Top 10 Trending Staycation Searches 2020

Travel 3 min read

04 Sep 2020

Image above: FinnLough.com

Perhaps unheard of here until recent times, according to a Connecticut travel blog, the word "staycation" was originally coined by Canadian comedian Brent Butt in the television show Corner Gas, which first aired October 24, 2005.

Unsurprisingly though, it’s the phrase on everyone’s lips this summer - so we’ve compiled a list of trending staycations topics and search terms to give you some inspiration for your own getaway - and a flavour of what us Irish have been getting up to. 

If you're planning a break away, and need that little bit of financial support, get in touch with your local credit union. We're here to help.
 

Staycation tax refund

Although not technically a staycation idea; we thought we'd include information of the staycation tax refund. The government announced a subsidy for those you staycation in Ireland after October of 2020, where taxpayers will be entitled to save 20% on their restaurant and hotel bills. The maximum tax relief that can be claimed by an individual holidaymaker (who spends €625) is €125 - In other words, couples will potentially be able to claim €250. More info here.
 

1. Center Parcs

Opened in July, Center Parcs in Longford is a glamourous adventure centre built for top-notch family staycations; but it’s real charm? A clever appeal to kids and adults alike; it’s a luxury delight that young and old both love.

It’s certainly not cheap – (approx. 634 for a weekend break in a two bedroom lodge) but with indoor and outdoor activities for kids and adults, restaurants, bars, beaches. woodlands and a stunning, award-winning spa – they do really promise something for everyone.
 
Image: Center Parcs

 

2. Holiday Cottage

 Ah; the dreamy romantic vision of the white-washed cottage overlooking a rugged coastline. The perfect cottage does exist…in Ireland anyway. With many cottage-villages or standalone spots for rent across our Island; it’s the perfect way to spend your staycation with extended family and kids, or a romantic getaway for two.

We found this delightful 4 bed cottage in Doolin for 220 per night.

Image: Doolin Village Lodges

3. Air BnB

With many still trying to avoid crowds in hotels, searches for Air BnB’s are on the rise. And unsurprisingly too – with beautiful locations like lighthouses, boats, stunning cliff-side cottages and ‘treehouses (!?) it’s definitely a great option for your staycation.  

Some of the most searched-after spots for Air BnB’s were: Dunmore East, Clifden, westocork, Connemara, Kilkee, Doolin, Lanhinch, Arran, Islands, Dingle, Kerry, Clare, and  Donegal.

Image: Air BnB

 

4. Glamping

Another nugget of gold when it comes to a socially-distant staycation idea - glamping. If you’re a camping or outdoor enthusiast, but want a little twist of luxury for your break away, it’s definitely a winner. With some glamping spots offering beautiful woodland or beach-side scenery, luxurious fittings, hot-tubs, and even star gazing domes.

Some of the most highlight sought after and searched for glamping spots were: Emlagh glamping, Morris Castle glamping, Glenarm Castle glamping, Glamping in Clare, Knockrobin glamping, Nire Valley Glamping.

Image: Finn Lough Domes
 

5. Best Irish Beaches

Forget Spain, France or the Maldives… Ireland has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world; and there are some real hidden gems nestled along our coastlines. Some of our most beautiful stretches of beach are:
Inch Beach, Co. Kerry. Barleycove Beach, Co. Cork. Dogsbay beach, Co. Galway, Incheydoney Beach. Co. Cork, Irish Portsalon Beach, Co. Donegal.

Image: Ireland Before you Die.com

 

6. Aran Islands

The Aran Islands have made it into the top ten for one of the most popular staycation search topics this year. Achill Island, Spanish Point, Ballyliffin, proved popular spots also.

You can stay in some of the hostels, small hotels or B&B’s on the Aran islands, or Kilronan aparments or, of course, glamping or camping is a big hit.
 

7. Redcliff Lodge and Spanish Point

Spanish Point is one of the most stunning spots in Ireland, so understandably up there as a popular staycation choice. Redcliff Lodge proved a hotspot, too; perhaps because of its beautiful thatched cottage exterior and rooms, and spectacular location on top of the cliffs, overlooking the sea.

8. Places to Stay in Donegal

'Where to stay in Donegal?' Seemed to be the question on holiday-goers minds. 

If you’re looking for luxury, Lough Eske Castle or  Castle Leslie are both 5 star options.
As for beautiful areas; Slieve League, located in south west Donegal along a magnificent costal driving route and Ireland's highest Sea Cliffs, as well as the Glenveagh National Park - are two must-sees.

Finally, Coxtown Manor is a hidden gem: a beautiful; an attractive, late Georgian manor house just outside Donegal town.

9. Stairway to Heaven Ireland

If you have any form of social media, you may have noticed many holiday-goers taking snaps at this insta-famous backdrop –  one of several walks that you can take on the long Cuilcagh Waymarked Way – a 33km walking route that includes Cuilcagh Mountain on the border between County Fermanagh and County Cavan.

Image: Lonely Planet.com
 

10. Pet-Friendly Hotels

With so many important pooches to think about, it’s no wonder this topic was high up the list of Irish Staycationers.

Some of the best, according to Booking.com; Brooke Lodge in Killarney, Leenane Hotel in Killary harbour, Castlemartyr resort in Co. Cork, and  Croagh Bay in Schull, Co. Cork.