As summer comes to a close the August Bank Holiday in Britain brings a welcome influx of visitors to Ireland.
In spite of travel difficulties caused by the blockade of ports in France by French fishermen, over 45,000 tourists are expected to visit Ireland from Britain during the British August Bank Holiday weekend. Over the three day period, more than 35,000 are to arrive by ferry and 10,000 through airports.
For many British holidaymakers, the bank holiday weekend is a last chance for a summer break. Visitors arriving at a busy Dublin Airport are welcomed by sunshine and warm temperatures.
The British and Irish Steam Packet Company (B&I) expects to carry 30,000 passengers and 8,000 cars on their three ferries and the Jetfoil service over the weekend. This will amount to 15,000 passengers and 4,000 cars arriving into Ireland.
Another 12,300 passengers and 3,700 cars will use the Dublin to Liverpool route. A total of 8,350 passengers and 2,400 cars will be ferried on the Cork to Pembroke route. The Rosslare to Pembroke route will carry 6,000 passengers and 2,000 cars.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 23 August 1980. The footage shown here is mute.
