Mayo has been pipped by Galway, Kerry, Wexford, and Cork as the most popular destination for ‘staycation’ holidays this year, according to a new study by the online property site MyHome.ie
Also in the second most popular group with Mayo were Counties Clare, Donegal, and Waterford.
While Dublin failed to make it into the most popular list, an analysis of the properties on offer shows the capital does top the price list. The average price of renting a holiday home in the city is from €735 per week. Meath is next on €651 while Westmeath is a surprise entry as the third most expensive county with prices from €520 per week. For those looking for budget prices Monaghan has houses on offer from €262, Longford from €290, and Offaly from €315.
Angela Keegan, managing director of MyHome.ie, said the findings showed that there is extremely good value to be had in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. “Donegal is one of the most popular holiday destinations, but it also offers excellent value with average rental prices from €350 per week, making it the sixth cheapest overall. Other counties such as Sligo, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, Waterford, and Wexford also offer excellent value,” Keegan said.
Some of the deals on the website at the moment include cottages in Spiddal for €550 per week, four nights in Kilmore Quay Wexford for €360 and four nights in Letterkenny for €400. However, Ms Keegan pointed out that, as it is peak season at the moment, people need to shop around to see where the best deals can be had.
“If people want to be a bit more adventurous and try somewhere new there are great deals to be had in counties such as Roscommon, Tipperary, and Laois. While the summer hasn’t been great to date, late August and September can be lovely and now might be a good time to book that short break,” Keegan advised.
Of course for those who have had a recent windfall more luxurious properties are also on offer. For example six bed Sunnybank House in Clifden — where newly-wed Chelsea Clinton stayed when she visited Ireland and which features a heated swimming pool — is available from €2,800 per week, rising to €5,500 for July and August.
Or you could treat the family to a stay in Lough Ine House, a five bed Regency period house overlooking the beautiful lough near Skibbereen, for just €2,180 a week, while in Rosslare an eight bed modern holiday home which sleeps 19 with outdoor Jacuzzi, 50 inch TV, and full bar facilities available for €2,000 a week.
