Take in some local culture on Ireland ferry breaks

Travellers taking ferries to Ireland this year can ensure they make the most of their break by talking to local people, according to the national tourist board.

According to a new Lonely Planet guide to Ireland, the destination has undergone some changes recently, becoming more cosmopolitan and similar to many other European countries.

However, Tourism Ireland claimed that visitors can experience some of the warmth and charm that makes the country unique by making the effort to meet local people.

A spokeswoman for the tourist board said: "We always encourage people to stop and ask the locals, they're experts. It's like any city really, if you go into a city and you do tourist things, that's what you expect.

"Get off the beaten track and ask local people where they think you should go and restaurants that they recommend."

The spokeswoman identified a number of events that offer the chance for visitors to experience Irish culture, such as the Puck Fair in August.

People planning a trip to Ireland can travel on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry route, which is served by Irish Ferries and Stena Line, or take ferries to Dublin from Liverpool with Norfolkline Irish Sea or P&O Ferries.

Irish Ferries and Stena Line also offer Rosslare ferry services from Pembroke and Fishguard respectively.

Posted by Andrew Smith

Holyhead - Dun Laoghaire

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

Travelling on:

01/04/2012 - 02/04/2012

£32

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Liverpool - Dublin

Car + 2 Return

Travelling on:

15/05/2012 - 23/05/2012

£157

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Liverpool - Dublin

Car + 4 Return

Travelling on:

27/04/2012 - 29/04/2012

£236

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* Prices are "from prices" and are indicative only

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