Top Airbnb destinations this winter
Ottoline Spearman
Airbnb has revealed this year’s winter travel trends, also highlighting the most popular destinations, both at home and abroad.
Milan, Italy, host city of the 2026 Winter Olympics, is the most sought-after international destination for Irish travellers this winter.
Counties Galway, Kerry and Cork lead as Ireland’s favourite domestic destinations, while Cancún and Rio de Janeiro top the list for winter sun seekers.
Group and family getaways are also on the travel agenda this winter, with many choosing extended stays and embracing “work from getaways”.
Derek Nolan, Head of Public Policy for Ireland at Airbnb, said: “Irish guests are redefining winter travel, staying longer, travelling together, and finding balance between work and rest.
We’re seeing families and friends embrace the freedom to connect in new ways, whether that means gathering in Galway or heading to Milan ahead of the Winter Olympics. These trends reflect a growing appetite for meaningful, flexible travel that brings people closer together.”
Airbnb has curated a collection of Guest Favourites, a collection of the two million most popular homes on Airbnb based on guest ratings, reviews and reliability.
Trending getaways
This treehouse sleeps up to four guests, with a hot tub and sauna.
This restored 17th-century cottage sleeps up to six guests and offers sea views over Ventry Bay.
This cottage in West Cork sleeps up to six guests with sweeping sea views and direct beach access. The home has an open-plan living and a wood-burning stove.
This apartment in Milan’s Brera district sleeps up to four guests and is set in a historic building with a balcony.
This designer villa accommodates up to four guests. It has a private pool with a waterfall and jacuzzi, and a home cinema.
This glass-walled forest home in Rio de Janeiro sleeps up to five guests.
