
Last Minute Holiday Deals Ireland: Best 2026 Offers
Irish travellers have quietly mastered the art of booking quality holidays with almost no notice. Whether you’re departing from Dublin, Shannon, or Cork, a growing number of specialist operators now offer package deals that bundle flights and accommodation at prices that reward spontaneity — from €149 per person.
Cheapest package from: €149 · Low deposits start at: €19 per person · Top providers listed: 5 Irish agents · Deals available for: 2026 holidays · Key departure airports: Dublin, Shannon, Cork
Quick snapshot
- Packages from €149 via OnTheBeach (OnTheBeach)
- Cassidy Travel holds Ireland’s #1 agent positioning (Cassidy Travel)
- 2026 availability confirmed across multiple operators (TUI Holidays Ireland)
- Exact real-time pricing fluctuates by departure date
- Availability windows narrow closer to travel dates
- Specific seat allocation per flight remains operator-dependent
- Shannon and Cork departures for local travellers (FlyShannon)
- Package savings versus DIY booking via regional agents (Budget Travel)
- Short-notice city breaks from 2 nights upward (FlyShannon)
- Summer 2026 peak pricing expected to firm by May
- Last-minute releases typically appear 2-4 weeks before departure
- Low-deposit booking options expanding across agents
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary focus | Ireland departures |
| Key agents | Cassidy, Click&Go, lastminute.ie |
| Deposit example | €19 pp |
| Year of deals | 2026 |
| Protection | Financially protected |
Last Minute Holiday Deals Ireland
Five Irish travel agents collectively dominate the last-minute market, each carving out distinct territory. Cassidy Travel positions itself as Ireland’s #1 travel agent for late deals, while Click&Go targets the online-savvy traveller who wants expert support without a high-street footprint. TUI Holidays Ireland, the largest global operator with a dedicated Irish platform, handles packages from all three major airports with stays from 7 nights or longer — TUI Holidays Ireland (global tour operator with Irish operations).
Top providers
The Irish last-minute landscape breaks down by departure point and booking style. Cassidy Travel and Click&Go focus heavily on Dublin departures with secondary coverage from Shannon. Budget Travel deliberately targets regional airport users, offering package deals from Cork, Shannon, and Knock as an alternative to making the trek to Dublin — Budget Travel (Irish travel agent specialising in regional departures).
Popular destinations
European sun destinations dominate last-minute searches, with the Costa del Sol, Algarve, Majorca, Salou, and the Canary Islands consistently appearing across operator catalogs. City breaks to Barcelona, Düsseldorf, and Dublin itself round out the short-notice market — FlyShannon (Shannon Airport package specialist).
Booking tips
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for the deepest last-minute discounts
- Compare package totals against DIY flight-plus-hotel to verify value
- Check financial protection credentials before committing
- Verify airport departure options for regional travellers
Last Minute Holidays from Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport remains Ireland’s primary hub for last-minute departures, offering the widest selection of destinations, departure frequencies, and operator competition. Package prices start from €149 per person via OnTheBeach, making the capital airport the most accessible entry point for spontaneous travellers — OnTheBeach (Irish online package holiday specialist).
All inclusive options
All-inclusive last-minute packages from Dublin represent the strongest value category, particularly for family travellers. TUI packages departing from Dublin include flights and hotel with varying board bases. The Aer Lingus Vacation Store offers curated Irish experiences, including a Dublin, Cork & Killarney by Train package priced at $1,399 — Aer Lingus Vacation Store (official Irish airline vacation platform).
City breaks
Short-notice city breaks from Dublin cover European staples: Barcelona, Düsseldorf, Krakow, and Prague feature most frequently. FlyShannon offers 2 and 3-night packages specifically marketed for weekend getaways to destinations including Barcelona — FlyShannon (regional airport package operator).
Sun holidays
The sun holiday category from Dublin spans budget Mediterranean resorts to premium Canary Island escapes. My Ireland Tour — rated 4.9 out of 5 stars across 2,676 reviews — offers curated Irish break packages rather than outbound sun holidays, positioning itself as the domestic alternative for travellers not leaving the island — My Ireland Tour (Irish tour operator with high customer satisfaction).
Cassidy Travel Last Minute Deals
Cassidy Travel holds a distinctive position in the Irish market, consistently referenced as the country’s #1 travel agent for late-deal availability. Their last-minute operation centres on Shannon Airport with 7-night packages designed for two adults — Cassidy Travel (Ireland’s #1 travel agent for last-minute packages).
Sun and all-inclusive
Cassidy’s sun holiday portfolio from Shannon covers Mediterranean and Atlantic destinations with flights included. All-inclusive upgrades are available on most properties, with pricing varying by destination tier and season.
City breaks
Short-notice city breaks from Shannon through Cassidy include European destinations with 2-4 night duration options, though destination variety is more limited compared to Dublin-based competitors.
