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News [1]
Opinion [2]
Business [3]
Sport [4]
Life [5]
Style [7]
Entertainment [8]
Travel [9]

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Staycations

Discover staycation ideas in Ireland and all the latest staycation tips and news.

Staycation Ideas in Ireland

Ireland

20 best castles in Ireland you can stay in - from five-star icons to affordable Airbnbs

Is this a golden age for Irish castles? That might sound crazy, with a pandemic raging and tourism in tatters.

Ireland Premium

The Fab 50: Ireland's 50 best places to stay in 2020

Ireland Premium

Stay and Spend scheme: 20 best hotel and restaurant deals for your tax saving

'Mirror Pavilion' , part of the Galway International Arts Festival 2020

Ireland Premium

'Galway is good for you' - my short city break was a pick-me-up in our pandemic

Ireland

The Irish Bucket List: 30 amazing things to do in Ireland

Staycation Tips

Walking on the grounds at Parknasilla, Co Kerry

Ireland Premium

25 best family-friendly stays in Ireland - hotels, camping and self-catering hits for every budget

Lots of places say they are family-friendly. Go beyond token teddy bears and crayons at dinner, however, and it's a different story.

Travel Premium

Staycation rules, okay? Pól Ó Conghaile's seven tips for holidaying in the new normal

Slowly but surely, we’re getting a feel for staycationing in a pandemic.

Ireland

Ireland's 30 best picnic spots - take your lunch into the landscape!

Sheep near Portsalon Beach, Co. Donegal. Photo: Getty

Ireland Premium

100 great things to do in Ireland this summer - from secret beaches to flying boats

Ireland Premium

Ireland's 30 best beaches: Make the most of the sunshine!

Ireland

Top 10 Irish Drives: The best scenic road trips in Ireland

Staycation News

Travel News Premium

Ireland's hotel of the year for 2020 revealed by AA's anonymous inspectors

Irish News Premium

Couples on a staycation can claim back up to €250 on bills

Campervan holidays could be popular this summer. PA Photo/iStock.

Comment

Adrian Kennedy Opinion There's nothing to say we won't be stranded in a Green list country if cases rise - my passport is staying in the sock drawer

Irish News

Coronavirus cases up at staycation spots as doctors worry about test no-shows

Irish News

Staycation: Gardaí urge campervan owners to 'park smart' as 13 vehicles stolen since March

Discount meals and hotel breaks will be available until the start of the next summer season

Coronavirus Premium

State will subsidise your holidays until next spring

The tax rebate on hotels and restaurant bills, which is aimed at revitalising the tourism industry, would not kick in until after the peak holiday season

Coronavirus Premium

Families miss out as staycation subsidy starts in September

An interior shot of the Volkswagen California Beach camper van

Motoring

Volkswagen lists must-see-and-drive routes in Ireland, as record numbers buying campervans for staycations

Emmanuel Nwokeiwu at Center Parc’s Cycle Centre. Photo: Shelley Corcoran

Travel News

The great escape: 1,000 guests plan visit to Center Parcs

In character: ‘Star Wars’ fans dressed as Chewbacca and Darth Vader visit Skellig Michael. Photo: Justin Kernoghan

Coronavirus

Star pause: 'Vomiting' visitors cited among reasons for Skellig closure

August 2022

10 best road trips in Ireland - scenic Irish drives from motorways to boreens

From murmuring motorways to bumpy boreens; from unplanned stops to salt spray on the windscreen, there's just something about a road trip.

20 best hotels with self catering in Ireland

You can take a foreign, fly-and-flop holiday, or you can pile everyone in the car for a relatively stress-free way to reboot the family — offering time outside, good food, activities and uninterrupted quality time with each other.

July 2022

Best castles in Ireland - 26 amazing Irish castles to visit and stay in

Is this a golden age for castles in Ireland? That might sound crazy, with Irish tourism recovering from a pandemic.

One of the lodges at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway

Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway review: Ireland’s newest lodges are full of surprises

When the news came that a new forest hideaway was going to be opening in Leitrim, it’s safe to say that our interest was piqued.

The Irish bucket list - 30 best things to do in Ireland

Looking for the best things to do in Ireland?

Cain Wolfe, Joy Kelleher, Breda Kelleher and Debbie O’Sullivan enjoying their holiday in Youghal, Co Cork. Photo: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

Premium

‘We are blessed’ – why home is where the heart is as popularity of staycations outlasts lockdowns

Staycations are proving to be more than a one-year lockdown wonder as the holiday economy enjoys a record recovery despite the surge in people taking overseas breaks.

The Long Room at Trinity College. Photo: Tourism Ireland

Premium

Did you know you can stay in rooms at Trinity College Dublin over summer?

I’ve just woken up in one of the most central rooms in Dublin. I’ve opened the curtains to reveal a view taking in a rose garden, centuries-old maple trees and a Victorian museum building.

