How to Save Money on your Staycation

Travel 3 min read

22 Jul 2021

If you’ve read our blog the complete cost of a family staycation in Ireland; you’ll know it isn’t cheap. Cries of ‘I could have gone to Malaga four times for that,’ have been resounding in family homes across the country.

Saving pennies here and there isn’t easy either; but we’ve compiled an easy-follow-list of options to consider if you want to tie a knot in those purse strings. 
 

As ever, if you need some help to get you there, pop into your local credit union - we're here to make this summer the best yet.

Book your Staycation Midweek/Off-peak

We know weekends tend to have more craic, but limiting your nights to just Monday-Friday could definitely save you a few quid. Furthermore, booking in September (If you can delay sending kids back to school) you could save up to 50% on the cost compared to peak months like June, July and August.
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Book Large Apartments/Self Catering

If you can find friends or extended family to share with you to share the cost, look for a large apartment.

How much could you save? A large holiday home on Kilronan Castle Estate that sleeps 7 adults was just €150 each for a whole week.  The price drops by half when it’s not peak season. Or, you could get a stunning holiday home in Belmullet for a family of four, is just €492 for two nights.

 

Consider Hostels

They’re nicer than you think. And much cheaper than a hotel. Valley Lodge farmhouse is set in the middle of the stunning  Mayo countryside offers private rooms with garden view, for a real knock bottom price - €46 per night for two people; and €60 for two people for the bed and breakfast.
 

What’s great about Valley Lodge is it’s set within a working farm, with animals, free-range poultry, and pets – so great for families with kids. Guests can enjoy walks in the grounds or surrounding area of County Mayo.

 How much could you save? Compared to the price of a nightly rate of a four star hotel; you could save up to 50%.
 

Look for Staycation Deals

Browse online for last minute deals. It’s no harm checking sites like lastminute.ie, or Holiday Pirates – who automatically searches for the best holiday offers right now, with some offering 30% discount.
 

Use restaurant vouchers

Restaurant vouchers are available from the likes of Groupon.ie, and although can be restricted in terms of where they're for, they can sometimes have good offers for restaurants in cities and hotels across the country.
 

Be frugal where you can

You’re on holiday – it’s nice to be able to splurge. But, having one coffee instead of two or three, or getting a bus where possible; and opting to cook some nights instead of eating out, packing lunches etc. – will pay off in the long run.

The content of this blog is aimed to provide general advice and information to the public only. Figures are not exact or always 100% accurate, but an approximation of prices. 

The credit union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution which sits at the heart of many communities in Ireland. If you’d like more information on how to get involved with a local, family-friendly financial provider, why not contact your local credit union, or submit a loan enquiry, below?