Arthur's Blog: A New $899 Bargain Package on Sale to an Ireland That's Frantic for Tourism

I've mentioned previously the likelihood that both airfares and air-and-land packages to Ireland will be available this fall and winter at unprecedented bargain rates. Few countries have suffered more from the current European economic crisis than Ireland, and Ireland is therefore determined to enjoy the economic benefits of increased tourism. To the air-and-land packages earlier announced by Irish tour operators BMIT.com and SceptreTours.com, you can now add an $899 wonder from AerLingusVacationStore.com. It needs to be booked by September 17 (but that buy-by date will undoubtedly be extended).

On selected days starting in November and continuing through February of 2013, and from $899 per person, they will fly you round-trip between New York and Dublin (and for $100 more from Boston, $150 more from Chicago), supply you with a self-drive, manual-transmission car for a week with unlimited mileage, and put you up at several of the most famous Irish castle hotels for six nights. You'll drive a suggested motoring itinerary through Ireland as you stay for one night in Dumboyne Castle (a 4-star hotel) in Meath, 2 nights in Kilronan Castle (5 stars) in Roscommon, 2 nights in Dromeland Castle (5 stars) in Clare, and 1 night in Fitzpatrick Castle (4 stars) in Dublin. From the solid, 4-and-5-star quality of each of your hotels, you'll see that this is quite a luxurious travel arrangement.

You can add two nights more at another castle hotel for $200 more (which includes an extended car rental), and the tour operator points out that all government taxes and fees are included in the price. But if you make your reservation over the phone (to 800/495-1632) rather than online, you'll pay $25 more.

Before you book, you'll want to compare the somewhat similar packages offered to Ireland by BMIT.com and SceptreTours.com, paying no attention to the booking deadline dates -- you can bet your life that each tour operator will be encouraging further bookings at almost any time in the weeks ahead.