Shannon - a short flight away from Coventry

03.11.2004 Thomsonfly.com will operating flights to Shannon from Coventry Airport from this Wednesday (3rd November) as part of its new winter flying programme.

The flight service will operate seven days a week providing flexibility for travellers of when they travel and the length of their stay. Flights will depart at 09.35am, take just over an hour and fares start from only £13.99 one-way including tax and charges. Shannon is one of two destinations in the Republic of Ireland, the other being Cork to which daily flights began on 1 November.

The first flight to Shannon on 3rd November will be taking a very special passenger from Coventry.   Pru Porretta is the official Lady Godiva and is the only woman in Coventry’s history to have re-enacted the famous ride originally made by the real Lady Godiva.

Married to Leofric, Earl of Mercia, the original Godiva lived in the 11th Century and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. She was challenged by her husband, with whom she had pleaded to free the town from its slavery, to ride naked through the streets of Coventry. This she did and Earl Leofric freed Coventry from its servitude.

In the Shannon region, which measures 190 kilometres from end to end, has stunning landscapes, Atlantic seascapes, great sporting activity, entertainment, top visitor attractions, uncrowded beaches, cliff top and mountain walks, quiet country roads and everywhere the artefacts of Ireland’s ancient history.

"Shannon will complement our other destinations for winter perfectly," Maria Heckel, Marketing Director of Thomsonfly.com said:  "The region is famous for its tranquillity and warm welcome.  Whether it is to enjoy a relaxing long weekend, or longer break, Shannon offers good food, hospitality and of course excellent golf."

The region is famous for its golf with more than 30 quality courses all of which have their individual character.  Some of the world’s most famous golf course designers have worked in the region to create championship links, water traps and other hazards on a variety of new courses. The alternative is to enjoy just a relaxing eighteen holes, and wind down at the 19th.

The Shannon Region is made up of more than sixteen towns and villages each one of which boasts that special Irish welcome. The area developed in the nineteenth century but with a much longer history. Some areas have their roots in old Celtic monasteries, or were founded by the Normans or even the Vikings, while some grew up close to the waters edge near lakes, rivers or along the Region’s Atlantic coastline.

Coventry Airport is well positioned for a large number of passengers who enjoy its local position and calmer atmosphere.

Full details of all flights can be found by visiting www.thomsonfly.com or calling the helpful sales team on 0870 1900 737.