As the bank holiday approaches, many will be contemplating a trip away over the long weekend. 

A survey by motoring solutions specialist easytrip has confirmed that over two thirds (67%) of us will be hitting the roads of Ireland for a break away this August and September. In terms of transport modes, the survey reveals that the private car is still as popular as ever with 97% of those surveyed taking to Irish motorways when travelling to their holiday destination.

The hotspots of the Wild Atlantic Way have been revealed to be more popular than ever with Galway (33%) listed as the top destination with Kerry taking the second spot at 28%. Cork and Mayo followed close behind at 12% and 8% respectively. Drilling down through the results the top places of attraction to visit along the Wild Atlantic Way listed by respondents include:


*        Galway City

*        Connemara (Clifden, Ballyconneely), County Galway

*        Ballybunion, County Clare

*        Lahinch, County Clare

*        Dingle, County Kerry

*        Ballinskelligs, County Kerry

*        Kinsale, County Cork


Unsurprisingly, almost half of respondents (49%) will be travelling on or part of the M4/M6 motorway on-route to the western coastal counties.  A quarter of respondents (25%) will reach their destination via the M7- N21 on their way to Kerry, while 13% will take to the Cork road on the M7/M8. The survey also revealed that many plan to travel to and from the capital city during the summer via the M50 (39%).


The survey reveals that the capital city has a lot to offer 'staycationers' this summer with many planning a mini break in Dublin to attend various events - the top three are:

*        Ireland Rugby Internationals (Wales & Scotland) - 53%

*        GAA Football & Hurling Finals - 38%

*        The Dublin Horseshow - 31%


Two thirds of respondents (66%) in the 31 - 45 years of age category plan to attend the Galway Races over the Bank Holiday weekend. 15% of those surveyed listed Electric Picnic amongst their plans for a weekend away this summer with the majority of those lying in the 18-30 age bracket.


The easytrip survey also revealed the benefits of a holiday or mini break in Ireland - over 80% of respondents cited spending quality time with family and friends while travelling through the Irish countryside as the main reason. Other responses included:


*        Not having to take a flight - 33%

*        No baggage restrictions - 30%

*        Reliving holiday memories from childhood - 19%

Commenting on the survey, Colin Delaney, General Manager of easytrip said: "Packing the car and heading off across Ireland's motorways for a break away is as popular as ever.  Our research also shows that a holiday in Ireland can be a very good bonding experience for families and friends by giving them the opportunity to spend concentrated periods of time together without the restrictions of departure times and baggage allowances."

"We are fortunate in Ireland to be able to boast a superb road network, with motorway connections joining all the cities from east to west and north to south and it is heart-warming to learn that Irish holiday makers are making the most of it. We'd encourage everyone to get out there and soak up all that Ireland has to offer over the coming weeks. Holiday makers travelling across Ireland can avail of hassle free motorway travel and parking with an easytrip toll and parking tag.  Accepted through all toll plaza's nationwide, the tag can also be used in 24 car parks located in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Belfast."