The best staycation cities in Ireland
Staycations are rising in popularity across Ireland, and many are opting to holiday local rather than venturing further afield. From vibrant cities which are bursting with arts and culture, to more tranquil getaways, holidaymakers are choosing to immerse themselves in Irish charm.
The staycation trend is great news for Irish businesses, who’ll undoubtedly experience more footfall due to the increasing number of holidaymakers. So, if you’re an entrepreneur looking to launch your own business, why not set up in one of these cities below?
The best Irish staycation cities
1. Limerick
First up for Ireland is Limerick, which has a total score of 16.85. Limerick is well known for its arts and culture scene, as well as its many food spots and outdoor markets. If you’re looking for a staycation on the cheaper side, Limerick may be perfect for you. It’s also the cheapest Irish city on our list for a cup of coffee (priced at €2.82), and the most affordable for a cinema ticket.
2. Galway
Galway is next, with a score of 13.96. Located on Ireland’s West Coast, Galway is a bustling city known for its vibrant streets as well as its striking coastal scenery. The city boasts warm Irish charm, therefore it’s no wonder holidaymakers love it.
Galway is the most expensive on our list of Irish cities for a cinema ticket, though, coming in at €10.48, but it’s the cheapest when it comes to taxi journeys (which on average cost €8.44).
3. Cork
Third is Cork which has a total score of 4.88, thanks to its rugged coastline and charismatic properties. It’s also often referred to as Ireland’s ‘foodie capital’. The average cost of an inexpensive meal in Cork is around €12.83, the same price as in Galway.
Additionally, Cork is also an ideal base for day trips to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, so for nature lovers and those with an adventurous spirit, Cork will make an ideal staycation.
4. Dublin
Finally for Ireland, we have Dublin, with an index score of 2.85. Whether you’re looking to explore historical landmarks, relax in a tranquil park, or immerse yourself in the city’s rich literary history, Dublin will provide you with what you’re looking for.
On the plus side, it has the most green space (43.54%) on our Irish city list, but it is one of the more expensive cities for coffee, with the average cup costing €3.27. Dublin is also the city with the fewest vintage stores on our list, so if you’re hoping to get into the vintage clothing business, it may be a great place to establish your name.
The benefits of staycations for businesses
Maybe you’re an eager entrepreneur looking to open your own business? If so, heading to one of these cities may give you the boost you need. Due to the volume of visitors, and their eagerness to shop, dine, and purchase goods, businesses will benefit from a high footfall and increased revenue.
It’s clear that the staycation trend is here to stay, so, it’s definitely worth adjusting your business, or establishing a new one to target this rise in staycations.
Well, there you have it, the best cities for a staycation in Ireland. Ireland is filled with bustling, energetic cities which are waiting to beckon holidaymakers. So, whether you’re drawn to the streets of Dublin, or are looking for a taste of Irish charm in Galway, why not choose a staycation this year?
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a place to set up your business, you could consider one of these cities. Our guide on starting a business might be helpful if this sounds like something you’re interested in.
Methodology
This methodology evaluates the suitability of locations across Ireland for staycations, utilizing 19 factors including cost metrics, amenities, and safety scores. Data for these factors is normalized to a range of 0 to 1, with missing data receiving a score of 0. Each location is then assigned a total score out of 23, derived from the sum of normalized values. Factors like coffee price, cinema ticket cost, average taxi fare, and clothing expenses are weighted twice in the calculation. The rankings are based on these total scores, with European Union city pricing data collected in GBP and converted to Euros at a rate of 1 GBP to 1.17 EUR. All data is sourced from platforms like Numbeo, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps, with accuracy confirmed as of January 26, 2024. Factors are indexed such that high values generally receive low scores and vice versa, with exceptions like safety score, green space, and cultural amenities where high values receive high scores.
