Ireland may be known as the land of youth, but this summer it is aiming to be the land of seniors. To urge more seniors over age 66 to head to the Emerald Isle this summer, Tourism Ireland has launched a new program, Silver Surfers Summer Savings (www.discoverireland.com/us/campaigns/silver-surfers), which describes over 500 special money-saving offers for senior travelers, valid for reduced prices at lodgings and self-catering facilities, and 2-for-1 admissions at attractions, golf courses, greyhound and horse racing tracks, restaurants, evening entertainment, and more.  To avail of the price reductions, seniors are provided with a Silver Surfers Pass to present at each participating property.

The offers, available in peak summer months of July and August, start in Dublin, with hotels offering two nights B&B and one dinner for €95 ($114) or €110 ($132) per person sharing on weekends; or €115 ($138) per person for three nights B&B and one dinner mid week, and no single supplements.

B&Bs and Guesthouses in Dublin have also agreed on a flat rate of €32 ($38) per person per night throughout these two summer months.

Two-admissions-for-the-price-of-one (a 50% discount for two people) are also available for evening entertainment, attractions, guided tours, golf courses, and greyhound races.

The same prices for hotel accommodations, B&Bs and guesthouses, along with 2-for-1 admissions, are available throughout the Irish countryside, with selections grouped into sections on the East, West and Lakelands. 

Reduced rates are also available in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland - with hotels offering two nights B&B and one dinner for £85 ($127.50) or £95 ($142.50) per person sharing on weekends ;or £105 ($157.50) per person for three nights B&B and one dinner mid week, and no single supplements. B&Bs and Guesthouses in Northern Ireland are also offering a set rate of £28 ($42) per person for the summer months.

Visitors over age 66 don’t need to be travelling with another person over the age of 66 to take advantage of these great offers. The 2-for-1 and reduced rate accommodation offers require only one person who qualifies as a Silver Surfers between two people. The Summer Savings are only valid until August 31st.

This new Silver Surfers promotion has been launched on the heels of the new Golden Trekker rail passes which provide free retail travel throughout the Republic of Ireland for visiting seniors aged 66 and over, until December 31; as well as the new Golden Trekker – Northern Ireland Smartcards which entitle visiting seniors to free travel between July 1 and September 30.

For more information about the Silver Surfers Pass or the Golden Trekker Passes, contact Tourism Ireland at 1-800- SHAMROCK or click to www.discoverireland.com/us/campaigns/silver-surfers
www.discoverireland.com/us/ireland-plan-your-visit/facts/golden-trekker
www.discoverireland.com/us/campaigns/golden-trekker/northern-ireland

Patricia (Pat) Preston has written 23 travel books (15 about Ireland).  Her latest book, Ireland Travel 101 (http://www.IrelandTravel101.com) won 1st Place in the Travel Guide category of the North American Travel Journalists Association annual competition this year. Visit Pat’s web site (http://www.IrelandExpert.com).