Irish travelers are showing growing demand for Greece, from major hotspots to emerging destinations. The trend was visible at Holiday World Show Dublin 2026, Ireland’s largest travel exhibition, where Greek destinations attracted strong attention from both consumers and travel professionals.
Leading choices for Irish visitors to Greece include Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, the Cyclades, the Peloponnese, Rhodes, Kos, the Ionian Islands, and Skiathos. Meanwhile, demand is also growing for lesser-known destinations that can be combined with established routes and offer more customized travel experiences.
Major tourism expo draws strong attendance
The 35th Holiday World Show Dublin ran from January 23 to 25, 2026, with the Greek National Tourism Organization participating to promote Greece in the Irish market. Organized with the Irish Travel Agents Association, the show is considered the country’s main annual tourism fair.
Attendance exceeded 32,000 visitors, including 340 media representatives and industry professionals. A total of 453 exhibitors took part. First-time participants included destinations such as Australia, Fiji, Jamaica, Saint Vincent, Costa Brava, the Czech Republic, and Zambia, expanding the show’s international reach.
Irish arrivals to Greece jump 37.4 percent
Official data from Greek authorities show a sharp increase in arrivals from Ireland. In 2025, Greece recorded 184,996 Irish visitors, a 37.4 percent increase compared with 2024.
Athens also posted strong gains, with Irish arrivals to the city up 36 percent year over year. The data underscores Athens’ dual role as a short-break destination and a primary entry point for travel across Greece.
Air connectivity between Ireland and Greece expands
Air links between Ireland and Greece remain extensive for the 2026 season, despite some route changes.
Aer Lingus will continue direct flights from Dublin to Athens, Heraklion, Santorini, and Corfu, while ending its Chania route. Ryanair maintains direct connections from Dublin to Athens, Chania, Corfu, Kos, Rhodes, Santorini, Zakynthos, and Thessaloniki, along with Cork–Rhodes and Shannon–Corfu services.
Aegean Airlines continues nonstop flights to Athens. TUI no longer operates its own flights from Ireland but continues selling Greece holiday packages using Aer Lingus and Ryanair routes.
Travel trends supporting Irish travelers’ demand for Greece
Industry data from Ireland indicates a strong start to 2026 for outbound travel. Multi-generational trips, often described as 3G travel, remain a growing segment.
Solo travelers are also increasing, booking options that range from independent trips to fully packaged tours.
Experience-focused holidays continue to perform well, combining activities with beach, spa, and nature stays. Cruise travel remains popular due to bundled pricing and predictable costs.