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STAYCATION:Holidaying at home is the new going away.

That’s exactly what Shaun Quinn, chief executive of Fáilte Ireland, said last week. The Irish tourist board has launched a new campaign encouraging Irish people to forego their usual foreign holiday and opt for a “staycation” instead. It is hoping that, given the economic downturn, we will be less inclined to jet off to exotic locations in search of sun and fun, and will choose to spend our precious two weeks off in rainy old Ireland.

It’s a no-brainer.

The tourism bods are encouraged by a survey which says that 23 per cent of us are planning to cut our spending on foreign holidays, and that more of us are likely to take our main holiday close to home. So they’re investing €3 million in a campaign designed to highlight the joys of staying at home for the hols.

Sure, I know all about the joys of holidaying at home. We never went abroad when we were kids. It was Bundoran, Trabolgan or Ballybunion every year, like it or lump it. Dodgems and dodgy burgers. Deckchairs and roller discos. Ah, the memories.

Holidaying at home has changed since the last recession. It’s all fine foods and adventure activities now. And, of course, that great intangible, the craic. After all, we’re having to compete with the world’s most exotic destinations. Hill-walking in Co Kerry, horseriding in Co Tipperary, scuba-diving in Connemara and spa breaks in west Cork are the order of the day these days.

No sunbathing then?

Er, probably not, it’s bad for you anyway. But the Fáilte Ireland campaign will focus on the great benefits of holidaying at home: fresh air, good food, relaxation, no stress from air travel, and the chance to rediscover hidden treasures in our own backyard. And, of course, great value for money.

Sorry, what was that last bit?

Value for money. Yes, I know that sounds unbelievable, but you might actually save money by taking holidays at home. In the past, we were driven to sunnier climes not just by the weather but by the reality that two weeks in Greece, Spain or Portugal could cost less than a weekend away in rip-off Ireland. But we’re assured all that has changed now, and that hoteliers, restaurateurs and tour operators, desperate for cash-flow, will be bending over backwards to ensure that home holidays are cheap and cheerful. After all, with more people in the US and Europe opting for staycations too, the Irish tourist industry won’t be able to count on revenue from foreign visitors. So expect things to be cheaper at home this summer.

That’s reassuring to know.

Er, except of course during the weekend of the U2 gig in Croke Park on July 24th. The hotels will be double the price then. But after that, everything will definitely be good value.

Try at home:"Okay, I know it hasn't stopped raining, but look on the bright side – at least we can get Tayto crisps."

Try at work:"It would have been a great holiday if I hadn't kept bumping into you lot."