County Galway has officially been crowned Ireland’s favourite summer city break, according to new research conducted by Leonardo Hotels.
Nearly 70% of Irish respondents selected Galway as their top destination for a seasonal escape, citing the city’s famously friendly locals and vibrant nightlife as key reasons for its popularity.
When it comes to must-do activities, wandering along Galway’s bustling Shop Street topped the list—outranking some of the country’s most iconic attractions, including Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse, the Titanic Museum in Belfast, and Cork’s English Market.
Accommodation preferences were also explored in the survey, with 68% of respondents saying a luxurious stay and a comfy bed are non-negotiable. However, hotel guests aren’t always impressed—top complaints included poor bathroom lighting and weak Wi-Fi.
And while many guests claim they’d never steal from a hotel, nearly half admitted they’d take home the complimentary toiletries. A cheeky 29% said they’d swipe a pillow, and 26% found the plush towels too tempting to resist.
The survey also asked about ideal road trip companions, with Irish actor Colin Farrell topping the list as the nation's dream co-pilot. Nicola Coughlan, star of Derry Girls and Bridgerton, came in second, followed by Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan.
