THOUSANDS of Irish eyes could be smiling their way to the Fylde after top low-cost airline Ryanair announced announced the launch of their first route from Blackpool Airport to Ireland.

Initial estimates claim the service - which will run from Dublin's Shannon Airport from May 22- could generate £9m for the local economy attracting around 70,000 extra visitors to the area.

Providing a vital link from the town to the Irish capital, ticket prices start from just £29.99 including tax.

Ryanair's UK Sales Manager Kathryn Munro, says the service has been in the pipeline for more than a year.

And it could be the beginning of a whole range of Ryanair flights from Blackpool to destinations throughout Europe, including Spain and Holland.

Kathryn said: "We are convinced the link between the North West's largest and most popular holiday resort and Ireland's capital will prove hugely successful.

"In particular it will be greatly beneficial to the areas business community, giving them quick and inexpensive access to Ireland for business trips and meetings.

"And local people can now get across so cheaply to Dublin, Europe's party capital because for shopping, short breaks, the craic and the black stuff, Dublin is unbeatable.

"But, more importantly, this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between Ryanair and Blackpool Airport.

"As we are currently reviewing our entire network and have yet to decide where to house services to other European destinations, and Blackpool could prove to be the ideal place to take over some of these."

A spokesman for Blackpool Borough Council's tourism department agrees that the Ryanair announcement is fantastic news for the area.

He said: "Blackpool Airport has always had close links with Dublin bringing many thousands of Irish passengers into the resort each year.

"The announcement of this latest route is not only a colossal boost for Blackpool's tourism industry in the sense that these figures will double.

"But also in that Ryanair have set up here which could lead to more scheduled flights to other destinations.

"And re-establishing the town as one of Europe's favourite British holiday hotspots."