Travel Trends For 2025

Sunset Kayaking, Cloughoughter Castle, Co Cavan

What’s on travellers’ radar for 2025? Where are the go-to spots you don’t want to miss? As holidaymakers look to escape the frenetic routine of their daily lives and immerse themselves in nature, we’ve got the top travel tips for where to go in Ireland. Sun, sea and sand are out – blissful landscapes, mindful experiences and under-the-radar locations are in.  

Trend: “Enjoying the moment” 

Mindful travel is a big deal for 2025 as travellers seek to immerse themselves in stunning scenery to recharge and zone out. As travel industry expert Skift notes, for 2025, “Travel’s new cadence is more deliberate, introspective and soulful”, and Ireland offers abundant places and experiences to be at one with nature and savour the moment. There are epic walking trails in off-the-beaten-track locations, where time slows down and the majesty of Ireland’s natural beauty shines, such as the Beara Way in West Cork (206km) and the Ulster Way in Northern Ireland (1,024km). There are secluded 6th-century monastic sites surrounded by stunning landscapes, including Glendalough in County Wicklow, Gougane Barra in County Cork and Devenish Island in County Fermanagh. And there are contemplative experiences, from forest bathing in County Down to yoga in the Burren, County Clare. If you want to enjoy the moment, there’s no better place than Ireland.  

Trend: “Winter destinations”  

We’ve all heard the phrase “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing” and according to Forbes, many holidaymakers will be eschewing winter sun hotspots in 2025. Instead, they will be looking to embrace the seasons and enjoy cold-weather destinations. And there’s no better place than Ireland in winter, with our long, windswept deserted beaches, snow-dusted mountain peaks and fire-warmed pubs. Looking to chill out in 2025? Why not take to the Mourne Mountains in County Down, the sight of which was said to have inspired CS Lewis to create Narnia? Or how about a stay in a wave-lashed Atlantic lighthouse where you can cosy up against the elements with a good book? Irish cities are also lovely in winter; festooned with lights, they are hives of activity, with many playing host to seasonal festivals, including Derry Halloween, Winterval in Waterford and the Wexford Festival Opera.   

 Trend: “Multi-destination trips” 

According to Lonely Travel’s Best in Travel 2025, “train-hopping” is set to be a massive trend for 2025, and thanks to its compact size Ireland is ideal for exploring by rail. A multi-city break by train is not only a sustainable way to travel, but it’s also easy: from Dublin, you can access a multitude of destinations including Cork, Belfast and Galway, with most journeys taking less than three hours. Alternatively, there is an extensive bus network, connecting towns and villages across the island, and allowing visitors to interact with locals along the way. Why do one place, when you can do many! 

Trend: “Off the beaten track” 

According to Forbes, 2025 will see an increase in people looking for more authentic experiences and Ireland is packed with under-the-radar “detour destinations”. In Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, sightseeing, scenery and serenity swirl together for slow-travel perfection – think lazy days on languid canals and relaxation in riverside towns and villages. History and heritage abound in this vibrant area – explore ancient castles in County Roscommon, marvel at an ancient Iron Age trackway at the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, and see what was once the world’s largest castle at the majestic Birr Castle and Demesne. In Northern Ireland, head to the secluded paradise of Strangford Lough, a UNESCO Global Geopark and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With lustrous waters, tumbledown castles and exceptional bio-diversity, it serves up soulful beauty with a side of history. 

Kerry Dark Sky Reserve, Co. Kerry

Trend: “Astro tourism” 

Skyscanner predicts that 2025 will be a big one for star-gazing, but not a lot of people know that Ireland is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the stars, with internationally accredited locations where, if you time it right, you’ll be able to enjoy a dazzling night sky. County Kerry on the Wild Atlantic Way is home to the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, which offers the chance to see the glittering Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy. Also along the Wild Atlantic Way is the Mayo Dark Sky Park, where you can marvel at over 4,500 stars. In Northern Ireland, book into Sperrin View Glamping in the OM Dark Sky Park in County Tyrone. With specially manufactured “viewing windows”, you can lie back, relax and enjoy the show. Keep going north, and you’ll reach the Antrim coast, where the Northern Lights have been known to make an appearance.  

Oysters, Co. Galway

Trend: “Focus on food”  

Foodies have always travelled in search of the perfect dish and, according to Hilton, “foodies will propel the food and beverage trends forward in 2025”.  Right now, Ireland is at the cutting-edge of the food scene with exceptional local ingredients, super-creative chefs and skilled artisan producers creating everything from excellent cheese to small-batch whiskey. As an island, seafood is always a must, and Moran’s Oyster Cottage in County Galway, with a heritage dating back 250 years, is perfect for oyster lovers. Also not to be missed are Linnane’s Lobster Bar in the heart of the Burren, County Clare, and Harry’s Shack, County Londonderry, set on one of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Ireland. 

 Ireland is renowned for the quality of its beef, pork and lamb and also its mouthwatering vegetables, so for fork-to-farm food, head to Camus Farm Field Kitchen in County Cork, The Green Barn in County Kildare, or Noble in Hollywood, County Down.   

Trend: “Hotel-restaurant renaissance”  

According to Expedia, 2025 will be the year of the hotel restaurant renaissance, with hotels putting increased emphasis on delivering high-quality food, and in Ireland, you’re spoilt for choice. Some of Ireland’s most sumptuous castle and manor hotels boast Michelin-starred restaurants, including The Oak Room at Adare Manor in County Limerick, the Lady Helen at Mount Juliet in County Kilkenny, The Bishops Buttery at The Cashel Palace in County Tipperary, and House at the Cliff House Hotel in County Wexford. And for less grand, but equally fabulous foodie destinations, the elegant 18th-century Newforge House in County Armagh and 19th-century Ardtara Country House in County Londonderry both focus on the finest local ingredients in stylish country house surroundings.  

Derry Girls Mural, Derry-Londonderry

Trend: “Set-jetting” 

According to Wanderlust Travel Magazine, many holidaymakers are choosing destinations inspired by their favourite film or TV programme and from windswept beaches and dramatic cliffs to picturesque towns and bustling cities, Ireland has played host to many hit shows and films. The award-winning Bad Sisters is back for a second season and fans can visit familiar on-screen locations such as the Forty Foot swimming spot in Dublin, while The Banshees of Inisherin devotees should head to Achill Island in County Galway and Inis Mór in County Galway. For Game of Thrones® aficionados, there are more than 25 film locations in Northern Ireland as well as a Game of Thrones Studio Tour, while Derry Girls fans should hotfoot it to Derry-Londonderry for tours, teas and more.  

Trend: “Going eco”  

While tourist hotspots remain popular, Forbes is predicting a greater interest in sustainable holidays that allow eco-conscious travellers to explore with less of an impact. With unspoilt countryside, pristine beaches, acres of sustainable farmland and an abundance of eco-friendly accommodation and public transport, Ireland is a magnet for environmentally conscious travellers. Boasting super-cosy rural cabins, Ard Nahoo Eco Resort in County Leitrim has been voted one of the top eco-resorts worldwide; at Blackstairs Eco Trails in County Carlow, visitors can enjoy foraging workshops, Celtic tree trails and more; and Clandeboyne Lodge, just a short hop from Belfast city, allows visitors to relax in a serene woodland setting. Finally, for a great eco experience, try the Burren in County Clare, where an eco-tourism network works to engage with the landscape and environment sustainably.