2026 specials
Cassidy has confirmed 2026 availability across its core sun and city break portfolios. Spring and autumn pricing typically offers the best per-night value, with peak summer rates firming from May onward — Cassidy Travel.
Last Minute Holiday Deals from Shannon
Shannon Airport has developed a credible last-minute package offering through a combination of dedicated operators and the airport’s own FlyShannon initiative. Regional travellers in the west of Ireland can access sun, city, and adventure breaks without routing through Dublin — FlyShannon (Shannon Airport’s official package deal platform).
Available packages
FlyShannon packages cover European destinations including Costa del Sol, Algarve, Majorca, Salou, and the Canaries with flights included. Weekend city break options to Barcelona and Düsseldorf run 2-3 nights — FlyShannon (Shannon Airport package specialist).
Destinations
Shannon’s destination mix skews toward Spanish and Portuguese sun markets, with the Algarve and Costa del Sol representing the most frequent departures. European city destinations appear less regularly but are expanding for 2026.
Pricing
Shannon packages typically price competitively against Dublin departures once airport transfer costs are factored in for west-of-Ireland travellers. Cassidy Travel’s 7-night Shannon packages remain the benchmark for mid-range sun holiday pricing — Cassidy Travel (Shannon-focused last-minute specialist).
Last Minute Holidays from Cork
Cork Airport serves a geographically distinct traveller base in the south of Ireland, with package holiday options that have historically trailed Dublin in breadth. However, Dawson Travel and Budget Travel have both built dedicated Cork departure offerings — Dawson Travel (Cork-based travel agent for last-minute packages).
Provider options
Dawson Travel offers cheap last-minute travel deals on hotels, flights, and holiday packages from Cork Airport. Budget Travel positions Cork as part of its regional airport trio alongside Shannon and Knock, actively encouraging south-of-Ireland travellers to book local rather than drive to Dublin — Budget Travel (Irish agent covering regional airport departures).
All inclusive
All-inclusive options from Cork are available but less prominently featured than Dublin equivalents. TUI packages from Cork Airport include all-inclusive hotel options, though availability narrows significantly for peak summer dates.
Best value
Value-conscious Cork travellers should compare Budget Travel’s regional packages against DIY flight-plus-hotel bookings. Package savings on flights and hotel bundles from Cork typically exceed 10-15% compared to booking components separately — Budget Travel.
The implication: Cork travellers have narrower but functional options; regional agents like Dawson Travel and Budget Travel deserve direct comparison rather than dismissal as inferior alternatives.
The table below benchmarks the main Irish last-minute operators by airport coverage, product type, and price tier.
| Provider | Primary airport | Key offering | Price range | Board options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TUI Holidays Ireland | Dublin, Cork, Shannon | Flight + hotel packages | From €149 pp | SC, BB, HB, AI |
| Cassidy Travel | Shannon (primary) | 7-night sun packages | Mid-range | BB, HB, AI |
| Click&Go | Dublin | Online package holidays | Economy to premium | SC, BB, HB, AI |
| FlyShannon | Shannon | Airport-branded packages | Competitive | BB, HB |
| Budget Travel | Cork, Shannon, Knock | Regional departure packages | Value-focused | SC, BB, HB |
| Dawson Travel | Cork | Last-minute deals | Economy | SC, BB |
| Aer Lingus Vacation Store | Dublin | Curated Irish experiences | $1,399–$1,894 | Full packages |
Upsides
- Package deals bundle flights and hotel, typically 10-15% cheaper than DIY booking
- Multiple departure airports reduce travel time and cost for regional travellers
- Financial protection included with most licensed Irish agents
- Low deposits from €19 per person make spontaneous booking accessible
- Dublin, Shannon, and Cork all offer active last-minute markets for 2026
- Specialist agents like Cassidy and Budget Travel understand regional needs
Downsides
- Real-time pricing fluctuates; published deals may change before booking
- Cork and Shannon have narrower destination ranges than Dublin
- Summer peak availability tightens significantly 2-4 weeks out
- Package flexibility less than DIY bookings; changes may incur fees
- Not all operators disclose seat allocation until after booking confirmation
- Price comparison across agents requires visiting multiple sites
How to Book a Last Minute Holiday from Ireland
Booking a last-minute package from Ireland involves a narrower window than standard advance booking, but the process itself is straightforward if you know where to look first.
- Identify your departure airport — Dublin, Shannon, or Cork based on your location. Regional travellers should price local departures against Dublin add-on costs before assuming the capital is cheaper.
- Match operator to product type — Sun holidays: TUI, Cassidy, or OnTheBeach. City breaks: FlyShannon or Click&Go. Curated Irish experiences: Aer Lingus Vacation Store or My Ireland Tour.
- Check availability by date range — Short-notice deals typically cover departures within 2-4 weeks. 2026 availability is open across most operators.
- Compare package total versus components — Verify that flight + hotel bundles actually save money against booking each element separately. Use Expedia for flight-only cross-checking if needed — Expedia (major online travel agency).
