CORK - 5
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But I think that the reality is that a lot of that is now perception rather than reality.
I will grant that we lack mid-range dining options. The chains that you find in the UK - Ask, Giraffe, Strada etc. - are just not present in Ireland and that does make eating out expensive. It's also true that eating out is the one are we are not competitive with the UK. However, we are similarly priced compared to Holland, Belgium, Germany etc and alot of the difference comes from the UK's decision to collapse its currency a couple of years ago - a decsion that is now sees the UK RPI hovering around the 5% mark (i.e. converging back towards the norm after a currency instigated drop).
A lot of transport comes down to being used to how to get the best out of the system. I tend to think of UK train prices as scandalously high, but my sister, who lives there assures me that if you book in advance on the right websites that it can come down. Same in Ireland. A walk-up single might leave you gasping for breath, but book online and you'll to Dublin-Cork for E12.
I think the paucity of the transport network, especially along the tourist areas on the west coast is probably a far greater factor in keeping tourists away.
Attractions? £20 for the Tower of London. £14 Kew Gardens. Moving out of London, £11 for Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, £9 Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire, £26 Longleat Safari Park. I'm not sure the E10 for Blarney Castle, E13.50 for Midleton Distillery or E14 for Fota are that bad in comparison to UK attractions really.
I really do think that with the exception of eating, we aren't the bad value we make ourselves out to be and if anything if we keep going on about it, we risk creating the perception of it. As a tourist destination, we're not Spain and there's no point even trying to compete with Spain and I think if we focus on price, we might be ignoring the real factors that keep people away.
I will grant that we lack mid-range dining options. The chains that you find in the UK - Ask, Giraffe, Strada etc. - are just not present in Ireland and that does make eating out expensive. It's also true that eating out is the one are we are not competitive with the UK. However, we are similarly priced compared to Holland, Belgium, Germany etc and alot of the difference comes from the UK's decision to collapse its currency a couple of years ago - a decsion that is now sees the UK RPI hovering around the 5% mark (i.e. converging back towards the norm after a currency instigated drop).
A lot of transport comes down to being used to how to get the best out of the system. I tend to think of UK train prices as scandalously high, but my sister, who lives there assures me that if you book in advance on the right websites that it can come down. Same in Ireland. A walk-up single might leave you gasping for breath, but book online and you'll to Dublin-Cork for E12.
I think the paucity of the transport network, especially along the tourist areas on the west coast is probably a far greater factor in keeping tourists away.
Attractions? £20 for the Tower of London. £14 Kew Gardens. Moving out of London, £11 for Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, £9 Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire, £26 Longleat Safari Park. I'm not sure the E10 for Blarney Castle, E13.50 for Midleton Distillery or E14 for Fota are that bad in comparison to UK attractions really.
I really do think that with the exception of eating, we aren't the bad value we make ourselves out to be and if anything if we keep going on about it, we risk creating the perception of it. As a tourist destination, we're not Spain and there's no point even trying to compete with Spain and I think if we focus on price, we might be ignoring the real factors that keep people away.
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" E10 for Blarney Castle, E13.50 for Midleton Distillery or E14 for Fota"
Its pretty expensive for what you get at any of those places to be fair.I think there is starting to be some good value in restaurants(lots of early bird mnenus, good food reasonably priced) and hotel prices but there is still a lot of expense holidaying in Ireland. Pubs are a rip off and some of the "attractions" are way overpriced imo
Its pretty expensive for what you get at any of those places to be fair.I think there is starting to be some good value in restaurants(lots of early bird mnenus, good food reasonably priced) and hotel prices but there is still a lot of expense holidaying in Ireland. Pubs are a rip off and some of the "attractions" are way overpriced imo
Join Date: Apr 2004
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It's true that most people prefer Sun Holidays to City Breaks and trips to Cultural Centres of Europe. However I still think that there is far too much capacity from Cork to Spain, Portrugal and the Canaries.
Even at the peak of the boom we didn't have Ryanair, Aerlingus and Charter Airlines competing for business on this scale.
We now have travel agents virtually throwing holidays at people in an effort to fill the package tours.
I'd say this could be ultimatly damaging to Cork. Already the Air Europa Charter to Las Palmas has ceased and in general Charter flights are much later getting started this season.
There are still people interested in leaving their bucket and spade at home but they are travelling to Dublin because of the lack of choice from Cork particularly in the Winter.
Even at the peak of the boom we didn't have Ryanair, Aerlingus and Charter Airlines competing for business on this scale.
We now have travel agents virtually throwing holidays at people in an effort to fill the package tours.
I'd say this could be ultimatly damaging to Cork. Already the Air Europa Charter to Las Palmas has ceased and in general Charter flights are much later getting started this season.
There are still people interested in leaving their bucket and spade at home but they are travelling to Dublin because of the lack of choice from Cork particularly in the Winter.
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It's true that most people prefer Sun Holidays to City Breaks and trips to Cultural Centres of Europe. However I still think that there is far too much capacity from Cork to Spain, Portrugal and the Canaries.
Personally I would perfer Aer Lingus and Wizz Air expand at Cork before Ryanair.
