With the rise of staycations in recent years, many Irish holidaymakers are opting to explore the beauty of their own country – from the breathtaking landscapes of Donegal to the buzzing streets of Dublin.
And now, according to new survey research from Betfair Casino, Galway has been crowned this year’s top staycation spot, with over 1 in 3 (37%) Irish respondents opting for the picturesque west coast city.
Known for its coastlines and breathtaking views, Galway is also home to a number of towns and villages to make your base and embrace the close-knit community feel.
Kerry (29%) also proved popular with those seeking a memorable staycation experience, while Donegal (22%), Dublin (18%) and Cork (17%) rounded up the top five.
Other favourable picks included Killarney (16%) and Wexford (15%).
For those looking to travel further afield, the Maldives topped the list as the hottest holiday hotspot.
A popular destination thanks to its stunning beaches and perfect year-round weather, the island offers a very dreamy and intimate romantic atmosphere – as over a third of survey respondents (35%) opted for the location.
The Caribbean came in at a close second (31%), while over 1 in 5 chose Santorini (22%) as their dream destination.
Airports and airplanes, while marking the beginning of a much-deserved holiday, can also uncover some unbearable travel icks.
Delving deep into the biggest turn-offs when travelling by airplane, sitting next to someone with bad hygiene proved the most popular (34%).
Of those surveyed, 34% branded not having enough legroom as the ultimate ick in second place, while 31% chose losing luggage after a flight.
When it came to general travel icks, it appears Ireland doesn’t have the patience for waiting around, as long queues were considered the biggest annoyance.
Nearly two thirds of respondents claimed it as being their biggest turn-off (61%), beating the likes of flight delays (45%) and being stuck on the plane when experiencing a delay (35%).
Meanwhile, survey respondents also shared their views on the most irritating things to happen whilst on holiday, with lack of air conditioning (42%) taking up nearly half of the votes.
Survey results:
What staycation spots in Ireland would you be most likely to visit?
Galway 37%
Kerry 29%
Donegal 22%
Dublin 18%
Cork 17%
Killarney 16%
Wexford 15%
Waterford 13%
Kilkenny 13%
Westport 13%
Kinsale 12%
Wicklow 11%
Mayo 9%
Sligo 7%
Shannon 4%
What holiday hotspots would you most like to visit?
The Maldives 35%
The Caribbean 31%
Santorini 22%
The Amalfi Coast 19%
Bali 18%
South of France 18%
Paris 18%
Venice 18%
Mexico 16%
Florence 16%
What are your biggest travel icks when travelling by airplane?
Sitting next to someone with bad hygiene 34%
Not enough legroom 34%
Losing luggage after a flight 31%
Someone reclining their chair 29%
Being stuck in the middle seat 27%
Someone being rude to a flight assistant 20%
Small toilets 19%
People who talk too loudly on a flight 16%
Repacking an overweight bag at the check-in desk 15%
Someone eating smelly food on a flight 14%
Loud snorers 13%
Being forced to run to the departure gate 13%
What are your biggest general travel icks?
Long queues 61%
When your transport is delayed 45%
Being stuck on the mode of transport during a delay 35%
Having liquids taken off you 29%
Being stopped/patted down by security 25%
Being late for transport 24%
Lack of power outlets 20%
Being too early for transport 10%
What are/would be the most irritating things to happen on holiday?
No air conditioning 42%
Noisy hotel neighbours 38%
Tourists being disrespectful of locals 32%
No free wifi 30%
Early checkouts 26%
Getting sunburnt 25%
People reserving sunbeds in the morning 23%
Holidaymakers being too loud 22%
Having to pay more for phone data 21%
Forgetting basic toiletries 12%
