Edinburgh Tops 2026 Travel Trends for Irish Holidaymakers While Greek Islands, Dubai, Prague, London, Budapest and New York See Major Booking Growth

Published on February 24, 2026

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Edinburgh is leading Ireland’s 2026 travel surge after recording the strongest jump in bookings, driven by growing demand for culture-rich city breaks, easy access and year-round experiences. At the same time, strong interest in the Greek Islands, Dubai, Prague, London, Budapest and New York shows Irish travellers are balancing classic sun holidays with vibrant urban escapes at home and abroad.

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Irish holidaymakers are reshaping their travel wish lists for 2026, and one destination is pulling well ahead of the pack. Edinburgh has emerged as the standout choice, recording a striking 75 percent rise in bookings compared with last year. The surge positions the Scottish capital as the fastest-growing hotspot for Irish travellers planning their next escape.

Fresh booking data from a leading online travel platform, based on activity over the past three months, reveals a clear shift in momentum toward city breaks. While sun-soaked beach holidays remain a staple, urban adventures are staging a powerful comeback, with Edinburgh leading what appears to be a broader revival in short-haul European travel.

A Scottish Capital on the Rise

Edinburgh’s growing appeal lies in its unique blend of medieval charm and modern energy. From the historic Royal Mile to the dramatic silhouette of Edinburgh Castle, the city offers a compact yet layered experience that suits both weekend breaks and longer stays. The accessibility of direct flights from Ireland, combined with a shared cultural familiarity, makes it an easy and attractive choice.

The 75 percent year-on-year growth signals more than just seasonal curiosity. It reflects a wider appetite among Irish travellers for destinations that offer heritage, walkability, lively food scenes and year-round festivals. Edinburgh ticks all those boxes, and its rising popularity suggests that travellers are looking for experiences that feel both enriching and convenient.

London and the UK See Renewed Interest

Edinburgh is not alone in benefiting from this renewed enthusiasm for UK travel. Bookings to London have climbed by 48 percent, reinforcing signs that Irish tourism to Britain is enjoying a resurgence.

For many travellers, London remains a reliable favourite — a city where world-class museums, theatre, shopping and dining are packed into one sprawling metropolis. The sharp increase in bookings suggests that Irish visitors are rediscovering the ease and diversity of city breaks across the Irish Sea.

This renewed interest in UK destinations may also reflect practical considerations. Short flight times, frequent connections and no language barriers continue to make British cities an appealing option for spontaneous getaways or extended weekends.

European City Breaks Gather Pace

Beyond the UK, several continental cities are also reporting robust growth from the Irish market. Prague has recorded a 48 percent increase in bookings, while Budapest is not far behind with a 44 percent rise.

Both cities offer striking architecture, rich history and comparatively good value for money — factors that resonate strongly at a time when travellers are balancing experience with affordability. Prague’s fairytale skyline and Budapest’s thermal baths and riverside views provide distinct but equally compelling reasons to visit.

The renewed popularity of these Central European capitals points to a broader pattern: Irish holidaymakers are once again embracing the cultural depth and atmosphere of European city breaks. Whether it’s sampling local cuisine, exploring historic quarters or enjoying vibrant nightlife, short urban escapes are clearly back in demand.

Greek Islands Still Shine

While cities are enjoying a revival, beach destinations remain firmly in favour. Greek island favourites Crete and Rhodes are defying any notion that coastal holidays are losing ground.

Crete has seen bookings climb by 62 percent, while Rhodes follows closely with a 54 percent increase. These figures underline the enduring appeal of Mediterranean sunshine, turquoise waters and relaxed resort living.

For many Irish travellers, the promise of reliable warmth and poolside downtime continues to hold strong appeal, particularly for summer family holidays. The Greek islands offer a blend of scenic beaches, all-inclusive options and cultural excursions, making them versatile enough to suit different types of travellers.

The strong growth in these destinations suggests that while city breaks are surging, traditional sun holidays remain a cornerstone of Irish travel habits.

Long-Haul City Escapes on the Rise

Interestingly, the appetite for city exploration is not limited to Europe. Further afield, Dubai and New York are also seeing notable growth from Irish holidaymakers.

Dubai has recorded a 53 percent increase in bookings, reflecting its reputation as a year-round sunshine destination with a futuristic skyline, luxury shopping and desert adventures. The city’s blend of beach relaxation and urban spectacle appears to be striking the right chord with travellers seeking something beyond Europe.

New York, meanwhile, has experienced a 30 percent uplift. The enduring allure of the Big Apple — from Broadway shows to iconic landmarks like Times Square and Central Park — continues to attract Irish visitors eager for a high-energy, bucket-list experience.

The rise in long-haul city travel suggests that confidence in international travel remains strong, with many holidaymakers willing to venture further for distinctive experiences.

Top Emerging Destinations for Irish Travellers in 2026

Based on year-on-year booking growth, the leading emerging destinations are:

1. Edinburgh, Scotland – 75% increase
2. Crete, Greek Islands – 62% increase
3. Rhodes, Greek Islands – 54% increase
4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 53% increase
5. Prague, Czech Republic – 48% increase
6. London, England – 48% increase
7. Budapest, Hungary – 44% increase
8. New York, United States – 30% increase

A Changing Travel Landscape

The latest figures paint a picture of a travel market that is both diverse and dynamic. Irish holidaymakers are not choosing between city and beach — they are embracing both. Short-haul urban escapes, Mediterranean sunshine and long-haul adventures are all gaining ground.

At the heart of the trend is a desire for meaningful experiences, whether that means wandering through cobbled streets in Edinburgh, soaking up the sun in Crete or gazing at skyscrapers in Dubai.

As 2026 approaches, one thing is clear: Irish travellers are planning boldly, mixing classic favourites with rising stars. And for now, Edinburgh stands proudly at the top of that list, leading a wave of renewed enthusiasm for discovery.