The Irish Turkey holiday boom and booking hacks saving Families cash

Holiday experts say Turkey is rapidly climbing the rankings of the most popular sun destinations for Irish holidaymakers in 2026, as new booking data shows travellers increasingly prioritising value for money.

Figures from On the Beach place Antalya in fourth place overall among the most-booked sun destinations for summer 2026, with Izmir also securing a top-ten ranking. Together, the two destinations underline growing demand for Turkey’s all-inclusive resorts, which continue to attract sunseekers with guaranteed sunshine and adventure.

While Lanzarote and Tenerife remain first and second, followed by the Costa del Sol, Antalya’s rapid rise sees it outperform established favourites including Majorca, the Algarve, Costa Blanca and Gran Canaria, highlighting a clear shift in where Irish holidaymakers believe they get the best holiday for their budget.

Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer at On the Beach, said: “We’re seeing Irish families and couples becoming far more savvy with their holiday spending for 2026. People still want guaranteed sunshine, but they’re also determined to make their money go further. That’s why destinations like Turkey are booming as you get high-quality hotels, great facilities and excellent value, especially when you book early.”

From tried-and-trusted favourites to fast-rising destinations like Turkey, On the Beach has revealed where Irish holidaymakers are heading next and the simple booking hacks helping them lock in more holiday for less

Travel Outside Peak Summer to Save Big

Lanzarote continues to top the list as Ireland’s number one sun destination for 2026, with one in five early bookings already secured for the island. However, holiday experts say travelling outside the busiest summer months can unlock major savings.

Zoe Harris explained: “With popular destinations like Lanzarote, prices naturally rise during peak summer. But travelling during shoulder periods like Easter can make a huge difference. You still get sunshine and great temperatures, but without paying peak prices.”

For example, a week in Lanzarote over the Easter holidays can be up to €100pp cheaper than travelling in July, while still offering temperatures of around 24 degrees and the chance to maximise school holidays and bank holidays.

Example deal: A seven-night self-catering stay at the 3* Caybeach Sun, Lanzarote, including flights and 7kg hand luggage, departing Dublin on Saturday 25th April, from €450pp.

Longer Stays Can Mean Better Value Per Night

Turkey has firmly moved into the mainstream for Irish holidaymakers, with Antalya leading the charge thanks to its large, family-friendly all-inclusive resorts. According to On the Beach experts, extending your stay can significantly reduce the cost per night.

Zoe Harris said: “All-inclusive holidays in destinations like Turkey often reward travellers who stay longer. A few extra nights can dramatically improve the value per night, meaning you get more holiday without paying much more overall.”

Data shows that a 10-night all-inclusive stay in July can work out nearly €30pp per night cheaper than a seven-night stay during the same week.

Example deal: A ten-night all-inclusive stay at the 4* Sun Star Beach Hotel, Antalya, including flights and 20kg luggage, departing Cork on Saturday 25th July, from €842pp.

Midweek Flights Can Slash Holiday Costs

Spain remains a cornerstone of Irish summer holidays, with the Costa del Sol, Costa Dorada and Majorca continuing to attract strong demand. Frequent flights and familiar resorts keep Spain popular, but flexibility can pay off when it comes to departure days.

Zoe commented: “Many people default to weekend departures, but midweek flights can often be much cheaper. If you have flexibility, it’s always worth checking Wednesday or Thursday departures before you book.”

For example, a seven-night holiday to Salou departing on Wednesday 20th May can be €91pp cheaper than the same holiday departing on Saturday 23rd May.

Example deal: A seven-night room-only stay at the 4* Hotel Eurosalou & Spa, Salou, including flights from Dublin on Wednesday 20th May, from €328pp.

Off-Peak Travel Unlocks More for Less

While many Irish holidaymakers return to familiar favourites, destinations such as Crete, Ibiza, Agadir and Paris continue to attract travellers looking for culture, scenery and a slower pace. Experts say travelling outside peak summer months can significantly boost value.

Zoe Harris explained:“If you’re not tied to school holidays, travelling in quieter months like January or February can be a game-changer. You’ll often get better prices, fewer crowds and more flexibility, especially for city breaks.”

Example deal: A three-night room-only stay at the 3*Hotel Beaugrenelle Saint Charles, Paris, just minutes from the Eiffel Tower, including flights from Dublin on Saturday 31st January, from €240pp, perfectly timed for the St Brigid’s Day bank holiday.

Book Early to Protect Against Price Rises

On the Beach has also launched Price Drop Protection on all summer 2026 holidays, meaning if the price drops between booking and 60 days before departure, customers can claim the difference as credit towards their next holiday.

With flights available from Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock, Kerry and Belfast, customers can secure their 2026 getaway with deposits from just €10pp, thanks to airline partners including Ryanair and Aer Lingus.

For the latest deals, visit www.onthebeach.ie

Slán go fóill.