How times have changed. In the not so distant past, the announcement that you were jetting off to an uninhabited island for Easter was greeted with knowing nods and mental notes to pick somewhere even more exotic next time. These days, the news prompts fervent speculation as to which organ you had to sell to fund your trip.

Holidaying in Ireland has always been great, but never before has it been so appealing to so many. Whether you go it alone, in a group or with the family, decide what suits you and do your research. The tourism industry here has been feeling the brunt of the downturn and there are some great deals to be had.

B&Bs

The cornerstone of Irish tourism for many years and still great value. A friendly, family-run B&B with copious amounts of tea and a great morning fry-up is an Irish institution. There are thousands of them around the country and prices vary from €30 - €70 per person per night depending on location, time of year, etc. Make sure your B&B is licensed and enquire about discounts if you are staying longer than a couple of nights.

Hotels

Also feeling the sting lately, hotels are offering great value packages, with some particularly good midweek deals. The Irish Hotels Federation has launched its Value Breaks, described as “the first nationally co-ordinated initiative of its kind with hotels and guesthouses across all star ratings offering a range of great value set packages to suit every budget”. That about sums it up! Get onto the mailing lists of your favourite hotels’ websites to keep up to date on their special offers.

Camping

Don’t underestimate the fun you can have on a camping trip, or the sense of achievement the first time you put your tent up in under an hour. Even if that’s the most strenuous thing you do, you will feel virtuous and outdoorsy, because you’re a camper. Most campsites have excellent facilities and are very child-friendly. There’s a great sense of camaraderie on the sites and with prices from only €20 per tent per night, camping is an ideal budget break. Food tastes fantastic outdoors and today’s tents are (mostly) sturdy and waterproof. Happy camping!

Country cottages

Rural Ireland at its idyllic best, a stay in a country cottage can be a wonderfully authentic holiday on home turf. Whether you’re looking for a cosy hideaway for two or need rooms for a brood, there is something for every taste and pocket. Self-catering means you can avoid costly restaurant bills and have the freedom to come and go as you please. There are comprehensive listings online – just remember to book early as cottages are always a popular choice.

Home Swap

Although some people are a bit wary of opening their home to strangers, this is a great way to get away without worrying about accommodation costs. Get online and do a search for ‘house swap Ireland’. Homes can be swapped throughout Ireland and abroad. Advertising your home on these sites can cost about €100 but, again, shop around. Just make sure it’s a reputable company.

For more information on special offers check out:

www.discoverireland.ie
www.familyhomes.ie
www.campingireland.ie

Tags: holiday ideas, local amenities

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This entry was posted on Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 8:15 am and is filed under Holidays, Lifestyle. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.