Irish Ferries says bookings for travel from the UK to Ireland this summer are ahead of last year, with forecasts for June, July and August ferry traffic “very healthy”, says head of passenger sales Declan Mescall.

Exact passenger figures are not disclosed, but Ireland’s premier ferry company believes the improved Sterling/€uro exchange rate and the London 2012 Olympics are driving the growth.

“The pound goes 25 per cent further in Ireland this summer, which buys travellers 25 per cent more petrol, more great meals out and more pints of Guinness,” says Mescall.

“And there’s a clear spike in bookings for travel between 27 July and 12 August, which suggests that many people are keen to escape the crowds in London and the south-east.

“On the other hand, because BBC One and BBC Two are widely available in Ireland, holidaymakers can still enjoy full coverage of the Olympics – and watch all Britain’s medal hopefuls – while they’re relaxing in their holiday accommodation.”