I would like to see Wizz add Budapest or Prague if not both and Aer Lingus to resume flights to Berlin, Barcelona year round and possibly another central european route.
Have the CAA not approched Wizz about adding one or two more routes.
Also juist at Wizz Air are releasing winter flights thery seen to be having some ORK flights targeted at weekend travel, with slightly better departure times on some routes which is good.
Gdansk - Thu & Sun - depart ORK 12:40
Katowice - Tues, Thur & Sat - depart ORK 20:40
Poznan - Thu & Sun - depart ORK 22:45
Warsaw - Thu & Sun - depart ORK 08:30
Others yet to be relased.
Also what are loads like on the Vilnius flights?
TFS with Aer Lingus is down 1 weekly this winter.
Last edited by Jamie2k9; 14th May 2011 at 00:33.
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Paris Beauvais and Brussells Cherleroi are probably no brainers if Ryanair want to expand at Cork. Milan on a year round basis is also workable as the Ski traffic in winter would help to fill the off season void.
Join Date: Dec 2010
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Incident at Cork Airport
Just finished my shift now, sereal seens at Cork Airport this evening, man hijacked jeep in city slashed a garda in the face apparently, before smashing threw perimiter fence near Gate B. He then held when of the firemen of the airport police to knife point before robbing the jeep and go-oing on a wild goose chase on the apron directly infront of the terminal 
Armed Gardai shot out the left hand tyre and the man was waving out the window also i think not sure! headed straight for EI840 to AMS before colliding with a baggage loader from EI groundhandling got out of the Jeep wearing jocks and was tasered, all flights are operating normally though.
Armed Gardai shot out the left hand tyre and the man was waving out the window also i think not sure! headed straight for EI840 to AMS before colliding with a baggage loader from EI groundhandling got out of the Jeep wearing jocks and was tasered, all flights are operating normally though.
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the airport bit was caught on someones phone. All a bit nuts
RT.ie Extra Video: Cork Airport rampage - Video - RT News Player
RT.ie Extra Video: Cork Airport rampage - Video - RT News Player
Join Date: Dec 2010
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Didnt see that video thanks! 3 write off's in the airport tonight, 1 garda car, 1 airport police car and of course the fire service jeep. The airport seriously is getting alot of negative news all happening in its 50th anniversey year!! 
Last edited by Jack1985; 23rd May 2011 at 16:03.
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A318
Disappointing to see a Corporate Jet A318 refused permission to park overenight in Cork last week. It ended up in Kerry so Cork's loss is the Kingdom's gain. There appeared to be no shortage of parking stands even during the departure of Queen Elizabeth to the U.K. so it's difficult to explain this one.
Someone should tell the DAA/IAA that Corporate Jets play an important role in bringing investors to the Cork Region.
Someone should tell the DAA/IAA that Corporate Jets play an important role in bringing investors to the Cork Region.
Join Date: Sep 2007
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corporate jets parking
RYAN 2000...maybe you are right..although maybe not...and usually probably not... is it for you to say that "SOMEBODY "..should tell the CAA blah blah blah . As you are an an expert of almost 1000 posts on this forum may I respectfully suggest that rather than expecting others to do that ...that YOU tell the CAA your expert knowledge of parking and its commercial implications and maybe you might respond on this forum within 14 days. We look forward to your,... or the CAA'S valued opinion.Remember we are all fans of Cork Airport and hope you are not ANOTHER under cover for another airport.
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Cork's parking problems.
Well High Meadow, I've discovered that the CAA and their owners the DAA are well aware of the parking issues at Cork Airport. In fact as far back as 2006 they drew up plans to address the probem by designing a brand new General Aviation Park. The only trouble is that we're now in Mid 2011 and the plans still haven't left the drawing board.
To be fair the problem isn't as critical nowadays given that Cork has lost almost one third of its's traffic since the beginning of 2009 and its still falling!
About 7 years ago the Airport came up with an imaginative plan to deal with the issue i.e. refuse Corporate Jet's and adhoc charters permission to overnight in Cork and suggest to them that they park in Shannon or Kerry.
They agreed not to charge them landing fees a 2nd time if they decided to return to collect their passengers. No mention of the additional cost of making 3 landings and takeoffs instead of 1.
One could understand the thinking behind this policy if the apron was literally full but on many occasions there appears to be adequate parking stands available. Surely turning away business should be a last resort. Red tape and beauracracy seem to be winning out over common sense.
On a more positive note there appears to be a good chance that Cork will shortly get one if its lost Central European Routes restored by a low cost carrier.
To be fair the problem isn't as critical nowadays given that Cork has lost almost one third of its's traffic since the beginning of 2009 and its still falling!
About 7 years ago the Airport came up with an imaginative plan to deal with the issue i.e. refuse Corporate Jet's and adhoc charters permission to overnight in Cork and suggest to them that they park in Shannon or Kerry.
They agreed not to charge them landing fees a 2nd time if they decided to return to collect their passengers. No mention of the additional cost of making 3 landings and takeoffs instead of 1.
