Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Why Are Runcations, Gaeltacht Getaways, and Wellness Retreats Transforming Travel in Fermanagh, Ireland?
Published on
January 6, 2026
As the festive season winds down and the new year begins, many people start to look forward to warmer weather and the vacations it brings. The end of the holidays marks an ideal time to explore new travel options and destinations. While traditional vacation spots such as Spain and Greece continue to be popular, there is a noticeable shift in the types of experiences people are seeking. New travel trends are emerging, offering more specialized and enriching holidays. These trends highlight the growing demand for active vacations, fitness-focused getaways, and wellness retreats. These alternatives are becoming increasingly popular, offering ways for travellers to rejuvenate both their minds and bodies. As 2026 unfolds, these evolving trends suggest a shift away from the typical holiday experience towards travel that combines health, relaxation, and cultural enrichment.
Active Holidays and Fitness-Focused Travel
The new year often inspires individuals to focus on their fitness goals, and as a result, active holidays are becoming increasingly popular. With health and fitness now top priorities for many people, these types of trips have quickly gained traction. Fitness-focused travel has evolved, offering events like destination marathons, half marathons, and 10k races, all of which have seen rising participation. These events offer not only the thrill of competition but also the opportunity to explore new destinations while maintaining fitness routines.
In addition to these popular events, scenic hiking trails are becoming a favorite among travellers. These trails combine the benefits of exercise with stunning views, making them perfect for those who wish to remain active while immersed in nature’s beauty. However, one of the most exciting trends within fitness tourism is the rise of Hyrox tournaments. These indoor fitness challenges, known for their functional, competitive nature, have gained widespread popularity thanks to social media. As more people aim to integrate fitness into their travel experiences, Hyrox tournaments are drawing significant attention, encouraging fitness enthusiasts to schedule their holidays around such events.
This growing trend toward fitness-focused holidays is reshaping the way people approach travel. The days of partying and nightlife-focused trips are being replaced by vacations that allow travellers to prioritize their physical well-being while enjoying new experiences. This shift reflects the increasing desire for holidays that offer both adventure and health benefits.
Wellness Retreats and Unplugged Getaways
Parallel to the rise in active travel, there has been a marked increase in demand for wellness tourism. As concerns about the effects of digital overload grow, more people are seeking ways to disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves. Unplugged getaways, or digital detoxes, are becoming a sought-after trend, encouraging travellers to take a break from the constant stream of social media, work emails, and news. These getaways, often set in remote locations, allow individuals to immerse themselves in nature and focus on relaxation, self-care, and mindfulness.
A growing trend in wellness tourism is cosy-cations in Ireland, where visitors can enjoy self-catering accommodations in beautiful, natural surroundings. These trips cater to those seeking comfort and relaxation while still enjoying the tranquillity of nature. Ireland has emerged as a top destination for wellness-focused retreats due to its picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere. These wellness breaks offer a welcome respite for those seeking peace and quiet, providing the perfect escape from the stress of modern life and the digital world.
Expanding Airline Routes: Increased Accessibility
In 2026, the expansion of airline routes has created exciting opportunities for travellers looking to explore new destinations. Dublin now offers new transatlantic routes to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Raleigh, North Carolina, as part of a broader strategy to make Dublin a key hub for flights between Europe and North America. This move strengthens Ireland’s position as a major travel hub, as it now offers more transatlantic flights per capita than any other country in Europe. These new routes make it easier for travellers to reach diverse destinations across the globe, bringing more options for those seeking adventure or relaxation.
Other new flights from Ireland further enhance travel opportunities. Shannon now offers direct flights to Rome and Madrid, while Cork has added services to Nice and Santiago. Belfast is now connected to the Dominican Republic, with flights to Punta Cana, giving travellers even more options to explore new corners of the world. These new connections not only offer greater accessibility for travellers but also contribute to the growth of the tourism industry, benefiting both local economies and international tourism.
