Irish holiday bookings are set to finish the year down – and 2027 prices are the next worry

Travel bookings are falling behind after a difficult start to 2026

Travel companies are now expecting 2026 bookings to fall short of last year's figures, with several factors combining to weaken demand.

Click and Go Director and Co-Founder Paul Hackett believes the sector lost too much business earlier in the year to close the gap before December.

The problems began as uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Middle East affected consumer confidence. March and April were followed by a disappointing May, leaving travel companies without crucial bookings during a key period of the year.

Hackett said the industry is now facing a simple timing problem. There are only a few months left in 2026, meaning there is limited opportunity for people to both make a booking and actually take the holiday before the year is over.

Rising oil prices could make flying more expensive next year

The conditions in Ireland have also played a role. With the country enjoying a relatively good summer, some people chose to make the most of the weather at home instead of spending money on a trip overseas.

Those considering European destinations were then faced with a very different picture. News reports of extreme heat and wildfires in countries including France and around Madrid made some holidaymakers more hesitant about travelling.

Hackett said the combination created a "double whammy" for the industry, with attractive weather here reducing demand while intense conditions abroad made certain destinations less appealing.

He does expect the market to recover next year, predicting stronger sales in 2027. The cost of flying could still become a major factor, however, particularly if oil prices rise.

How airlines have protected themselves against fuel price changes through hedging could also influence the fares passengers eventually pay.

September and October could offer cheaper options

For those who have not yet arranged a break this year, autumn could prove to be a better time to travel.

September and October generally offer more choice, cheaper deals and quieter resorts as the peak summer period comes to an end.

The industry may therefore have to rely on the shoulder season to finish 2026 strongly, after a year in which global events and unusually favourable weather at home gave Irish holidaymakers plenty of reasons to delay travelling abroad.