Staycations 2026: Cosy breaks to warm your heart
Break ideas: Why not build a getaway around the Halloween festivities all over the island in October.
It’s Fomhár to the fore! As September draws in, I have to admit, I haven’t been this excited to get on the road for an Irish autumn in many a year.
Having ironically been abroad for the already legendary Irish summer of 2026, and needless to say contending with all the FOMO that went with it, I'm so excited to pick up the travel writing baton at home once again, during what is surely one of the best times of the year to travel.
Cosy, wholesome, gorgeous touring around the country off-peak and with ambient weather, what’s not to love.
There’s a real appeal to travelling in the autumn season too, thanks to less crowds, better value and a increasingly bumper calendar of events which are extending the staycation season deep into winter. It's no longer a niche concept either; recent research from Fáilte Ireland has revealed that a whopping 66% of us prefer taking short breaks in Ireland during the off-peak season.
“It's the perfect time that allows us to visit all the iconic sites or even just the hotel pool without the crowds,” Claire Redmond from Fáilte Ireland tells me. “It allows us to explore at our own pace and to take in as much, or as little, as we choose. It means we don't even have to go far, there is so much to explore within a short trip from home.” Discover Ireland's own autumn tourism campaigns are encouraging would be staycationers to indeed “keep discovering” while also exploring some of the names and destinations which are perhaps lesser touristed or known. And there are no shortage of options for those seeking a more of a secret great escape.
Looking for a luxury eco escape? In Ireland’s Ancient East, for example, The Deerstone in Co. Wicklow is an ambient 6-acre resort with sustainability at its core which features cottages, dog-friendly shepherd's huts and deluxe rooms while food wise, you can tuck into tasty hampers, charcuterie boards, fine dining and fireside s'mores.
For a break in Cork, Ciara O’Brien’s Barnahown House is a restored farmhouse B&B in Mitchelstown and an idyllic retreat for an autumn hiking break to the Galtee Mountains … why not pair your stay with a tour of the local Eight Degrees Brewery or enjoy a chocolate-making workshop with Praline.
For some options North of the border, there’s a whole region waiting be discovered with tourism booming too. NISRA figures show 5.1 million trips to Northern Ireland in 2025, up 9% year-on-year, with visits from the Republic climbing 15% alone - that’s largely attributed to the region’s excellent food and drink scene and world-class attractions from Titanic Belfast to the Causeway Coastal Route.
“Momentum is really building further off the back of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, which just took place in August and which organisers called a watershed moment for the region,” Fiona Cunningham of Discover Northern Ireland explains. “1.6 million people passed through the city centre during the festival many visiting the North for the first time and we think autumn brings myriad reasons to return.”
And as “everyday tourism” emerges as a travel trend, the retail sector continues to be huge driver for visitors heading north, not only due to the novelty of many brands from Argos to Asda but also the vibrant shopping experience everywhere from Victoria Square in Belfast to outlets at Banbridge to Victoria.
Now’s a great time to consider booking a break Laganside for the city’s vibrant Christmas Market too which runs at City Hall from mid-November to December 22. Add in some new accommodations from the newly opened Aloft by Marriott in Belfast to Roe Valley Resort’s new Mussenden Lodge (a good tip for golf lovers), and the stay offering continues to evolve for the tourist.
The harvest season is of course a wonderful time for food festivals, check out the Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival from October 2-4, while music and culture lovers can look forward the Other Voices festival returning to Derry for the first time in over a decade (Oct 25-26). And of course, all across the island of Ireland, expect Halloween events to be a major tourism driver as the celebration continues to develop into a true destination event similar to Rio for Carnival or Munich for Oktoberfest.
And these are just a little taster, not least with such a growing depth to the Irish tourism and staycation experience. To get you in the mood, this special staycation supplement is packed with travel features to inspire you to plan, book or day dream about a trip in Ireland over the coming weeks and months and I hope you’ll harvest your own crop of great ideas. Looking forward to seeing you on the road and safe travels!
For more inspiration be sure to check out discoverireland.com and discovernorthernireland.com
