Killarney most expensive as hotel prices rise

Killarney is the most expensive place in Ireland to get a hotel room, as figures show hotel prices around the country continuing to rise.

Tue, 04 Mar, 2014 - 00:00

Conall Ó Fá;tharta

According to the latest Hotels.com price index, hotel prices are up 4% to an average of €94 a night.

Dublin experienced the largest rise in room rates last year with prices up 7% year-on-year to €96 a night, just slightly above the national average.

A number of key events helped bolster prices in the capital including Dublin playing host to the Heineken Cup final and two All-Ireland hurling finals due to a replay. The return of the business and conferencing market to Dublin also helped keep prices robust.

With an average price of €106 a night, Killarney remains the most expensive place to book a hotel in the country.

Kilkenny is the second most expensive destination at an average of €97 per night.

Galway’s prices fell 4% to €96 on average. Rates in the city have settled after the average in 2012 was lifted thanks to the city playing host to the final leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. Room rates in Cork rose 2% in 2013 to an average of €86.

Limerick was found to be Ireland’s best value destination at an average of €68 per night.

According to Hotels.com, the continued recovery of hotel prices last year can be attributed to a number of factors, including a successful year for tourism with The Gathering, festivals, sporting events and concerts around the country boosting visitor numbers.

Overall visitors to Ireland were up 7% last year, with the US, Germany, France, Spain and Australia all registering record numbers.

The all-important British market also recorded growth in 2013.

Head of marketing at Hotels.com Oliver Garner said that although prices have risen in recent years, the hotel sector here continued to offer excellent value for money.

“While prices have recovered somewhat, it’s important to bear in mind that we are coming from several years of steep decline and Ireland still offers exceptional value for visitors both at home and abroad,” he said.