Poulnabrone Dolmen in the Burren, Co Clare. Picture: Tourism Ireland

Premium

‘Again mum, do it again!’ Our wild Atlantic wander back to childhood holidays

I grew up in an Ireland where staycations were not a cool, on-trend, eco-friendly, Covid-compliant experiment. They were your summer holidays.

The Irish Heritage National Park in Co Wexford

17 cool places to stay in Ireland – from a double-decker bus to a bar without beer

Looking for a cool place to stay in Ireland? Start your search here!

May 2022

The cheapest options of hotel stays in Ireland this summer are notably more expensive than equal-rated hotels in some of Europe’s tourism hotspots. Stock image

Premium

Staycationers hit by rocketing hotel prices in Ireland compared to European cities

Staycationers are being asked to fork out as much as €1,500 for a 4-star hotel for two people on a two-night break, as hotel accommodation prices sky-rocket during the summer months.

The Panorama Bistro & Terrace at The Montenotte

Hotel Review: This classy Cork hotel could be on track for five stars

If you want to stay in an Irish hotel with a playful and punchy sense of identity, banging cocktails (and terraces to sup them on), staff who seem to enjoy their jobs, and plans for treehouse-style “nests” to sleep in, your search is over.

American tourist on €10k quote to rent car in Ireland: ‘Honestly I could ship my own car there and back’

An Irish American tourist has spoken of his shock at being quoted a fee of €10,000 to rent a car in Ireland for three weeks this summer.

March 2022

Premium

The Fab 50: The best places to stay in Ireland in 2022

After all been through, after all we’re going through, it’s fair to say we deserve a break. And here is the best little black book the year has to offer — our list of the very best places to stay in Ireland in 2022.

Michael Hennessy and Leona Tuck on a trek to Slieve Coillte in Wexford. Picture: Frank McGrath

‘We both love to travel’ – meet the couple sharing the highs and lows of wheelchair accessible travel in Ireland

“Do you trust me, Michael?” I said.

The Great Room at The Merchant Hotel in Belfast

Hotel Review: You can bank on luxury at The Merchant of Belfast

Banks can be stressful places. Explaining your overdraft, and that little black dress you simply had to buy, doesn’t always go down well with the manager.

The Old Convent Country House, Co Tipperary. Picture: Joleen Cronin

Premium

Changing places: How Irish B&Bs and guest houses are creating new, post-Covid experiences for visitors

“It was a little bit of a difficult decision to make but the pandemic convinced us,” says Niall Hughes.

February 2022

Liadan Hynes at her regular spot on the Bull Wall in Clontarf

Premium

Feel the fear and swim it anyway

‘You’d better get in. I’m going to be unbearably smug about this later,” I say to my companion as we stand on the diving platform beside our swimming teacher, Ronan O’Connor. We’ve just had a lesson in the swimming pool at the Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore – and now we’re outside for the slightly less controlled, much colder second part – sea swimming.

One of the Wild Rooms on Tara Hill Estate. Photo: Pól Ó Conghaile

Premium

Inside the Wild Rooms, Wexford’s new ‘posh rooms in the wilderness’

I’m not sure exactly when the light began to change. I was sleepy, but clocked a slight brightening of things.

December 2021

Fowley's Falls, Co Leitrim. Photo: Fáilte Ireland

Premium

Leitrim is Ireland’s Lost World – ‘You learn to live by a different rhythm here’

You could fit the entire population of Co Leitrim into one side of Croke Park.

October 2021

Premium

20 Christmas hotel breaks in Ireland for 2021 - with Santa visits and slap-up meals

Christmas can be a very happy time. It can also be very hard work.

Just how accessible are Irish hotels for people with disabilities - from bedrooms to pools and websites?

You’ve seen “accessible” bedrooms and bathrooms. But how accessible are they really?

One of the bedrooms at Dunmore House Hotel

Hotel Review: Dunmore House is a dog-friendly doozy in West Cork

Let’s start with total honesty here, in the interests of transparency.

August 2021

Dog-friendly travel is growing in popularity (stock image)

When dogs go self-catering - how holiday homes are becoming more pet-friendly

It’s hard to tell whose holiday experience Paul Allen is more enthusiastic about when he talks of the relaxing break enjoyed by himself, partner Gráinne Downes and their dog, Ted, when they rented a self-catered holiday home in Dingle in June earlier this year.

July 2021

Ian Ussher hatched his bright yellow Cluck Chicken Truck last year

Premium

Fantastic food trucks: 10 best coastal meals on wheels

A “food truck” once meant greasy burgers or fish and chips from a van on the street after a gig or a match. Not any more, as the humble truck has taken on the status of destination dining – and it’s not all down to the pandemic.

School-age kids make for great fun holiday companions as they’re naturally inquisitive. Picture posed

Premium

David Coleman: How to make the most of staycations with kids of all ages

It is rarely easy to travel with children. Not that we might be travelling far this year. There will probably be few of us getting away for a sunshine holiday this summer. Those of you lucky to get away at all will no doubt be holidaying in Ireland. If the dearth of self-catering accommodation is anything to go by, that is where most families will be headed. With that in mind, putting some thought and planning into your family holiday is well worth the investment of the time.

