Tourism Boost expected as New Rail Tours Launched from Shannon Airport

Railtours Ireland First Class, in association with Shannon Airport and Iarnród Éireann, are today launching a new range of hosted rail tours and day excursions for arriving passengers at Shannon Airport.

The new tours, using a combination of train and luxury coaches, will depart daily from Shannon Airport at 8.00am connecting into the extensive Railtours Ireland touring network. Railtours Ireland-First Class offer tours from Shannon ranging from one to eight days in duration. Among the iconic visitor sites and attractions include the Wild Atlantic Way, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, King John’s Castle in Limerick, the Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Galway, Killarney and scenic locations in Northern Ireland.

The tours will cater for the increased passenger traffic at Shannon Airport and have been designed to provide a Car Free Care Free experience.  The airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic with over 1.6 million passengers passing through the airport in 2014, a 17% increase on 2013.

Commenting on the new service Andrew Murphy, Chief Commercial Officer, Shannon Group said: “Transatlantic traffic at Shannon Airport grew by 10% last year and an extra 46,000 seat will be available this year on USA services to Shannon. We are delighted to offer an additional service which provides a hassle free way for our passengers to explore Ireland’s world class visitor sites.”

Announcing the initiative, Mr Jim Deegan, Managing Director of Railtours Ireland First Class said: “Railtours Ireland’s key market is North America and with major airlines; Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines, arriving into Shannon, we believe there is strong potential for generating new customers. Having identified a demand we are delighted to offer tours from Shannon Airport. These tours have been created specifically with the US market in mind and are a great addition to our current portfolio of 41 tour products. We are long supporters of the many visitor attractions of the region and look forward to generating more bed nights for Limerick and additional visitors for Clare, Galway and Kerry.”

The tours will run all year round and can be booked online at railtoursireland.com, advance booking is required.

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About Railtours Ireland First Class:

Railtours Ireland First Class are an Incoming Tour Operator / Destination Management Company based in Dublin which offers an extensive menu of  over 41 fully escorted tours from Dublin to Ireland’s must see visitor attractions. One day tours to nine day tours with a combination of Train and Luxury Coaches. Railtours Ireland carries 25,000 visitors annually and is now entering 18 years of successful operations and experience. Car Free Care Free is the motto!