FERRY company Stena Line is offering more than one million free child places on travel to the Republic of Ireland from ports in Wales at any time this year. The latest in a long line of ferry price cutting offers, which have come in the wake of the foot-and-mouth outbreak and the fear of travelling which accompanied the September 11 attacks in America, the free places are available on any standard single or return booking by car in excess of five nights made before March 28. There are no restrictions on time, day or month of travel under the offer and families can travel on any Stena Line vessel. "Our ferries are very family-friendly and our staff understand what families with children need when they're travelling," said Stena Line's head of marketing Julia Fothergill. "With short-haul destinations such a popular choice this year, we thought the time was right to add another reason for choosing Stena Line and Ireland." The offer - on crossings from Holyhead to Dublin Bay and from Fishguard to Rosslare - includes cars and people carriers, carrying up to eight passengers. Families can save up to £72 on the return fare for two adults and six children. Stena Line's Jeff Sims said, "The 1,000,000 giveaway will help families enjoy a sensibly-priced Irish holiday together in a year when Ireland is set to be among the top destinations for UK families. "We are obviously looking to stimulate early bookings, so the free child places should act as an excellent incentive for those who book before the end of March." Families can travel on any Stena Line vessel, including the giant 40 knot HSS Stena Explorer, the world's largest fast ferry, which cuts normal crossing times between Holyhead and Dublin Bay by half. The offer is also available on the Stena Lynx fast ferry, which sails from Fishguard to Rosslare. This special offer is the latest move in the increasingly competitive battle for passengers crossing the Irish Sea. In November, both Stena Line and Irish Ferries cut fares to Ireland by up to 40pc for trips before Christmas in a bid to woo nervous fliers. Irish Ferries also offered travellers the chance to take their car free of charge. | 
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