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Top breaks to book early beat demand to

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AS Irish households look ahead to late 2026 and 2027 escapes, one clear trend is emerging: the most sought-after holidays are being booked earlier than ever.

New figures show that Irish tourists are continuing to prioritise meaningful, memorable experiences despite wider economic uncertainty.

European destinations remain the backbone of demand, while long-haul trips offering natural beauty and once-in-a-lifetime experiences are seeing growing interest.

Against this backdrop, Riviera Travel is reporting increased demand from Irish customers for destinations that feel culturally rich and well-paced, with availability already tightening across the most popular itineraries.

"With many sailings and tours operating seasonally or with limited group sizes, we're seeing Irish holidaymakers book earlier than ever to secure the dates and experiences they want most," says Will Sarson, Product Director at Riviera Travel.

Riviera's travel experts say these are the holidays you should avoid missing out on...

1. Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise (8 days)

An elegant way to explore northern Portugal and western Spain, this cruise combines dramatic vineyard scenery with historic riverside towns and enriching cultural excursions.