Donegal is third favourite staycation

DONEGAL has been crowned the third best staycation spot in Ireland.

With the rise of staycations in recent years, many Irish holidaymakers are opting to explore the beauty of their own country – from the breathtaking landscapes of Donegal to the buzzing streets of Dublin.

And now, according to new survey research from Betfair Casino, 22 per cent of respondents cited Donegal as their favourite go-to staycation.

Galway has been crowned this year’s top staycation spot, with over one in three (37 per cent) Irish respondents opting for the picturesque west coast city.

Known for its coastlines and breathtaking views, Galway is also home to a number of towns and villages to make your base and embrace the close-knit community feel.

Kerry (29 per cent) also proved popular with those seeking a memorable staycation experience, while Dublin (18 per cent) and Cork (17 per cent) rounded up the top five.

Other favourable picks included Killarney (16 per cent) and Wexford (15 per cent).

For those looking to travel further afield, the Maldives topped the list as the hottest holiday hotspot.

A popular destination thanks to its stunning beaches and perfect year-round weather, the island offers a very dreamy and intimate romantic atmosphere – as over a third of survey respondents (35 per cent) opted for the location.

The Caribbean came in at a close second (31%), while over one in five chose Santorini (22 per cent) as their dream destination.

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