When Is the Cheapest Time to Book a Holiday from Ireland?
Is it cheaper to book your holiday months in advance or wait for a last minute deal? It’s a question plenty of Irish holidaymakers ask, particularly when trying to keep the cost of a family summer holiday down.
The answer depends on when you’re travelling, where you want to go and how flexible you can be with your dates.
There’s no single cheapest month to book a holiday from Ireland. However, knowing when to start looking, which months can offer better value and how to compare departure airports can help you make a more informed decision.
Is It Cheaper to Book Early or Last Minute?
Booking early generally gives you more choice, particularly if you’re travelling during the Irish school holidays.
For July and August departures, popular family hotels and convenient flight times can become harder to find as availability reduces. Booking ahead can be useful if you need a family room, a particular resort or specific travel dates.
Last minute holidays can sometimes offer good value, especially if you’re flexible about where you go. However, waiting isn’t a guarantee of a cheaper price. Flights can become more expensive closer to departure and popular accommodation may already be booked.
If your dates are fixed, booking early is often the safer approach. If you’re flexible, comparing late deals may be worthwhile.
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Holiday from Ireland?
The following are useful starting points for comparing prices, rather than guaranteed periods for finding the cheapest deals.
| Type of holiday | When to start looking |
|---|---|
| July and August family holidays | 6–12 months ahead |
| Easter school holidays | 4–8 months ahead |
| October mid term holidays | 3–6 months ahead |
| May and September sun holidays | 2–5 months ahead |
| Flexible last minute holidays | 2–6 weeks before departure |
For example, a family of four flying from Cork to Majorca in August may benefit from looking six to twelve months ahead, particularly if they need a family room and specific departure dates.
A couple flying from Dublin to Tenerife in November might have more flexibility to compare hotels and departure dates closer to travel.
These are planning examples, not actual price comparisons. Holiday prices can change throughout the year, so it’s worth checking different options before making a decision.
Which Months Are Cheapest to Go on Holiday from Ireland?
May, early June and September are good months to compare if you’re looking for a European sun holiday outside the busiest summer period.
The second half of May and early June can be worth checking for destinations such as Majorca, the Algarve and Costa del Sol. September is another useful option, particularly after Irish schools have reopened.
October can also offer opportunities, although prices around the Irish October mid term break may be higher than surrounding weeks.
January and February are worth comparing for winter holidays, but popular sunshine destinations such as Tenerife and Lanzarote can still attract strong demand.
The cheapest period will depend on the destination, hotel and departure dates. Travelling outside school holidays doesn’t guarantee a bargain, but it often gives you more flexibility.
For help choosing a destination at different times of the year, see our Where to Go on Holiday from Ireland guide.
Does Your Departure Airport Affect Holiday Prices?
It certainly can.
Dublin generally offers the widest choice of holiday destinations and departure dates, but it’s worth comparing regional airports if they’re convenient for you.
For example, a holiday departing Dublin might appear cheaper than the same destination from Cork or Shannon. However, once you include fuel, tolls, airport parking or an overnight stay, the overall saving could be smaller than expected.
Compare holidays from Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock and Kerry where suitable routes are available.
Five Ways to Find Better Value Holidays from Ireland
A few simple comparisons can make a difference to the price you pay.
- Try different departure dates. Moving your holiday by a day or two can sometimes change the price considerably.
- Compare several destinations. If Majorca looks expensive, check the Algarve, Costa Blanca or another destination offering a similar holiday.
- Check what’s included. Baggage, transfers and meals can affect the total cost.
- Compare board options. All inclusive may offer better overall value than room only if you expect to eat and drink mainly at your hotel.
- Check different holiday providers. Prices and availability can vary, even for similar hotels and travel dates.
Our Holiday Planning from Ireland guide covers more of the practical details worth checking before booking.
So, When Should You Book?
If you’re planning a family holiday during July or August, start comparing well in advance, especially if you have specific dates or hotels in mind.
If you’re travelling outside school holidays and can be flexible, compare different departure dates and keep an eye on both early and last minute offers.
And if you find a holiday that suits your dates, budget and preferred accommodation, remember that waiting doesn’t guarantee a lower price.
The best time to book is when you’ve found a holiday that offers good value for your plans, rather than waiting for a particular month or sale.
Cheapest Time to Book Holidays from Ireland FAQs
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Dawn - Travel Expert
Dawn is the lead deal finder at Cheap Deals Away Ireland and loves helping Irish travellers discover new places without spending a fortune. Whether it's a summer getaway, a city break or a last minute escape, she's always searching for great value holidays and sharing the deals she thinks travellers will genuinely love.
For Dawn, the best part of travel is the excitement of planning a trip and finding those hidden gems that make a holiday memorable.
Some of Dawn's favourite destinations include Lindos in Rhodes, with its beautiful whitewashed buildings and winding streets, Old Town Alcudia in Majorca and Tavira in the Algarve, which she loves its fantastic food scene and stunning beaches. When she's not hunting for the latest deals, Dawn writes travel articles, destination guides and practical tips to inspire others to explore more of the world. Dawn has also been featured in the Irish press, including the Irish Mirror
