O' Mara Travel will continue to operate the other trading divisions of their company which include Club Med Worldwide holidays, European River Cruising and associated companies Heritage Island and Heritage Ireland Ltd under the direction of Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, who now becomes O’Mara Travel’s managing director.

John Healy - Business Development director, O’Mara Travel, Eileen O’Mara Walsh - managing director O’Mara Travel,  Jane Magnier - director Abbey Tours, Brian McColgan - managing director Abbey Tours, Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, agency director O’Mara Travel

Commenting on the sale Eileen O’Mara Walsh, chairman of O’Mara Travel said, “In the almost 30 years since I established the company, tourism in Ireland has grown beyond all recognition to become Ireland’s largest indigenous industry. During those years I believe our company has contributed in no small way to its development particularly in the field of special interest and cultural tourism.

I have every confidence that Abbey Tours will continue to provide the same qualities of service and creativity to our clients and expand Irish tourism even further in our overseas markets. I wish them continued success.”

Abbey Tours managing director Brian McColgan said: “We are delighted to acquire the business of such a well established and reputable company. We have known O’Mara as a competitor for many years and are very much aware of their excellent reputation.

This is an important strategic move for Abbey Tours, we will benefit from entry into new and complementary markets, as well as securing the considerable expertise of the O’Mara management team and staff.  This year we expect to handle over 100,000 visitors to Ireland, there is plenty of scope to further develop overseas markets and that is the primary objective of Abbey Tours.’’