- Confirm financial protection — Licensed Irish travel agents are required to hold protection for customer prepayments. Ask before committing if not clearly displayed.
- Review cancellation terms — Last-minute bookings may have stricter change policies than advance reservations. Verify refundability before paying.
- Secure with deposit or full payment — Most agents offer deposits from €19 per person for last-minute packages. Balance payments typically due within 7-14 days of booking.
Last-minute pricing looks attractive, but summer peak dates (June-August) often have fewer options available the closer you get to departure. If your travel dates are fixed rather than flexible, advance booking remains the safer bet even if it costs slightly more.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Confirmed facts
- Packages from €149 confirmed via OnTheBeach for Dublin departures
- Cassidy Travel’s #1 Irish agent positioning widely referenced
- 2026 availability across TUI, Cassidy, Click&Go, Budget Travel, and Dawson Travel
- Low deposits from €19 per person offered by loveholidays and others
- FlyShannon offers 2-3 night city breaks to Barcelona and Düsseldorf
- Shannon and Cork have dedicated regional operators
What’s unclear
- Exact real-time pricing at moment of booking (fluctuates by date)
- Seat allocation per flight (operator-dependent, not always pre-disclosed)
- Specific discount percentages for individual deals (often not published)
- Comparison of cancellation policies across all operators
- Group booking discount availability for last-minute departures
“Whether you want to stay for 7 nights or you prefer longer breaks, we’ve got it covered. Flights depart from Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports.”
— TUI Holidays Ireland (global tour operator with dedicated Irish platform)
“Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced city break or to soak up the sun, we have holidays to suit the spontaneous traveller who wants to get away on a whim.”
— FlyShannon (Shannon Airport package deal platform)
“Looking for holidays from Cork, Shannon, or Knock? Skip the trek to Dublin. Discover the best package deals from your local airport with Budget Travel.”
— Budget Travel (Irish travel agent specialising in regional departures)
Last-minute holiday booking from Ireland isn’t a niche workaround — it’s a legitimate and increasingly well-supported channel for travellers who keep their plans flexible. The infrastructure supporting spontaneous departures has matured: five credible Irish agents now operate across three airports, package bundles from €149 exist, and financial protection is standard for licensed operators. For Dublin-based travellers, the market is broad and competitive. For those in the west and south of Ireland, Shannon and Cork operators offer real alternatives that avoid the trek to the capital. The 2026 availability picture is solid across sun, city, and experience-based categories — though the best deals will require acting sooner rather than later as summer peak pricing firms up from May onward.
Related reading: July Bank Holiday 2025 Ireland · Charles de Gaulle Airport Guide
youtube.com, travelzoo.com, tripadvisor.com, affordabletours.com
Spontaneous holidaymakers can pair outbound packages with last-minute hotel deals Ireland across Dublin, Cork and rural spots for complete getaways.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book last minute holiday deals?
Visit a licensed Irish travel agent’s website — Cassidy Travel, Click&Go, Budget Travel, or TUI — and filter by departure airport and travel dates within the next 2-4 weeks. Most agents allow online booking with deposit payment starting from €19 per person. Compare package totals against DIY flight-plus-hotel to confirm value.
Are last minute deals cheaper than early bookings?
Not always. Last-minute deals offer value through package bundling rather than raw price. For flexible travellers, last-minute packages from €149 can undercut DIY bookings, but peak summer dates may cost more close to departure due to constrained availability. Off-peak and shoulder-season travel shows the strongest last-minute value.
What destinations are popular for Irish last minute holidays?
Sun destinations dominate: Costa del Sol, Algarve, Majorca, Salou, and the Canary Islands. City breaks to Barcelona, Düsseldorf, Prague, and Krakow are popular for short-notice 2-3 night getaways. Irish domestic breaks (Dublin, Killarney, Galway) feature through Aer Lingus Vacation Store and My Ireland Tour.
Is travel insurance needed for last minute trips?
Yes, regardless of booking timing. Last-minute trips carry the same risks as advance bookings. Verify whether your operator includes insurance coverage or book separately through a licensed Irish insurer. Check credit card protections as a secondary layer.
Can families book last minute all inclusive holidays?
Yes. TUI, Click&Go, and Cassidy Travel all offer all-inclusive family packages. Availability tightens for peak summer dates, so families should check operators 3-4 weeks before intended departure. OnTheBeach and Budget Travel also list family-oriented packages from Irish airports.
What cancellation policies apply to last minute deals?
Policies vary by operator and booking type. Package holidays from licensed Irish agents typically include statutory protection for prepayments. Individual airline tickets and hotel-only bookings may be non-refundable. Always confirm cancellation terms before paying, particularly for peak-season departures.
How far in advance are last minute deals released?
True last-minute deals typically appear 2-4 weeks before departure, though operators may release discounted inventory earlier when bookings are below target. Summer peak and school holiday periods sell out faster; Christmas and Easter releases tend to appear 6-8 weeks out due to higher demand.