The cost, weather and children are just some of the reasons why Irish staycations are seeing a decline, a travel writer has said.
Reports say domestic bookings at Irish hotels made for July and August have dropped by between 45% and 53% when compared with the same period in 2021.
Bookings made by US and UK citizens for Ireland have increased by 27% for the summer months when compared with 2021.
Irish Daily Mail Freelance Travel Writer Megan Virgo told Newstalk Breakfast people want a better experience for less.
"It's expensive but also it depends on people's tastes," she said.
"A lot of people want a five-star staycation but they don't want to pay the five-star prices.
"There is great value to be had but I think people don't want necessarily to have that type of trip.
"You can go to great places, for example Kerry is very popular as a spot, Cork, Galway - but people don't want to pay those prices.
"Whereas you can travel to other places in Ireland; Northern Ireland is a great place to get value for money."
'Extortionate'
Ms Virgo said people with families often get caught out.
"If you have kids it's just extortionate and that's where all the prices just increase at a pace that I don't think I ever thought was possible," she said.
"If you're a couple or if you're heading away with friends it is more accessible."
Ms Virgo said planning in advance is important.
"If you went to book a holiday now this summer you'd probably be paying an arm and a leg," she said.
"Whereas if you book well in advance you're going to get a great deal.
"I think the same can be said for certain spots in Ireland".
'Culture'
Ms Virgo said weather and culture is also on people's mind.
"I think the weather is a huge factor here and also I think culture," she said.
"When we book a holiday we want a break, we want to chill out and that means experiencing different cultures, getting in a bit of vitamin D.
"We can really can get any season at anytime of year even in one day.
"But in saying that when the sun shines here in Ireland and it's warm it is the nicest country - you wouldn't want to go anywhere else," she added.
Ms Virgo suggested bringing different Irish branding, such as the Wild Atlantic Way, under one package could be a way to make it all more accessible.
