As our lives become busier and more demanding, the importance of taking short breaks from the daily grind cannot be overstated. Whether you’re looking for a change of scenery, a chance to unwind, or simply an opportunity to recharge your batteries, short breaks are the perfect way to achieve it all. With 2023 just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the latest trends in short breaks in Ireland. From ‘hybrid hospitality’ to the return of honesty bars, here are 10 short break trends you won’t want to miss. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of what Ireland has to offer!
The hospitality industry in Ireland has experienced a drastic shift in offerings, especially in the past few years when the pandemic has hit the country hard, resulting in outdoor eating options, remote work and short breaks. As a result, hotels, guesthouses and campsites in Ireland are continuously adapting their services to meet the demands of the changing times. The Fab 50 list of Ireland’s best places to stay in 2023 provides an insight into how hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodations are changing their game for the upcoming season. The list covers various locations all over the country, and here are some of the recurring trends observed by the team.
1. Home Comforts
Guests are increasingly upgrading their homes and tech during the pandemic and, as a result, have high expectations when they book a stay. Homes used to follow hotels by imitating their styles, however, this trend is now shifting towards the opposite side. Recently refurbished River Run House & Cottages in Tipperary, is one example that follows the trend of creating lodging experiences that are as good as guests’ homes.
2. Family Stays
Family rooms are usually designed for four people, but the competition from other properties, such as cabins, lodges and other accommodations are forcing change. New dens that accommodate six people at Bloomfield House in Mullingar are an example. Similarly, An Cúlú is a self-catering stay that creatively utilizes bunks to increase capacity.
3. Minimum Stay
From AirBnBs to hotels and glamping dens, many accommodations have introduced a minimum stay of two or more nights. It is an approach that can irritate some guests, but this is adopted to maximize revenue and create staffing and housekeeping efficiencies. In some cases, such as Sundays or midweek, adding a third night gives discounts of around 10-15%.
4. Honesty Bars
One significant trend that has re-emerged in recent years is honesty bars. From Mount Congreve’s Gate Lodge to the period lounge at Stauntons on the Green in Dublin, these touches of trust can help the establishments save on costs, create positivity and provide guests with memorable 24/7 experiences as they pour their beverages.
5. The Townhouse 2.0
Making our Fab 50 list are Stauntons on the Green, Trinity Townhouse, The Wilder, Regency and Harrison Chambers of Distinction, One Pery Square, and Butler House. Townhouses are starting to bring Personal Service and small-hotel style to central locations in Ireland, making it easy and enjoyable for guests to explore their surroundings.
6. Maximalist Mega-Headboards
Apart from beautifully designed and patterned wallpapers that feature botanical or animal prints, the trend of maximalist headboards is on the rise. Elephant Rock, a property in Portrush, has gone for huge headboards with maximalist prints instead of full walls, and so have Arthur’s in Hillsborough. Brushed brass, another interior trend for the year, is everywhere.
7. Futuristic Farm Stays
Family-run farms such as Fernwood Organic Farm, Letteran Lodges or The Hidden Haven, endeavor to provide cool, small stays that blend with and resonate in harmony with the landscape, paying close attention to sustainability messages which customers appreciate. The diversification of these rural family businesses is paying dividends for the creators and customers alike as people are willing to travel to quality cabins and lodges.
8. To TV, or not TV?
The trend of not having TVs in hotel rooms in Ballymaloe House, The Hidden Haven, and Strand Cottage in West Cork is surprising, but reasonable in the right environment. As Wi-Fi is strong, and guests often have their devices, why should properties incur the cost of expensive TV upgrades every couple of years?
9. TikTok Tourism
Stays targeting Gen Z guests and properties inviting content creators with significant audiences to stay and create content to share on platforms like Instagram and TikTok are gaining momentum in the hospitality industry.
10. Garden Leave
Hotels are increasingly utilizing their outdoor spaces; seabirds of the new Sea Rooms at Kelly’s, Killeavy Castle’s walled garden studio, The Park Dungarvan’s outdoor dining area, or Ballymaloe’s special packages with Birdwatch Ireland’s Niall Hatch are examples of establishments leaning into their gardens.
In conclusion, the short break trends in Ireland for 2023 are set to transform the way we experience travel and leisure. From the rise of ‘hybrid hospitality’ to the return of honesty bars, these trends reflect a growing desire for personalized, authentic, and sustainable travel experiences. Whether you’re looking for a digital detox, a wellness retreat or a gourmet escape, there’s never been a better time to explore the diverse and charming landscapes of Ireland. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and delight, as you discover the many wonders of Ireland’s short break scene in 2023!
