The study shows that freedom and flexibility are key priorities for Irish holidaymakers, with access to a car being essential to how people plan and enjoy trips at home.
Some 42% of the 1,000 adults who responded to the survey said the main benefit of having access to a car while on holiday is the freedom and flexibility to travel at their own pace.
A quarter (26%) said a car makes it easier to explore nearby towns and villages, and a fifth (19%) said it gives them access to more rural, coastal or beach location.
The research also revealed Ireland’s must-see destinations, with the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry and the Giant’s Causeway topping the list.
Overall, Kerry emerged as the top domestic holiday destination among respondents with 17% of the vote ahead of Galway (13%), Dublin (12%), Cork (9%) and Donegal (9%).
At a regional level, Munster was named the most popular staycation region, chosen by more than a third (37%) of respondents, ahead of Leinster at 27%, Connacht at 22% and Ulster at 14%.
The findings also show that, for those traveling by car with a group or extended family, planning the journey can make all the difference.
While 30% of travelers identified traffic as a challenge, 22% cited navigating the journey, and 18% pointed to the frequency of breaks.
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Another interesting finding from the research is the clear differences in staycation preferences across age groups. Kerry’s appeal is particularly strong among older respondents, rising to almost a quarter (23%) among those aged 65 and over.
Dublin, meanwhile, performs most strongly among younger adults, with nearly a fifth (18%) of both 18–24-year-olds and 25–34-year-olds naming it as their favorite county for a staycation.
Those planning a staycation this summer are advised to research potential staycation destinations in advance of making the trip.
Ciaran Dunne of YourDaysOut said, "The ability to discover what’s happening locally and book tickets in advance has become an important part of how many families plan a staycation in Ireland.
"We’re seeing more families use YourDaysOut to research potential staycation destinations before they travel, with attractions, events and activities increasingly influencing where people choose to stay.”
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“The research shows that the Irish staycation is very much part of people’s summer plans," said Brendan Grieve, vice president and general manager for Enterprise Mobility in Ireland.
"What stands out is the desire for flexibility. People want to explore at their own pace, often visit more than one place and make the most of the destinations on their doorstep.
“From Kerry and Galway to Dublin, Cork and Donegal, the top staycation counties all offer very different types of breaks.
"Whether it’s a coastal road trip, a city stay, a family visit or a few days exploring towns and villages, having access to the right vehicle gives people the freedom to shape the trip around them and enjoy a more comfortable, flexible trip.”
* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.
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