• 25 Mar, 2010
• Business, Nature

Ireland West Airport Knock today, Thursday 25th March 2010, launched two new scheduled services with Ryanair to Leeds-Bradford in the UK and Faro in the Algarve (Portugal). The introduction of these new services now brings to 13 the number of scheduled destinations available at Ireland West Knock and compliments its additional network of 10 European holiday destinations. This latest expansion by Ryanair at Ireland West Knock will bring an additional 75,000+ seats per annum to the Airport this year.  Todays new services were officially launched by ‘The All Ireland Talent Show’ finalist, Olwyn Murray, who is a native of Ballyhaunis, County Mayo.

Welcoming the new services at Ireland West Knock today Maria Macken, Marketing Executive, Ryanair, said “Ryanair is delighted to welcome passengers on board its new service from Ireland West Airport Knock to Faro in Portugal’s Algarve region and Leeds Bradford in Yorkshire. Ryanair will now operate three European routes from the West with the popular Alicante route starting back for the summer season on March 29th.and the forthcoming three times weekly service to Reus-Barcelona which starts on May 4th 2010”

“Ryanair celebrated these new routes and further expansion across its European network by releasing 1m €7 seats for travel in April and May which are available for booking on www.ryanair.com until midnight tonight 25th March. Seats on Ryanair’s new routes from Knock to Faro and Leeds Bradford start from €14.99 and are available for booking on www.ryanair.com until Sunday 28th March.”

Speaking at the launch of the new services, Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport Knock said: “The addition of these two new services from Ireland West Knock is another significant step in the Airport’s development as we expand our schedule services to now include a ninth city destination in the UK and our third scheduled European sun destination. Ryanairs continued growth from Ireland West Knock is further good news for passengers and we are sure the new three times weekly service to Leeds-Bradford will prove hugely popular with both people in our catchment with family and friends living in the Leeds-Bradford area but also with the large Leeds Irish community, the majority of whom trace their roots to the West and North West of Ireland.

Mr Gilmore added “The new four times weekly service to Faro-Algarve service will come as welcomed news to many holiday makers who will now have more flexibility when booking their holidays to self package or to go on shorter breaks to Portugal direct from Ireland West Knock .  With the new recently commenced daily Bus Eireann services to the airport whether you are in Donegal, Longford or Galway, you can now literally leave your home at 10:00am and be lying on a beach in Portugal at 5.00pm!”
Flights from Ireland West Airport Knock to Leeds Bradford Airport will depart on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 15:05pm. For further airport information log onto www.irelandwestairport.com; for information on fares and to book flights log onto www.ryanair.com.

Flights from Ireland West Airport Knock to Faro Airport will depart on Tuesdays at 09:35, on Thursday’s at 12:55pm and starting May 22nd on Saturdays at 17:40pm and will operate a fourth weekly flight on Sundays from 4th July departing Ireland West Knock at 18:55pm. For further airport information log onto www.irelandwestairport.com; for information on fares and to book flights log onto www.ryanair.com.

Supplementary Information

About Faro – The Algarve

Providing easy access into Portugal’s Algarve, Faro is the perfect holiday destination for families and couples alike. With some of the cleanest beaches in Europe, a lively nightlife and cafe culture and plenty of activities for families, the Algarve also offers a number of historical sites to explore
For the active, there are plenty of sporting opportunities, including some of the best golf courses in Europe. Inland, the delightful countryside is a joy to explore, so hire a car and make the most of your surroundings. Silves, the Algarve capital, should come high on your list of sights to see. With its majestic castle and cathedral, it makes for a wonderful day out.

Famous for its climate, the Algarve boasts over 300 sunny days a year and is renowned for its superb hospitality, with visitors enjoying a warm welcome wherever they go. Perfect for all types of holidaymaker, especially families, the Algarve is hard to beat!

About Leeds-Bradford

Situated at the heart of the UK, Leeds-Bradford is perfectly placed for travelling  to and from, and is the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.  Rich local history, world-class sports, fantastic shopping and diverse year-round entertainment are just some of the things that make Leeds such a great place for everyone to enjoy.

Leeds offers unrivalled visitor attractions and experiences, from jousting at the Royal Armouries, to the stunning surroundings of Harewood House and the outstanding collections at Leeds’ many galleries and museums.  Since Harvey Nichols opened a store in Leeds, their first outside London, the city has been dubbed the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’.  Leeds is a shopaholic’s dream – from the elegant Corn Exchange, to the exquisite Victoria Quarter, and the vibrant Kirkgate Market, the city caters for every taste.   Leeds boasts a rich creative heritage. It hosts the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition and the Leeds International Film Festival, and is home to the West Yorkshire Playhouse. It is also the only English city outside London to have its own opera and ballet companies – the internationally acclaimed Opera North and Northern Ballet.

To view pictures from the day click here

 -ENDS-

* fares inclusive of taxes and charges, excluding Ireland West Airport Knock’s €10 Development  Fee charged on departure to adults and children aged 12 years and older.