Owners Tuesday and Wes Pollington of Willowbrook Glamping and Hideaways in Roscommon. Photo Brian Farrell

Premium

Carry on camping: Owners hope new-found craze for staycations will continue in future

With international travel still up in the air this summer, more people are opting to camp, glamp and stay in caravans – and campsite owners hope staycationers will carry on camping.

We are spoiled for choice this summer when it comes to things to do in Ireland

Premium

100 things to do in Ireland in summer - from free days out to staycation adventures and rainy day ideas

Kevin Thornton likes to holiday in Connemara

Premium

How to prepare for a staycation like a pro - 'it is supposed to be about enjoyment, not endurance'

Whether you’re a dab hand at the local getaway or still tickled by the novelty of a weekend break, there’s no doubt this ‘staycationing’ lark in the Covid era is taking some getting used to.

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Staycations

Staycation Ideas in Ireland

20 best castles in Ireland you can stay in - from five-star icons to affordable Airbnbs

The Fab 50: Ireland's 50 best places to stay in 2020

Stay and Spend scheme: 20 best hotel and restaurant deals for your tax saving

'Galway is good for you' - my short city break was a pick-me-up in our pandemic

The Irish Bucket List: 30 amazing things to do in Ireland

Staycation Tips

25 best family-friendly stays in Ireland - hotels, camping and self-catering hits for every budget

Staycation rules, okay? Pól Ó Conghaile's seven tips for holidaying in the new normal

Ireland's 30 best picnic spots - take your lunch into the landscape!

100 great things to do in Ireland this summer - from secret beaches to flying boats

Ireland's 30 best beaches: Make the most of the sunshine!

Top 10 Irish Drives: The best scenic road trips in Ireland

Staycation News

Ireland's hotel of the year for 2020 revealed by AA's anonymous inspectors

Couples on a staycation can claim back up to €250 on bills

Adrian Kennedy Opinion There's nothing to say we won't be stranded in a Green list country if cases rise - my passport is staying in the sock drawer

Coronavirus cases up at staycation spots as doctors worry about test no-shows

Staycation: Gardaí urge campervan owners to 'park smart' as 13 vehicles stolen since March

State will subsidise your holidays until next spring

Families miss out as staycation subsidy starts in September

Volkswagen lists must-see-and-drive routes in Ireland, as record numbers buying campervans for staycations

The great escape: 1,000 guests plan visit to Center Parcs

Star pause: 'Vomiting' visitors cited among reasons for Skellig closure

August 2022

10 best road trips in Ireland - scenic Irish drives from motorways to boreens

20 best hotels with self catering in Ireland

July 2022

Best castles in Ireland - 26 amazing Irish castles to visit and stay in

Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway review: Ireland’s newest lodges are full of surprises

The Irish bucket list - 30 best things to do in Ireland

‘We are blessed’ – why home is where the heart is as popularity of staycations outlasts lockdowns

Did you know you can stay in rooms at Trinity College Dublin over summer?

‘Again mum, do it again!’ Our wild Atlantic wander back to childhood holidays

17 cool places to stay in Ireland – from a double-decker bus to a bar without beer

May 2022

Staycationers hit by rocketing hotel prices in Ireland compared to European cities

Hotel Review: This classy Cork hotel could be on track for five stars

American tourist on €10k quote to rent car in Ireland: ‘Honestly I could ship my own car there and back’

March 2022

The Fab 50: The best places to stay in Ireland in 2022

‘We both love to travel’ – meet the couple sharing the highs and lows of wheelchair accessible travel in Ireland

Hotel Review: You can bank on luxury at The Merchant of Belfast

Changing places: How Irish B&Bs and guest houses are creating new, post-Covid experiences for visitors

February 2022

Feel the fear and swim it anyway

Inside the Wild Rooms, Wexford’s new ‘posh rooms in the wilderness’

December 2021

Leitrim is Ireland’s Lost World – ‘You learn to live by a different rhythm here’

October 2021

20 Christmas hotel breaks in Ireland for 2021 - with Santa visits and slap-up meals

Just how accessible are Irish hotels for people with disabilities - from bedrooms to pools and websites?

Hotel Review: Dunmore House is a dog-friendly doozy in West Cork

August 2021

When dogs go self-catering - how holiday homes are becoming more pet-friendly

July 2021

Fantastic food trucks: 10 best coastal meals on wheels

David Coleman: How to make the most of staycations with kids of all ages

Carry on camping: Owners hope new-found craze for staycations will continue in future

100 things to do in Ireland in summer - from free days out to staycation adventures and rainy day ideas

How to prepare for a staycation like a pro - 'it is supposed to be about enjoyment, not endurance'

June 2021

33 great things to do in Galway City - we asked a top tour guide to share his tips

The best suitcases, hold-alls and travel accessories for your summer staycation

Latest Staycations

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