Statistics just released by Fáilte Ireland has just revealed how 3.8 million vacations in Ireland were taken in 2015, representing an increase of 6% on domestic holiday trip statistics from 2014.
Staycations are found to still be a firm favourite among Irish holidaymakers, with further increases in domestic travel in 2015. Additionally, the amount of spend on holidays in Ireland rose to €939 million which is an increase of 10% in 2015, compared to 2014.
Out of all the counties in Ireland, Cork and Kerry in the south west of Ireland are the most popular vacation getaway choices for domestic holidays, claiming 22 percent of all domestic holidays in 2015.
Blarney Castle, just one of the many castles and homes visited in 2015.
The South East and the West of Ireland each claimed 19 percent of vacations and Dublin as well as the East Midlands claimed both 12 percent of vacations.
Alex Connolly, a spokesperson for Fáilte Ireland said that these statistics showed a “healthy” industry for domestic vacations in Ireland.
“Even though last year wasn’t a great summer, more Irish holidays were taken at home,” he said.
“The Wild Atlantic Way has generated a lot of interest in the west coast,” he said, adding that the re-brand of Dublin tourism and the launch of Ireland’s Ancient East will also deliver in the future.
“These brands are going to be around for the next 10 to 30 years,” he added. “Next year, we will see their influence more clearly.”
The popular and much-frequented Wild Atlantic Way also gives both domestic visitors as well as people planning trips to Ireland other locations to consider during their visit. The Wild Atlantic Way route highlights a range of sights and locations including Dingle, the Beara Peninsula as well as a host of other attractions.
Ireland’s castles and homes such as the popular Blarney Castle were the top attractions visited by those on staycations with an estimated 26 percent of holidaymakers visiting these attractions.
Visiting castles and homes were closely followed by hiking and walking excursions as well as visits to Ireland’s main national parks.