Irish Travel Agents Report Strong Bookings to Kick Off 2026

Travel agencies in Ireland have reported a robust start to the January 2026 booking period, despite some suppliers indicating a softer beginning. This early performance suggests a potential rebound in travel activities, as various agencies share their optimistic outlook for the year ahead.

Positive Trends Across Travel Segments

Jeff Collins, Managing Director of Best4Travel, highlighted the strong demand for family, cruise, and touring bookings. He noted that clients appreciate the in-store experience offered by his agency, along with a low booking deposit of just €50. Collins emphasized that the repeat clientele is contributing significantly to the positive momentum as they explore travel options for the year.

Similarly, Emma McHugh, Managing Director of Atlantic Travel, reported a surge in cruise bookings. The period between Christmas and New Year proved to be particularly successful, marking the busiest week her agency has experienced in over 15 months. McHugh mentioned a growing trend of customers confirming bookings at the time of inquiry, with popular travel choices including mid-term getaways in October and sun holidays for December 2026. Among the trending cruise destinations, Asia and the Mediterranean were highlighted, while bookings to the USA, especially Orlando, have seen a notable increase. McHugh also observed a rise in group family bookings, with multiple families traveling together.

Agency Insights Reflect Market Optimism

Clem Walshe, Commercial Director for LoveHolidays, described the initial week of January as decent, with booking levels steadily improving. The agency experienced record-breaking booking days on both Thursday and Friday of last week. Walshe noted that as the week progressed, overall sentiment improved, indicating positive booking trends across various categories including short-haul beach destinations, European cities, and long-haul travel options.

Sharon Harney, General Manager of Cassidy Travel, reported that her agency recorded bookings for 124 different routes in just one week. This statistic reflects the wide range of destinations available to Irish travelers. Harney pointed out the continued strength of cruise bookings, especially among multi-generational family groups. Demand for winter sun remains high, with the Canary Islands leading in popularity, while Dubai is also competing strongly. City breaks are consistently performing well, and Harney noted increased interest in a five-night package called “Dancing Under the Sun” in Benalmadena, coinciding with the launch of a popular television show in Ireland.

In contrast, Cathy Burke, Managing Director of Travel Counsellors, emphasized steady growth patterns with Spain as the most favored destination, followed closely by the USA, particularly Florida. Italy and Australia are also gaining traction among travelers, with Australia now ranking fourth. Burke attributed the increase in cruise bookings to rising prices in some European destinations, particularly Spain and Portugal, making cruises an attractive option for those seeking value for money.

As the travel industry navigates the early days of 2026, agencies are closely monitoring booking trends to determine if this momentum will lead to a return to pre-COVID booking behaviors. With positive indicators emerging, the outlook for the travel sector appears increasingly optimistic.