Ireland's Beara Peninsula is one of the top 20 emerging ‘coolcation’ hotspots for 2026, according to new research.
With a +23.11% growth in travel searches over the past year, the region in southwest Ireland has been ranked the third fastest-growing coolcation destination in new research from Inghams Walking.
As heatwaves and temperatures continue to rise across the globe, over the past couple of years, travellers have increasingly begun opting for destinations with lower temperatures and less mass appeal than the usual beach hotspots - a travel movement dubbed the ‘coolcation.'
In fact, the new research from Inghams Walking shows that Google searches for “coolcation” have risen 42% since last year, and an astounding 3,500% since the beginning of 2024, when the trend first emerged.
Based on the continuing rise in traveller demand for cooler climates, the specialist tour operator has tracked year-on-year search trends (2024 vs. 2025) across general destination terms, accommodation-related inquiries, and destination-specific weather searches for nearly 200 destinations worldwide.
Inghams' research indicates that Beara is the third fastest-growing 'coolcation' destination of 2026, with a +23.11% growth in travel searches over the past year.
Stretching for 30 miles along Ireland’s southwest coast, the Beara Peninsula straddles the borders between Co Cork and Co Kerry.
Dursey Island, Beara Peninsula, Co Cork. (Ireland's Content Pool)
With evidence of human life dating back to 3000 BC, and more than 600 archaeological sites, this scenic sliver of the country is bound to make visitors feel as though they’ve stepped back in time.
Ardgroom Stone Circle on the Beara Peninsula in Co Cork. (Getty Images)
With mountain ranges, sweeping coastlines, and almost deserted beaches, Beara provides visitors with a formidable sense of remoteness, making it perfect for those looking to escape the usual Mediterranean crowds.
Garnish Beach, Beara Peninsula, Co Cork. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Summer temperatures typically sit around 14-16 °C, warm enough for exploration without the discomfort of Mediterranean heatwaves.
Allihies, Beara Peninsula, Co Cork. (Ireland's Content Pool)
The other coolcation destinations making up the top 5 are:
- Nuuk, Greenland (+48.39%)
- Les Contamines-Montjoie, France (+39.79%)
- Jotunheimen National Park, Norway (+22.33%)
- Tasiilaq, Greenland (+22.24%)
The research from Inghams Walking shows that coolcations are no longer simply about travellers swapping one European city for another - they’re about heading to high-altitude regions and vast, open landscapes.
From remote Greenland to Alpine regions and Atlantic peninsulas like Beara, the study highlights coolcation destinations for all types of travellers.
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