One could understand the thinking behind this policy if the apron was literally full but on many occasions there appears to be adequate parking stands available. Surely turning away business should be a last resort. Red tape and beauracracy seem to be winning out over common sense.
On a more positive note there appears to be a good chance that Cork will shortly get one if its lost Central European Routes restored by a low cost carrier.
Last edited by ryan2000; 28th May 2011 at 16:11.
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New Cork Routes?
I didn't hear about Prague. It was Budapest that was mentioned to me and Czech Connect was not the airline. Hopefully Cork will get at least one of its Central European Destinations back and that people who prefer City Breaks to so called Sun Holidays won't have to drive along the M7/M8 and M50 before they start their journey.
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I've hear their's a few intrested carriers in Berlin, Budapest and Prague, i even heard Bucharest 
i mite ad! If there where any developments with either BUD, PRG or BBU its propably going to have Wizz on one or two of them, i did hear Czech Connect where sniffing around PRG. More then likely its EI who want to bring back SXF, but it could even be Germanwings or even Ryanair who knows, one thing is for sure that Marketing Team seem to have realised that Bucket & Shovel routes are no longer good enough, and year-round routes are needed.
On another note i've taken down some loads:
W6 - VNO | 31/05/11 | INBOUND 72%, OUTBOUND 69%
FR - CCF | 01/06/11 | OUTBOUND 65% **
FR - BGY | 01/06/11 | OUTBOUND 73% **
EI - PMI | 01/06/11 | INBOUND 70%, OUTBOUND 79%
** Routes have just recommenced/launched and their was no-point including the Inbound figures.
Im delighted to see that PMI is doing well, can definitly see it as -T-T-S- for Su12, also heard FR will announce something in regard to Wi11/12 soon.
i mite ad! If there where any developments with either BUD, PRG or BBU its propably going to have Wizz on one or two of them, i did hear Czech Connect where sniffing around PRG. More then likely its EI who want to bring back SXF, but it could even be Germanwings or even Ryanair who knows, one thing is for sure that Marketing Team seem to have realised that Bucket & Shovel routes are no longer good enough, and year-round routes are needed.On another note i've taken down some loads:
W6 - VNO | 31/05/11 | INBOUND 72%, OUTBOUND 69%
FR - CCF | 01/06/11 | OUTBOUND 65% **
FR - BGY | 01/06/11 | OUTBOUND 73% **
EI - PMI | 01/06/11 | INBOUND 70%, OUTBOUND 79%
** Routes have just recommenced/launched and their was no-point including the Inbound figures.
Im delighted to see that PMI is doing well, can definitly see it as -T-T-S- for Su12, also heard FR will announce something in regard to Wi11/12 soon.
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria has appeared in Aer Lingus's booking system from Cork although flights not yet bookable. Seems to be operating Saturdays from the end of October.
Ryanair already operate this route but they don't seem to have any loaded any flights beyond the 25th of October although the Ryanair booking system does seem to indicate that it will be operational for the winter.
Ryanair already operate this route but they don't seem to have any loaded any flights beyond the 25th of October although the Ryanair booking system does seem to indicate that it will be operational for the winter.
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Aer Lingus Winter 2011/12
3 based again this winter but the following changes will need/have to be made by EI. Otherwise it is 4 based but 2 aircraft will only be operating a few flights during the week.
SNN - LGW being dropped in Sep ORK will get the evening times like on Tues, Thur and Sat by LGW based aircraft.
ORK - ACE on Tues and Thur changed to a 07:00 departure like on Sundays.
ORK - GVA on Tues now dropped and Sat flight operated by DUB based aircraft.
ORK - LPA will have a departure around 14:00 on Saturday.
All in all a good mix of sun and city routes from EI this winter.
LPA will only operate from DUB and SNN with FR this winter. Faro is also dropped.
SNN - LGW being dropped in Sep ORK will get the evening times like on Tues, Thur and Sat by LGW based aircraft.
ORK - ACE on Tues and Thur changed to a 07:00 departure like on Sundays.
ORK - GVA on Tues now dropped and Sat flight operated by DUB based aircraft.
ORK - LPA will have a departure around 14:00 on Saturday.
All in all a good mix of sun and city routes from EI this winter.
Ryanair already operate this route but they don't seem to have any loaded any flights beyond the 25th of October although the Ryanair booking system does seem to indicate that it will be operational for the winter.
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If I may ask for some brief clarifications, please:
(a) Is Geneva now due back in winter at one weekly rather than two per week?
(b) Is Barcelona continuing through the winter this year?
Thanks.
It was nice and busy at Cork yesterday afternoon with lots of departures throughout the afternoon and into the evening - gardening has it's own rewards! The highlights were the classic Mistral 737 and a Travel Service 737-800. Very nice.
(a) Is Geneva now due back in winter at one weekly rather than two per week?
(b) Is Barcelona continuing through the winter this year?
Thanks.
It was nice and busy at Cork yesterday afternoon with lots of departures throughout the afternoon and into the evening - gardening has it's own rewards! The highlights were the classic Mistral 737 and a Travel Service 737-800. Very nice.