Fermanagh: A Hidden Gem in Ireland
For those seeking to stay closer to home, Fermanagh in Ireland has emerged as a must-visit destination. Recently included in Fáilte Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands network, Fermanagh is known for its exceptional natural beauty, particularly its stunning lakes and peaceful landscapes. The tranquil surroundings make it the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to engage in activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing. As more travellers seek quieter, more serene locations, Fermanagh has become an ideal retreat for those looking to relax and enjoy nature.
In addition to its scenic beauty, Fermanagh boasts luxurious accommodations, making it an ideal location for a more refined nature experience. Properties such as the Lough Erne Resort, a five-star hotel, and Finn Lough, which features unique Bubble Dome accommodations, are gaining popularity. These high-end accommodations offer a combination of luxury and natural beauty, allowing guests to unwind in comfort while enjoying the surrounding wilderness. As Fermanagh gains recognition for its serene beauty and luxurious offerings, it is becoming a top choice for travellers seeking an idyllic getaway in the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Gaeltacht Getaways: Embracing Irish Language and Culture
As the interest in Gaeltacht regions continues to grow, more people are seeking to immerse themselves in Irish language and culture. The revival of the Gaeilge language has sparked a rise in Gaeltacht getaways, where visitors can learn Irish while exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region. Areas like Donegal, Kerry, and Connemara are attracting more visitors who are eager to learn the language and experience the local culture.
Programs such as Oideas Gael in Donegal and Daingean Uí Chúis in Kerry offer immersive language courses, allowing travellers to combine their love for language with exploration of Ireland’s cultural heritage. These short, intensive courses have become increasingly popular, with many visitors looking to reconnect with their Irish roots or simply gain a deeper understanding of the language and its cultural significance. As the demand for cultural immersion continues to grow, Gaeltacht getaways are becoming a key travel trend, offering an enriching experience for those seeking to broaden their cultural knowledge and linguistic skills.
Summary of Key Travel Trends
Active holidays are becoming more popular, with events like destination marathons, Hyrox tournaments, and hiking gaining traction.Wellness tourism is shifting towards unplugged getaways and digital detoxes, offering travellers the chance to disconnect and reconnect with nature.The expansion of new airline routes, including those to Pittsburgh and Raleigh, has opened up new destinations for travellers.Fermanagh, now part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, offers natural beauty and luxury accommodations such as the Lough Erne Resort and Finn Lough.Gaeltacht getaways in regions like Donegal, Kerry, and Connemara are attracting those seeking cultural immersion and the opportunity to learn Gaeilge.
Impact on the Global Travel Industry
The trends emerging in 2026 reflect a significant shift in how people approach their travel experiences. The rise of fitness-focused holidays signals that fitness tourism is becoming a more substantial part of the global travel market. As destination marathons, Hyrox tournaments, and hiking experiences gain popularity, travellers are seeking vacations that allow them to focus on their physical health while also exploring new destinations. This trend is reshaping the traditional vacation model, moving away from traditional party-oriented travel and towards more health-conscious, experience-driven holidays.
Similarly, the increasing popularity of wellness tourism, particularly digital detoxes and unplugged getaways, highlights a collective desire for peace and relaxation in an increasingly fast-paced world. As demand for these types of retreats rises, destinations that offer solitude, nature, and wellness experiences are becoming more attractive to travellers. This shift is leading to the emergence of new wellness destinations and a growing recognition of the importance of mental and physical well-being during travel.
The expansion of airline routes has played a key role in expanding the global tourism market. With more destinations becoming accessible thanks to the introduction of new flights, more travellers are being drawn to destinations like Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Rome, Madrid, Santiago, and Punta Cana. These new routes are making it easier for tourists to explore previously overlooked regions, driving the growth of the global tourism industry.
Finally, the increasing popularity of Gaeltacht getaways is helping to preserve and promote Irish language and culture. As more visitors seek to immerse themselves in the language and culture of regions like Donegal, Kerry, and Connemara, the rise of cultural tourism is becoming an important driver of tourism in Ireland.
In conclusion, the growing emphasis on fitness tourism, wellness retreats, and cultural immersion reflects the evolving demands of today’s travellers. As these trends continue to gain momentum, the global tourism industry will need to adapt to meet the desires of travellers who are increasingly seeking meaningful, enriching experiences. This shift will lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to travel in the years ahead.
