This year will see a whole new wave of trends and hot destinations influencing our staycation choices. From the Irish language revival spurring a grá to Gaeltacht getaways to hidden gem counties showing their sparkle, there are plenty of options to inspire our travels. Here are 10 to keep an eye on for the year ahead.
Fermanagh
This year marks a big year for all-Island tourism and in particular, the Lakeland county. For the first time in its history, Fáilte Ireland will welcome one of the six counties to an official Discover Ireland campaign with Fermanagh joining the fold of the successful Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand. A £300,000 (€345,000) marketing purse will be used to promote the appeal of the region’s natural assets and waterways; from cruiser breaks along the Erne, boat tours to magical Devilish Island, or lip-smacking food tours of the vibrant town of Enniskillen. If you’ve never travelled to Northern Ireland before, Fermanagh could well be the county for you to make your debut.
Luxury Mayo
Mayo is no stranger to luxury escapes (just think of the likes of Ashford Castle or the wonderful Ice House) but the county is set to enjoy a new luxury chapter this very month with the opening of an all-new five star property in Westport, The Grace. Located on the grounds of stunning Westport Estate, the property will offer guests a swish, stately base to explore the region’s stunning local attractions from Achill Island to Clew Bay: here’s to a nice boost of tourism to one of the most vibrant hubs along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Cosycation
Perhaps you’ve heard of the wholesome getaway trend as well as coolcations as visitors seek breaks more in northern Europe. And so enter the cosycation as travellers are embracing cocooning themselves in inviting properties which make ideal spots to switch-off and unwind whatever the weather. In Ireland, we’re spoiled for choice for such options, from intimate country house escapes from Ireland’s Blue Book to traditional cottage rentals from the Irish Landmark Trust. Better still, why not treat yourself to one of the many lighthouse properties dotted around the country for the ultimate cosy escape.
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Noctourism
Visions of the Northern Lights dazzling across our skies this year have brought one of the most bucket-listed travel experiences to our shores. And not for the first time, it must be said. So could local tourist boards start to advertise the natural phenomena as a draw to tourism to Ireland? Whether Aurora makes an appearance or not, expect noctourism to continue to emerge as a popular activity this year, when, from night kayaking in west Cork to experience phosphorescence to exploring the nation’s dark sky reserves, Ireland “after dark” will continue to wow.
Trad travel
Ireland’s largest music festival seems to be going ó heart go neart with every passing year and this year sees no exception. Traditional music events like the Belfast Fleadh, set to take place this August, have never been more popular while there are several hotels across the country which could be considered destination properties for lovers of live music in their own right. A tip? Check out the likes of Doolin Hotel in the Banner County which stages live traditional music gigs in its ambient pub no less than 365 days a year.
Artificial intelligence itineraries
Is AI the new Google when it comes to researching travel tips? Itineraries created by artificial intelligence outlets such as ChatGPT are already experiencing an exponential increase as time-pressed travellers seek quick recommendations with minimum effort. The bespoke element of AI can be a particular positive: so whether you’ll looking for ideas for a weekend in Galway for a wine and literature lover, to the perfect Dingle weekend for wildlife, you may be surprised at how technologically deft the system is in for creating a bespoke itinerary for you.
Hushpitality
Silence is golden. And no more so than ever when it comes to our staycation choices as Irish travellers are seeking to unplug from the noise of daily life (and indeed social media). Rustic cabin escapes with access to nature continue to thrive in Ireland. A fine example of those leading that charge here are Cabü by the Lakes in County Cavan. The secluded cabin resort Killykeen Forest Park has just added new offerings to the site this year including the barnhouse and woodland cabins to add its restorative, slow-living appeal.
Look out for Lismore
One of Ireland’s most post towns has reason to celebrate this year with the arrival of much awaited tourist accommodation in the town. And it’s all thanks to a local community-led initiative. Lismore Town Association is developing a new glamping experience featuring five cosy pods right on the site of the town’s former Bank of Ireland. The launch is currently planned for spring 2026 - another lovely prospect to keep tabs on.
Gaeltacht Getaways
Grá for Gaeilge? Last year was very much the summer of Gaeltok and the #HotGaelSummer on social media, so how will the Irish language continue to trend an Samhradh seo chugainn? Hotly, we expect. With a surging wave of people brushing up cúpla focal, expect a growing demand for trips to the Gaeltacht this year as people seek a way to put a little more blás on their language. Irish courses also offer a great way to immerse in the language with options available everywhere from Donegal to An Rinn. A tip? Be sure to book now, rather than later, as not only can course spots snap up quickly, but it can be tricky to find accommodation for locations during the peak season.
Island Escapes
It may only be 2026, but we already have our travel eye fixed on what’s lying ahead for 2027. And one of the most exciting developments for Irish tourism next year are the Aran Islands. Keep an eye on Inis Meáin for the year ahead with the news that the island’s former Galwegian native and acclaimed harpist Úna Ní Fhlannagáin has purchased the island’s former hotel with a vision to transform it into a new accommodation and cultural hub for the island. A name for the new hotel is currently being deliberated via an online names competition so expect to hear some fresh news on this story very soon.
