TWO of Portugal's most vibrant cities are now easily accessible thanks to new air links from Dublin to Lisbon and Faro.

The new Portugal flights with TAP Portugal from Dublin are being sold by Airline Business - the company recently appointed as the airline's Ireland-based sales agent.

TAP is a Portuguese airline market leader, which celebrated its 60th anniversary on March 14 last year; the date on which it also became part of the Star Alliance, the largest global alliance of airlines in the world.

With its Hub in Lisbon, TAP Portugal currently flies to 43 destinations, throughout 25 countries in Africa and North and South America; a region in which TAP stands out as being the leading operational European transportation company to Brazil.

Luis Garcia, TAP Portugal's Marketing Co-ordinator said he believes Airline Business are the best people for the job: "I believe the proven experience and market knowledge of Airline Business in Ireland will quickly see our new flights firmly established as the quality option for passengers to Portugal and our onward destinations of Madeira, Cape Verde and Brazil."

Portugal is a stunning country to the west of Spain. Its capital Lisbon has taken its traditional charms (the friendliness of its people, its buzzing nightlife, and the splendour of its natural setting) and moulded them into a highly attractive package for Irish visitors.

The country as a whole is now firmly established on the international stage with Lisbon hosting many of the matches during the successful European Football Championships in 2004 and the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2005.

In addition the beautiful Algarve Coast has become a second home for many Irish people and truly a year round Mecca for Irish golf enthusiasts.

Flights with TAP to Portugal operate Friday, Saturday and Monday. The flight departs Dublin at 10.55, arrives Lisbon at 13.25 and Faro at 15.45. The incoming service departs Faro at 06.20, Lisbon at 07.35 and arrives Dublin at 10.10.

Connections are available at Lisbon onwards to all TAP destinations.