Irish holiday bookings are showing strong growth this February, with Travel Counsellors Ireland reporting a notable increase in sales compared with last year. The Managing Director, Cathy Burke, said sales in the first two weeks of February were up 13% on the same period in 2025, reflecting a surge in travel planning.
“If the long rainy days and grey skies in recent weeks have tempted you to look up holiday destinations, you’re probably not alone,” Ms Burke said. She noted that the weather appears to be driving demand, with many people seeking sunshine and something to look forward to during the dreary winter months.
While US trips were down 10% year-on-year in January, late bookings have pushed the country into the top three destinations for February. Summer travel is dominated by cruises, Spain—including the Canary Islands—and US destinations such as Orlando, Nevada, Nashville, and California. Winter bookings are focused on the UAE, Vietnam, and Japan.
Cruises continue to expand as one of the fastest-growing sectors, driven by value for money, all-inclusive options, and early booking offers. Ocean cruise bookings were up 20% in January, while river cruises saw a 60% rise. River cruises, which host fewer than 200 passengers, offer a slower pace and direct access to towns for activities such as cycling tours, appealing to travellers seeking a more intimate experience. Trips to Norway are up 50%, supported by increased flight capacity and strong interest in fjord cruises.
Another emerging trend, referred to as “coolcations,” involves avoiding southern European heat in July and August. Destinations like Denmark and Norway are becoming increasingly popular due to direct flights and a wide range of activities. Many travellers are also booking in the shoulder season, with June travel already exceeding August bookings, helping them avoid crowded and expensive peak months.
Long-haul travel remains attractive, particularly to the US, where favorable exchange rates are boosting value for Irish visitors. Mary McKenna, founder of Tour America, said geopolitical issues such as immigration policies and tariffs have had little effect on demand. “There’s a lot of interest when stuff comes up on ESTA or when US President Donald Trump announces something on social media, but right now, there are no changes to restrictions or requirements,” she said.
Irish travel to the US remained stable last year, with around 490,000 visitors. Direct flights have increased to 23, and destinations like Nashville and Florida are seeing growth, while New York and Las Vegas are slightly down. McKenna said Irish travellers are benefiting from stronger purchasing power due to the weakened US dollar, which has made hotel rates and packages more attractive.
With cruises, coolcations, and early bookings driving trends, Irish holidaymakers are showing resilience, balancing weather, value, and convenience to plan trips both near and far.
