Winter Wanderlust: Airbnb Unveils Ireland’s Top Travel Trends and Destinations This Season

Group and family getaways are on the travel agenda this winter, with many Irish guests opting for extended stays and embracing “work from getaways”.

Milan, Italy, host city of the 2026 Winter Olympics, is the most sought-after international destination for Irish travellers during the colder months.

Counties Galway, Kerry and Cork, lead as Ireland’s favourite domestic destination, while Cancún and Rio de Janeiro top the list for winter sun seekers.

Airbnb today reveals this year’s winter travel trends, highlighting how Irish guests are embracing shared experiences and choosing group trips during the festive season. The new data also spotlights the most popular destinations, both at home in Ireland and abroad, to explore during colder months.

Friends and families are increasingly choosing to travel together this winter,  not just for a few days, but for extended stays of up to 27 nights. Longer trips allow groups to slow down, reconnect, and make lasting memories without the rush of a short weekend away. Dingle’s coastal escapes are popular for guests looking to unwind and enjoy the scenery before settling for a cosy night in, and for those looking further afield, Rio de Janeiro is trending as a vibrant alternative for some winter sun.

any Irish travellers are reimagining what it means to “get away,” choosing homes that balance comfort with functionality. Searches for stays with dedicated workspaces are on the rise, showing that guests want the flexibility to stay connected while enjoying time away. Whether it’s enjoying Galway’s festive markets or chasing warmth in Cancún, this new style of travel allows people to work from inspiring settings, recharge, and still be part of shared moments with family and friends.

With the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics underway, the host city of Milan is emerging as top choice for Irish travellers eager to soak up the atmosphere and explore the Italian Alps ahead of the world’s biggest winter sporting event. Searches for stays across Lombardy and nearby alpine towns have surged, as guests seek a blend of culture, cuisine, and snow-capped adventure.

Trending domestic destinations for Irish guests:

• County Galway
• County Kerry
• County Cork

Trending destinations for Irish guests travelling abroad:

• Milan, Italy
• Cancún, Mexico

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Derek Nolan, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Airbnb, said: “Irish guests are redefining winter travel, staying longer, travelling together, and finding balance between work and rest. We’re seeing families and friends embrace the freedom to connect in new ways, whether that means gathering in Galway or heading to Milan ahead of the Winter Olympics. These trends reflect a growing  appetite for meaningful, flexible travel that brings people closer together.”

Airbnb has curated a collection of Guest Favourites, a collection of the two million most-loved homes on Airbnb based on guest ratings, reviews and reliability.

Stays in trending domestic destinations for Irish guests

County Galway 

Private Treehouse 

This unique treehouse escape in Galway sleeps up to four guests, nestled among the trees with a hot tub and sauna for total relaxation. This stay is a great option for cosy group getaways that blend downtime and embracing the countryside.

County Kerry

Pipers Cottage – Historic Sea View Retreat

This restored 17th-century cottage sleeps up to six guests and offers sea views over Ventry Bay. With underfloor heating, modern amenities, and a cosy fireplace, it’s a combination of heritage charm and complete comfort. It’s the ideal spot for friends and families looking to enjoy the sea breeze this winter.

County Cork

Whitewater – Entire house in Bantry

This coastal cottage in West Cork sleeps up to six guests with sweeping sea views and direct beach access. The home has an open-plan living and a wood-burning stove, great for relaxed winter getaways closer to home.

Stays in trending destinations for Irish guests travelling abroad

Milan, Italy

Charming Stylish Apartment in the Heart of Milan

This stylish apartment in Milan’s Brera district sleeps up to four guests. Set in a historic, art-filled building, it features designer touches, a balcony, and ultra-central access to metro and tram links in a walkable, vibrant neighbourhood. Get a front row view of the action at the Winter Olympics before settling in for a cosy evening in this magical home.

Cancún, Mexico 

360 Templo – Entire home in Cancún

Located in vibrant Cancún, this designer villa accommodates up to four guests It features a gourmet kitchen, private pool with waterfall and jacuzzi, and a home cinema for luxurious downtime. Just steps from local markets and eateries, it perfectly blends tropical escape with group-friendly comfort.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Charming house in the urban forest

This glass-walled forest home in Rio de Janeiro sleeps up to five guests and offers a serene blend of nature and modern comfort. For groups seeking longer, relaxing stays close to the city’s iconic beaches, this stay is the ultimate escape to the sunny coast.

“Airbnb is not the copyright holder of these images. Airbnb receives a limited licence from our Hosts who agree to our Terms of Service and upload these images. Airbnb grants you limited and revocable rights to use the images on your site for your article only, provided that you link to the listing, add the credit line “Courtesy of the Airbnb Community” and remove the images if the rights holder objects to your use.”