Colin ‘Best Trip Buddy’
Colin Farrell has been voted Ireland’s “ultimate road trip companion”, with 44% of Irish people choosing him as their dream travel buddy in a national survey by Leonardo Hotels.
And where would they most like to go with him? Galway topped the list as Ireland’s favourite summer city break, picked by 68% of respondents ahead of Cork (14%), Dublin (11%) and Belfast (7%). Galway was also chosen for the friendliest locals (59%) and the best spot for a wild weekend (54%).
Leonardo Hotels surveyed Irish adults to uncover the travel habits and hotel preferences shaping staycations in 2025. The survey uncovered passionate preferences, playful insights and surprising dealbreakers, proving that when it comes to hotels, Irish travellers know exactly what they want.
For the “ultimate Irish city activity”, “Wandering Galway’s Shop Street” was chosen by 66%, ahead of visiting the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin (7%), Belfast’s Titanic Museum (8%) and exploring Cork’s English Market (19%). Galway also stole the show when it came to spontaneous fun, with more than half agreeing that it's the city most likely to lead to a weekend that starts with a trad session and ends with tequila.
When it comes to hotel room snacks, Barry’s Tea and a biscuit claimed the top spot with 34% of the vote, edging out both Tayto crisps (27%) and the combo of Lyons Tea with Dairy Milk (27%). After a long day exploring, 43% of people want nothing more than a full Irish breakfast the next morning, followed by pastries and fruit (29%), eggs made to order (24%) and, surprisingly, just coffee (4%).
Bathrooms are clearly a tricky subject for Irish travellers. A surprising 61% admit they have no clue how to use a bidet, and aren’t about to ask for a tutorial anytime soon. As for open-plan bathrooms, they’re almost universally rejected, with 78% saying some things just shouldn’t be on display.
Luxury, it turns out, is all about comfort. When asked what defines hotel indulgence, 68% said it’s all about a cloud-like bed to melt into. A deep bath came in at just 10%, while 14% of guests rated a robe that actually fits and slippers they might sneak home as the top luxury touch.
Plug sockets matter. When it comes to hotel room “icks”, 50% of guests said having no plug near the bed is their biggest gripe. Bad lighting in the bathroom came in at 22%, while 14% each were annoyed by slamming doors and Wi-Fi that requires a four-step login. And while most guests wouldn’t admit to stealing, 45% said they would pocket the hotel toiletries if they could get away with it, a bold 29% would swipe a pillow, and 26% said the plush towels were too tempting to resist.
When it comes to reasons for booking a hotel stay, those needing an escape to reset led the way at 45%, followed by a deal too good to miss (26%) and the ever-handy need to celebrate an anniversary (21%). As for how far we’re willing to travel for a hotel break, 75% of people said they’ll go two to four hours, with another 14% saying the longer the road trip, the better. Just 1% preferred to stay within an hour of home.
With five centrally located hotels in Galway, Cork, Belfast and two in Dublin (Parnell Street and Christchurch), Leonardo Hotels makes it easy to explore the best of Irish cities this summer.
Posted: