
The appeal of Ireland could be boosted further after the Government cut its VAT rate for the tourism industry from 13.5% to 9% to stimulate its economy, a move which should keep hotel prices low for visitors. A new arrangement with the UK also means that overseas visitors to the UK will be allowed to enter Ireland without a separate visa.
 
For more information, visit: hotels.com