The dreary Irish winter is driving a surge in holiday bookings, with sales up 13% in the first two weeks of February compared to the same period last year, according to Travel Counsellors Ireland. As persistent rain and grey skies continue across the country, many are turning their thoughts – and their wallets – towards warmer destinations and much-needed sunshine. The trend highlights a familiar pattern: when the weather turns bleak, the desire for escape intensifies.
While it’s challenging to definitively link the increase directly to the weather, Cathy Burke, Managing Director of Travel Counsellors Ireland, believes it’s a significant factor. “It’s not necessarily people saying, ‘get me out of here, I want to move next week’,” she explained. “Everybody’s just so miserable looking out the window, you can’t even go for a walk. All they want is sunshine and something to look forward to, so I do believe the weather’s having a big impact.” The timing also coincides with the receipt of January paychecks, potentially providing a financial boost for those considering a getaway.
Cruises Lead the Charge in 2026 Travel Trends
The demand for travel is being led by a booming cruise industry. Ocean cruise bookings with Travel Counsellors Ireland were up 20% year-on-year in January, while river cruising saw an even more substantial increase of 60%. This growth is fueled by the value for money, all-inclusive packages, and attractive early-booking offers, particularly for families and solo travelers. River cruises, in particular, offer a more intimate experience, typically accommodating fewer than 200 passengers compared to the roughly 3,000 on larger ocean liners.
“It’s very relaxed, meandering slowly along the river, in small low ships to fit under bridges,” Burke described. “When you dock up at a town, you’re literally in the town and you can go on bicycle tours.” Popular cruise destinations include Norway, with trips up 50% due to increased flight capacity and the allure of its dramatic fjords. Beyond cruises, Spain – including the Canary Islands – and the United States remain top choices for Irish holidaymakers.
Shifting Destinations and the Rise of ‘Coolcations’
While the US remains a popular destination, despite a 10% year-on-year decrease in January bookings, it still ranks among the top three choices for Irish travelers. Specific US hotspots include Orlando, Florida, as well as Nevada, Nashville, and California. However, a new trend is emerging: “coolcations.” Burke describes this as a “unhurried burn trend” where travelers are opting to avoid the intense heat of Southern Europe during July and August. This shift is driving increased interest in destinations like Denmark and Norway, bolstered by new direct flights and a wider range of activities.
Travelers are also booking earlier, taking advantage of “shoulder season” travel to avoid peak prices driven by school holidays across Europe. “Our data is showing that for bookings, we’ve got more people traveling in June by this point than we do in August,” Burke noted. For those seeking winter sun, the UAE, Vietnam, and Japan are proving popular choices.
US Travel Remains Resilient Despite Political Concerns
Despite some concerns surrounding US immigration policies and tariffs, demand for travel to the United States remains surprisingly robust. According to a January survey by Aer Lingus, one-third (34%) of Irish respondents are planning a trip to the US, Canada, or Mexico in 2026, with an additional 22% considering it. However, only 10% have actually booked, indicating a window of opportunity for early planning. Mary McKenna, founder of Tour America, expressed surprise at the continued interest, noting that despite media coverage of issues related to the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) program and statements from US President Donald Trump, there have been no actual changes to travel requirements.
“I have not heard of one person yet that has had any issue going through customs and immigration here in Dublin or Shannon,” McKenna said. Travel figures to the US remained relatively stable last year, with around 490,000 visitors, a slight decrease of 4,000. A favorable exchange rate – with the Euro currently trading at around $1.18 compared to parity last year – is also contributing to the appeal of US travel, as Irish tourists benefit from cheaper hotels and better bargains. The weaker dollar, coupled with reduced travel from Americans to Europe, has led to airlines offering more competitive fares.
McKenna also pointed to a historical precedent, recalling how her business rebounded strongly after the September 11 attacks in New York, fueled by exceptional travel deals. “Irish people do look for value and they’re going to get value right now,” she said.
Looking ahead, Travel Counsellors Ireland and Tour America will continue to monitor booking trends and adapt to changing market conditions. The next key indicator will be booking figures for the spring and summer months, providing a clearer picture of whether the current surge in demand will continue.
Have you been planning a getaway to escape the winter blues? Share your travel plans in the comments below.
